Israel Adesanya reveals he’s split with longtime head coach Eugene Bareman and City Kickboxing: ‘A long time coming’

Israel Adesanya has parted ways with longtime head coach Eugene Bareman and City Kickboxing gym, marking a significant shift for the former UFC middleweight champion as he seeks to reset his training approach.

Adesanya announced the split on Instagram Thursday, confirming he will no longer train at City Kickboxing in New Zealand, where he has been based since 2009. The 36-year-old said he spoke directly with Bareman about his decision. "I spoke to Eugene face-to-face and I told him I am not coming back to CKB," Adesanya wrote. "This was something a long time coming behind the scenes. We have an understanding."

The move comes during a difficult stretch of Adesanya's career. He has suffered four consecutive losses, including a second-round TKO to Joe Pyfer in March. Adesanya indicated that a change in his training methodology was overdue, describing the decision as necessary for his next phase. "Insanity is doing the same shit and expecting a different result," he said. "What I need for myself is focused, individual training."

Despite the split, Adesanya acknowledged City Kickboxing's role in his rise. "CKB made me into the fighter that I am today," he stated. Between his 2018 UFC debut and losing his title to Sean Strickland in 2023, Adesanya defended the middleweight crown five times and avenged a loss to Alex Pereira with a knockout. Adesanya also credited himself with helping elevate the gym's international profile.

Adesanya has not disclosed where he will train next or who will lead his new fight camp, but indicated he is seeking a more concentrated, individually focused training environment as he prepares his return to competition.