Israel Adesanya’s departure doesn’t mean CKB isn’t thriving, says ex-teammate
City Kickboxing star Navajo Stirling has praised Israel Adesanya while also stating that the team is still doing well despite his departure.
Recently, Israel Adesanya announced that he would be making his exit from City Kickboxing in search of pastures new. The 37-year-old has achieve some wonderful things throughout the course of his mixed martial arts career, but now, he’s looking for a new challenge with a new gym.
Israel Adesanya, as we know, has been on a bit of a skid as of late, with many questioning how much longer he has left at the elite level. Alas, ‘Stylebender’ has been able to prove the masses wrong before, and he will attempt to do so again moving forward.
In a recent media day ahead of UFC Belgrade, Navajo Stirling had the following to say about Israel Adesanya and CKB as a whole.
Navajo Stirling’s view on Israel Adesanya’s CKB exit
“I was happy for him,” Stirling said. “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.
“He’s paved the way for so many of us back home, not just at our gym but other Kiwis and Aussies from down under — he’s paved the way for all of us. We all look up at him and we all want the best for him,” he added.
“It didn’t get tougher (after Adesanya left),” he stated. “We’ve got loads of guys at the gym. Big names, even names you’ve never heard of.
“In terms of where the gym’s at, we’re doing so well. We’re in such a good spot right now at City Kickboxing. I’m a part of that. I’m now a big part of the next surging style of fighters coming through the gym. It’s going to be a time,” Stirling concluded.
Quotes via Bloody Elbow
Whatever the case may be with what happened at CKB, Adesanya still believes that he has what it takes to make some more noise before riding off into the sunset.
