Israel Adesanya’s departure from City Kickboxing may have surprised the MMA world, but one of the gym’s rising stars believes it was the right decision.
Ahead of his UFC Belgrade co-main event against former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz, unbeaten prospect Navajo Stirling shared his thoughts on “The Last Stylebender” ending his 16-year partnership with head coach Eugene Bareman and City Kickboxing.
Rather than expressing disappointment, Stirling said he fully understands why the former UFC middleweight champion opted for a fresh start after four consecutive losses inside the Octagon.
I was happy for him,” Stirling said during UFC Belgrade media day. “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 also praised Adesanya’s influence on combat sports across Australia and New Zealand, crediting “The Last Stylebender” for opening doors for an entire generation of fighters from the region.
Despite losing one of the gym’s most recognizable figures, Stirling insisted City Kickboxing remains in a strong position. He pointed to the depth of talent within the team and highlighted the recent addition of former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker as further evidence that the Auckland-based gym continues to thrive.
