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FWC: FRA v MAR LIVEAdesanya stuns NZ fight scene with City Kickboxing split
Sport Nation • July 10th, 2026 11:07 am
Israel Adesanya | Photo: Photosport
Shockwaves have been sent through the New Zealand fight scene after Israel Adesanya announced his departure from City Kickboxing.
The former two-time UFC middleweight champion revealed the news in a video posted to YouTube, confirming he had told longtime coach Eugene Bareman face to face that he would not be returning to the Auckland gym.
“Wednesday, 20th May, I spoke to Eugene face to face, and I told him I am not coming back to CKB,” Adesanya said.
The decision brings an end to a partnership that dates back to 2009, when Adesanya first linked up with the gym that would help guide him to global superstardom.
Adesanya admitted the move had been difficult, but said it was something he had been processing for some time.
“I won’t lie, it sucks. Well, not anymore,” he said.
“Grief comes in waves for me, for most people. I’ve grieved before.
“It’s bittersweet, but it’s the right thing for me. Especially where I am at in my career. It’s exactly what I needed.”
City Kickboxing has been central to Adesanya’s rise, with Bareman and the Auckland-based team helping shape one of the most successful MMA careers New Zealand has produced.
But Adesanya said the next stage of his career required a different approach.
“Insanity is doing the same shit and expecting different results. So, I think that’s it,” he said.
“What I need for myself is focused individual training. So I’ve made the decision to leave CKB for my own reasons.”
More to come.
