Israel Adesanya Trains with Robert Whittaker Ahead of Fight

Israel Adesanya is preparing for his upcoming fight against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia on February 1, marking his return to the octagon after two consecutive losses. To enhance his training, he has engaged former rival Robert Whittaker as a sparring partner, showcasing a surprising turn from rivalry to friendship as they train together at Auckland's City Kickboxing gym. Adesanya, currently ranked second in the middleweight division, aims to break his losing streak and potentially set up a title shot with a strong performance. Whittaker, who has also faced setbacks in his recent fights, including a loss to Khamzat Chimaev, shares this new camaraderie with Adesanya while both fighters seek to reclaim their status in the division. Their collaboration has sparked positive reactions from fellow fighters and fans, highlighting a sense of respect and unity in the sport despite their competitive history.