Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya Finally Train Together—But Why Did It Take So Long?

In a moment that sent shockwaves of excitement through the MMA world, former UFC champions Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya were finally seen training together for the first time. Two of the most iconic African fighters in mixed martial arts history—both Nigerian-born, both former kings of their respective divisions, both revered for their dominance and legacy—sharing a mat, gloves, and mutual respect.

For years, fans had dreamt of this crossover. Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman, a former UFC Welterweight Champion with an iron will and relentless wrestling game, and Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya, a former UFC Middleweight Champion known for his otherworldly striking and fluid movement, have stood as symbols of African excellence in combat sports. Their stories have inspired millions, not just because of the gold they’ve carried, but because of the barriers they’ve broken through in a global sport still catching up to Africa’s fighting spirit.

So why, then, has it taken this long?

Theories have floated around for years. Perhaps it was a matter of individual focus—both men operating in separate camps, tailored specifically to their styles and careers. Maybe it was strategic: two superstars in adjacent weight classes, with the constant buzz around potential superfights or title implications keeping them apart. Or maybe, as some suggest, there was an unspoken rivalry—respectful, yes, but competitive—born from two alphas occupying the same global spotlight.

But now, with neither currently holding championship gold and with the pressure of title defenses off their shoulders, the path has seemingly cleared for collaboration rather than competition. And for fans, it couldn’t have come at a better time. The sight of these two legends sharpening each other—steel on steel—has reignited the imagination of what’s still possible.

Social media erupted. Longtime fans and stans alike flooded timelines with reactions ranging from awe to pure relief. “This should’ve happened years ago,” one post read, echoing the sentiment of many who have waited far too long to see Nigeria’s greatest MMA exports work together instead of walking parallel paths.

Also read: Israel Adesanya’s Shocking Knockout Loss to Nassourdine Imavov causes online pandemonium

Training together now could symbolize a new chapter—not just for Usman and Adesanya, but for African MMA as a whole. It’s a powerful image: two titans, no longer defined by the belts on their waists, but by the legacy they’re forging side by side.

Still, the question lingers—what held them back for so long? And more importantly, what could this alliance mean for the next generation of African fighters watching them blaze a new trail, this time, together?