Israel "The Last Stylebender" Adesanya - Latest News 2026 🔥🇳🇬

Big Change: Split From City Kickboxing

18 hours ago Adesanya announced he’s leaving City Kickboxing (CKB) — the gym that built him since 2009.

He said it’s “exactly what I needed” and that he wants “focused, individual training”.

> “CKB made me into the fighter that I am today. But also, I was one of the main pillars who put CKB on the map on the world stage” b1a0

He spoke to head coach Eugene Bareman face-to-face on May 20 and said “I am not coming back to CKB”. No new team announced yet. He called it “bittersweet” but “the right thing for me”. 0f53

### 2. UFC Return: Lost to Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle

Adesanya returned March 28 at UFC Fight Night 271 in Seattle vs Joe Pyfer.

He started well but got overwhelmed and lost by 2nd round TKO at 4:18.

That makes it 4 consecutive UFC losses and 3 straight finishes.

His last win was vs Alex Pereira in April 2023. 541ba7716545

"I’m Not Fing Leaving" - No Retirement*

Despite the skid, Adesanya shut down retirement talk in the Octagon:

> “You keep going. Again and again and again. I’m not f—-ing leaving. You’ll never stop me. I might get beat, but I’ll always remain undefeated.” a771

He also said “I don’t want this to be the writing of my story… this is not how I want to conclude this chapter of my life”. 2c18

- Division Comment: Adesanya said the middleweight division is “slow and stuck without me”. Noted Khamzat Chimaev is now champ and defends vs Sean Strickland May 9.

- Almost Fought in 2025: He revealed he was lined up for a short-notice fight vs Reinier de Ridder in October 2025 but got injured in training.

- Backing Pereira: He’s supporting former rival Alex Pereira to beat Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House June 14.

- No White House Event: Adesanya said he won’t attend the UFC White House card.

Quick Stats

- Record: 24-5

- Age: 36

- UFC Middleweight Champion: Won in 2019, defended 5 times

- 13 knockdowns in UFC middleweight history, tied with Anderson Silva