Stirling On City Kickboxing After Adesanya's Exit

City Kickboxing heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight Navajo Stirling says the New Zealand gym is in a strong position after Israel Adesanya's departure.

Adesanya, a former UFC middleweight champion, left City Kickboxing earlier this summer after dropping four consecutive fights. The split marked a major shift for the Auckland-based team, where Adesanya had served as a leader and mentor to younger fighters including Stirling.

Former Mentee Backs City Kickboxing's Future

Speaking at Thursday's UFC Belgrade media day, Stirling told reporters he supported his former teammate's decision to seek a fresh start. "I was happy for him," Stirling said, per BJ Penn. "Sometimes you do need a breath of fresh air, a new opportunity, new surroundings. I know what that does for a fighter. Everyone at the gym just wishes him nothing but the best."

Stirling dismissed concerns that Adesanya's exit would damage the gym's prospects. City Kickboxing still houses UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, former flyweight title challenger Kai Kara-France, and lightweight Dan Hooker.

"We've got loads of guys at the gym. Big names, even names you've never heard of," Stirling said. "In terms of where the gym's at, we're doing so well. We're in such a good spot right now at City Kickboxing. I'm a part of that. I'm now a big part of the next surging style of fighters coming through the gym."

Adesanya has not announced his next training home or fight date. He last competed in March at UFC Seattle, losing to Joe Pyfer. Stirling faces an unannounced opponent Saturday at UFC Belgrade.

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• BJPenn — Israel Adesanya’s former teammate claims City Kickboxing ‘doing so well’ despite legend’s departure