Israel Adesanya opens up about Robert Whittaker’s role in his UFC Seattle training camp Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker have evolved from fierce rivals to training partners in the span of a few years. After a year without a fight, Adesanya is set to return at UFC Seattle, where he will face Joe Pyfer in the main event. The former middleweight champion has suffered three consecutive losses, including a knockout by Nassourdine Imavov, and is now preparing for his comeback with the help of his former rival. Whittaker, who once competed against Adesanya, has become a key figure in Adesanya’s training camp. The two first met in 2019 when Adesanya defeated Whittaker in the second round to claim the middleweight title. They clashed again three years later, with Adesanya securing a decision victory. Their relationship has since shifted from competition to camaraderie, with Whittaker joining Adesanya’s team for his return. Adesanya praised Whittaker on his YouTube channel, calling him “one of the best dudes in the game.” He highlighted Whittaker’s status as a top middleweight fighter and his character, emphasizing their bond beyond the octagon. Whittaker, meanwhile, is also navigating his own challenges after two straight losses. Rumors suggest he may move up to light heavyweight, with potential matchups against Magomed Ankalaev in July. The collaboration between Adesanya and Whittaker underscores the dynamic nature of their relationship, blending past animosity with present partnership as both fighters aim to reclaim their form and success in the UFC.#israel_adesanya #robert_whittaker #ufc_seattle #joe_pyfer #nassourdine_imavov
Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker train together to put bitter UFC feud to bed for good Time, it turns out, really can heal old wounds. Some of MMA’s fiercest rivals are now proving that even the most bitter feuds can eventually give way to a bit of respect—and sometimes, even become “besties.” Not long ago, Adesanya and Whittaker were locked in one of the UFC’s ugliest rivalries. Their feud dominated the middleweight division for years, beginning shortly before Adesanya knocked out Whittaker to unify the belts at UFC 243 in Melbourne. The pair later clashed again at UFC 271 in Texas, where Adesanya once again emerged victorious. Whittaker once described his feelings toward Adesanya as bordering on hostility, saying he would have “tried hitting him with my car” a decade earlier. Their relationship began to shift in January 2024 when they reconciled during Whittaker’s visit to City Kickboxing in Auckland. Whittaker recalled the moment as surreal, noting how he sat on Adesanya’s couch and was offered food, a stark contrast to their previous animosity. “Australia and New Zealand is us versus everybody—but we kind of like being rivals as well,” he said. “It was good to finally hash that out.” This week’s training session marked a natural progression. Adesanya shared a clip of the pair laughing and working out together, a far cry from the tension that once defined their interactions. The video, which received over 81,000 likes, showcased their newfound camaraderie. Adesanya captioned the post, “IYKYK [If you know, you know], a man that has forced the best outta me can push me in the training room even with a few words. LEGEND!” Whittaker, preparing for his move to light heavyweight, has been training at City Kickboxing to adapt to larger opponents like Carlos Ulberg and Tyson Pedro.#israel_adesanya #robert_whittaker #city_kickboxing #ufc_243 #ufc_271
