Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Israel Adesanya Leaves City Kickboxing After 16 Years

He says he needs focused, individual training to reset his career after recent losses.

Overview

  • On Thursday, July 9, Adesanya announced on his Freestylebender YouTube channel that he is departing City Kickboxing and longtime coach Eugene Bareman.
  • Adesanya said he told Bareman in person on May 20 that he would not return to the gym and that both sides have an understanding about the split.
  • He framed the move as a bid for ‘focused, individual training’ to try to halt a four‑fight losing streak that includes a second‑round TKO loss to Joe Pyfer in March 2026.
  • City Kickboxing and head coach Eugene Bareman later issued a public statement praising Adesanya’s contributions and saying he will always be welcome at the gym.
  • The change leaves Adesanya without a named new team or next opponent, has prompted unsolicited offers such as one from heavyweight Josh Hokit, and has generated unconfirmed social‑media rumors about internal friction.