Come join the dark side

Israel Adesanya’s decision to part ways with longtime coach Eugene Bareman and City Kickboxing has surprised many in the MMA community.

Adesanya, who has spent the majority of his career training out of the renowned academy, has decided that it’s time for a fresh start. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, he said:

“I spoke to Eugene face-to-face and I told him I am not coming back to CKB. This was something a long time coming behind the scenes. We have an understanding. I won’t lie, it sucks. Not anymore. Grief comes in waves for me, for most people. It comes in waves. I’ve had great days but I’ve also had days where [this suc*s]. It’s a long time coming. I want just want to get it out of the way because I want you to hear it from the horse’s mouth. No one else has spoken about it. Those who know are waiting for the ball to drop. I dropped the ball.”

UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit took to X shortly after Adesanya announced the news and wrote:

“I WILL HELP ‘STYLEBENDER’ GET HIS BELT BACK. Israel, come join the dark side.”

Check out Josh Hokit’s X post below:

The Nigerian-born Kiwi also credited City Kickboxing for shaping him into one of the greatest middleweights in UFC history. He also said that he had played a significant role in establishing the gym’s global reputation. Adesanya added that he now requires a more individualized training environment as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.

Israel Adesanya predicts Max Holloway to outlast Conor McGregor at UFC 329

Israel Adesanya has also shared his prediction for the blockbuster UFC 329 main event between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway.

He believes Holloway’s high-volume striking and activity will ultimately prove too much for McGregor after the opening round. While he acknowledged that the returning Irishman remains extremely dangerous early, he expects Holloway to survive the initial storm before taking control.

He also questioned whether McGregor would be fully comfortable throwing his trademark left-leg kicks following the serious injury that sidelined him for five years. In the aforementioned video on his YouTube channel, he said:

“I think Max is going to beat him in this fight. I think Max is going to take him into deep water. It’s not as deep as usual. It’s going to be from round two onwards, shallow-ish, and then if he survives that, when he’s in deeper water, he’s going to drown. I think Max is going to get this done. After that fight, Conor should fight Chandler and settle the debt. But for this fight, with the circumstances, at 170, after a five-year layoff, and Max having had eight fights in that time, I’m going to go with Max Holloway.”