Israel Adesanya Leaves City Kickboxing but Keeps Wrestling Coach as Head Coach

Israel Adesanya announced on his YouTube channel that he has parted ways with City Kickboxing and longtime coach Eugene Bareman, yardbarker.com reported July 10, 2026. Adesanya said he spoke to Bareman face-to-face and told him he is not returning to the gym. He described the decision as something that had been building behind the scenes for a long time.

Adesanya stated he has experienced both good days and difficult ones since the split and wants to grieve in private. He has been affiliated with City Kickboxing since 2009. Adesanya will continue working with Andrei Paulet, the gym's wrestling coach, as his primary head coach.

His most recent fight was a second-round stoppage loss to Joe Pyfer in March 2026. Josh Hokit messaged Adesanya the same day offering to help him regain his belt and inviting him to train together. Hokit posted on X: “I WILL HELP STYLEBENDER GET HIS BELT BACK.

Adesanya replied that he is a fan of Hokit, noted the weight difference, and said Hokit is really strong. Hokit confirmed the assessment and asked if Adesanya would like to do his next training camp with him.