Carlos Ulberg's UFC title win sparks feud rumors with Israel Adesanya

The two City Kickboxing stars' relationship appears strained after Ulberg's championship victory.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:34pm

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A cubist, fragmented painting depicting the action and movement of a UFC championship fight, with the fighters' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color.The fractured, geometric depiction of a UFC title fight reflects the complex dynamics between two once-close teammates.Today in Miami

Carlos Ulberg, a rising star from the renowned City Kickboxing gym in New Zealand, recently captured the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 327. However, his victory has sparked speculation of a potential feud with his longtime teammate and friend, former UFC champion Israel Adesanya. Several details, including the two no longer following each other on social media and Adesanya's absence from Ulberg's title fight, have fueled rumors of a rift between the two fighters.

Why it matters

Adesanya and Ulberg have long been considered two of the most prominent figures to emerge from City Kickboxing, with their close relationship being a visible part of Adesanya's rise to superstardom in the UFC. The apparent breakdown in their relationship could have significant implications for both fighters, as well as the gym that helped cultivate their careers.

The details

Ulberg's title-winning performance at UFC 327 against Jiri Prochazka has been overshadowed by the growing speculation about his relationship with Adesanya. The two fighters no longer follow each other on Instagram, and Adesanya did not travel to Miami to support Ulberg during his title fight. Additionally, Adesanya has not publicly congratulated Ulberg on his victory, nor has he reacted to the event on his YouTube channel, which he typically does after major UFC cards.

  • Ulberg won the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 327 on April 8, 2026.
  • Adesanya and Ulberg were previously frequently seen together during Adesanya's peak years in the UFC.

The players

Carlos Ulberg

A rising star from the City Kickboxing gym in New Zealand, Ulberg recently captured the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 327.

Israel Adesanya

A former UFC champion and one of the most recognizable figures from the City Kickboxing gym, Adesanya has been closely associated with Ulberg's career until recently.

Jiri Prochazka

The previous UFC light heavyweight champion, whom Ulberg defeated to win the title at UFC 327.

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What they’re saying

“The contrast in their current trajectories has only intensified the discussion, with Ulberg riding a 10-fight win streak and now holding the light heavyweight title.”

— Filipe Guedes, Author

What’s next

Fans and media will likely continue to closely monitor the relationship between Adesanya and Ulberg, as any further developments or public statements from the two fighters could provide more clarity on the nature of their current dynamic.

The takeaway

The apparent rift between Adesanya and Ulberg, two of the most prominent figures from the renowned City Kickboxing gym, has captured the attention of UFC fans. The situation highlights the complex dynamics that can arise within elite training camps, especially when one fighter's success outpaces that of their longtime teammate.