Credit: Mat Hayward/Getty

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya could be joining forces with a longtime training partner.

Israel Adesanya hasn’t won a fight in the UFC Octagon since knocking out Alex Pereira at UFC 287 in their legendary rematch. Since he reclaimed the UFC middleweight title by beating Pereira, Adesanya has lost four consecutive fights, including recent knockout losses to Joe Pyfer and Nassourdine Imavov.

After Adesanya’s most recent setback against Pyfer at UFC Seattle, the former middleweight titleholder announced he was leaving his longtime team, City Kickboxing, for a fresh start. Adesanya’s decision to leave City Kickboxing was one of the most surprising storylines of the year, and it comes at a time of great uncertainty for his fighting future.

Fighters of Adesanya’s caliber are often coveted by many of the top MMA gyms, including in the United States. Earlier this week, Adesanya returned to training and hinted at potentially moving to Sydney full-time.

Israel Adesanya hints at potential Sydney move in recent training footage

Watch Adesanya train with UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and lightweight Mauricio Ruffy below.

👀🤔 Israel Adesanya joins Alexander Volkanovski’s camp after leaving CKB?

Adesanya left CKB in July and is now training with Volk and Ruffy.

🎥 Engage pic.twitter.com/s1KXddRa20

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 3, 2026

Volkanovski and Ruffy train under coach Joe Lopez at Freestyle MMA Performance Centre in Sydney, Australia. As of this writing, it’s uncertain whether or not Adesanya intends to train full-time at Freestyle MMA or if he’s considering other options.

Adesanya’s decision to leave City Kickboxing came after months of rumors of turmoil between Adesanya, head coach Eugene Bareman, and UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg. Adesanya and Ulberg were involved in a rumored love triangle gone wrong that ruined their relationship.

After his recent struggles inside the Octagon, Adesanya is looking to get back on track in the middleweight division and potentially return to the title mix. As his former rival Sean Strickland kicks off his second title reign, Adesanya will look to make a statement in his return.

Who should Israel Adesanya fight in his UFC return? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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