Adesanya Trains With Volkanovski After City Kickboxing Exit

Israel Adesanya has arrived in Australia to train with Alexander Volkanovski, MMA Mania reports, marking his first publicly confirmed camp since leaving City Kickboxing earlier this year.

The former middleweight champion appeared in multiple social media posts from Freestyle Fighting Gym in Wollongong, where Volkanovski prepares for his UFC 333 bout against Movsar Evloev in late October. One of Adesanya's nutritionists shared footage of the 37-year-old going through a full day of eating in camp, the first indication he has returned to active training.

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Adesanya's Move From City Kickboxing After 16 Years

Adesanya split from City Kickboxing in March following his knockout loss to Joe Pyfer, ending a 16-year association with the Auckland gym. He told media at the time that the change was necessary after going 1-5 in his last six fights. Speculation about tension between Adesanya and new heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg circulated online, though neither fighter confirmed a rift.

No opponent or date has been announced for Adesanya's next fight. He has said publicly that pride remains one of the few factors keeping him from retirement. "I know what I can do still," he told reporters in June, per MMA Mania.

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Volkanovski's camp also includes lightweight Mauricio Ruffy ahead of the October card. Whether Adesanya will compete on that same event or target a later date remains unclear.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — New camp revealed? Israel Adesanya arrives in Australia to train with Alexander Volkanovski