Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker: Nigerian Stylebender and rival turn best friends

Former UFC champions Israel Adesanya and rival Robert Whittaker have taken social media by storm.

Adesanya recently posted pictures and a video of himself practicing with Whittaker.

Adesanya previously faced Whittaker in two title fights but on social media, framing their relationship as buddies.

Along with a selection of pictures training was a message that said, “New year, new friends.”

As they begin their 2025 campaigns, Whittaker was born and raised there and also represents Australia, while Adesanya, a native of Nigeria, has lived in New Zealand.

The pictures suggest they are in a much better mood than they did during their competitive days.

After defeating Whittaker in a spectacular second-round knockout in Melbourne in 2019, Adesanya emerged as the undisputed UFC middleweight champion.

Later, at UFC 271 in 2022, he defeated Whittaker by unanimous decision to keep the championship.

After losing their last bouts, both fighters need a victory which brought about training together.

In August of last year, Adesanya was submitted by Dricus du Plessis, failing to capture a title for the third time.

Whittaker, on the other hand, lost to Khamzat Chimaev via harsh submission this past October.

When Adesanya takes on Nassourdine Imavov, a rising middleweight contender, in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia on February 1, he already has his next task set up.