Kiwi Israel Adesanya has confirmed he's relocating to the United States, days after revealing he'd never fight in New Zealand again.
Based at Auckland's City Kickboxing gym, Adesanya, 32, is one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts, currently holding the UFC's middleweight championship title.
But last week, he vented his frustrations over living in New Zealand, taking aim at managed isolation quarantine (MIQ), and its impact on his and his teammates' ability to travel around the world to compete.
Fellow City Kickboxing fighter Dan Hooker also stated his desire to relocate to the US, before his victory over Nasrat Haqparast on Sunday.
On social media, Adesanya has confirmed he is relocating to the US, but also assured that he won't sever ties with City Kickboxing.
"Cat's out the bag... I'm moving to America," he tweets.
"When faced with obstacles, we adapt and overcome. I'm 32 and applying pressure like J Cole before I'm out [of] the game.
"We built this legacy at City Kickboxing ourselves and the support of the people. No government handouts or backing and became the number one winning gym on earth!
"Four walls and a roof don't make a martial arts gym. The people who toil day in and day out make it what it is.
"So wherever those four walls and a roof is located, it'll still be City Kickboxing!!"
Adesanya hasn't fought since June, defeating Marvin Vettori in Arizona. His record sits at 21 wins and one defeat from his 22 UFC bouts.
