Israel Adesanya’s Secret Training Sessions: ‘The Last Stylebender’ Teases His Next Move
Israel Adesanya has been mixing things up lately, and MMA fans are taking notice. The former middleweight champion has been spotted training in some surprising locations, sparring with unexpected partners, and dropping hints about his next career move.
If you’ve been following Izzy on social media, you’ve probably noticed him popping up in gyms you wouldn’t expect. But what’s really behind these training sessions, and what does it mean for his UFC future?
Cross-Training with Former Champions
Izzy has never been one to stay in his lane. While most fighters stick to their home gyms, Adesanya has been cross-training with some serious talent. Most recently, he was seen exchanging techniques with former champions, sharpening tools that might just give us a glimpse into his next octagon appearance.
“I’m always evolving,” Adesanya said in a recent Instagram post. “The moment you think you know everything is the moment you’ve lost.”
This philosophy seems to be driving his current training approach. Rather than drilling the same techniques with the same partners, he’s seeking out new perspectives that could potentially reveal holes in his game or inspire new strategies.
New Weight Class on the Horizon?
One of the most interesting aspects of Adesanya’s recent training sessions is the size of his sparring partners. After his previous attempt at light heavyweight ended in defeat against Jan Blachowicz, many assumed Izzy would stay at middleweight for the remainder of his career.
But recent footage shows him working with several larger fighters, suggesting he might be considering another run at 205 pounds. When asked directly about a potential weight class change, Adesanya gave his typical cryptic response:
“The universe reveals what it wants when it’s ready. I just make sure I’m prepared for whatever door opens.”
Potential Opponents Being Studied
If you look closely at Adesanya’s training partners, you might notice something interesting: many of them share striking similarities with potential upcoming opponents. This isn’t by accident.
I’ve been tracking Izzy’s movements for years, and this pattern typically emerges when he’s preparing for a specific fighter. By training with stylistic mimics, he can prepare for the unique challenges a future opponent might present.
The question is: who exactly is he preparing for?
| Training Partner | Fighting Style | Potential Opponent Match |
|---|---|---|
| Kickboxing Champion | Technical striker | Dricus Du Plessis rematch |
| Heavyweight Wrestler | Ground control specialist | Alex Pereira (LHW) |
| BJJ Black Belt | Submission expert | Khamzat Chimaev |
The Mental Game: Adesanya’s Psychological Reset
Beyond the physical training, there appears to be a psychological component to Adesanya’s recent movements. After losing his title to Du Plessis, many fighters would retreat to their comfort zone. Not Izzy.
“Sometimes you need new energy, new eyes on your game,” he told reporters recently. “The same voices can become white noise after a while.”
This mental reset could be exactly what Adesanya needs to recapture the title that once defined his UFC career. By challenging himself with new training environments, he’s forcing his brain to stay engaged and adaptable.
What This Means for Adesanya’s UFC Future
So what can fans expect next from The Last Stylebender? While nothing is confirmed, the evidence points to a fighter who’s preparing for a significant comeback. Whether that’s in the middleweight division he once ruled or a renewed attempt at light heavyweight glory remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: Adesanya isn’t content to fade into the background. These training sessions aren’t just about staying in shape—they’re about evolution, adaptation, and returning stronger than before.
For a fighter whose career has been defined by spectacular highlights and technical brilliance, this period of growth and experimentation could lead to the most exciting chapter yet in the Adesanya story.
When Will We See Adesanya Back in Action?
While the UFC hasn’t announced Adesanya’s next fight, his current training intensity suggests he’s preparing for something in the not-too-distant future. Most champions take extended breaks after losing their titles, but Izzy has never been one to follow conventional wisdom.
Don’t be surprised if we see an announcement in the coming weeks. Based on his current training schedule, Adesanya appears to be preparing for a late 2023 return to the octagon.
Who do you think Israel Adesanya should face in his return fight? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: Vox Media