UFC Rivals Turn ‘Besties’ After Attempted Car Crash Feud
Two of MMA’s most visible figures are training together again. Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker were once locked in a bitter middleweight feud. They now share the mats at City Kickboxing in Auckland.
From bitter rivals to training partners
The two long-time UFC rivals each brought years of bad blood into the cage. Adesanya, 36, knocked Whittaker, 35, to unify the belts at UFC 243 in Melbourne. They later met again at UFC 271 in Texas, where Adesanya prevailed once more.
Whittaker once admitted that his feelings toward Adesanya had been extreme. He even joked years ago that, back then, he might have tried to hit him with a car. That comment underscored how intense the rivalry had become.
Hatchet buried at City Kickboxing
The relationship began to thaw last January during Whittaker’s visit to City Kickboxing. He described feeling surreal when Adesanya welcomed him into his home and offered food. The moment set a different tone for both fighters.
Recently, Adesanya posted a video of the pair working together and laughing. He referred to Whittaker as his “bestie” in the caption. The clip drew widespread attention, surpassing 81,000 likes and earning praise from MMA reporters.
Preparing for a new chapter
Whittaker is planning a move up to light heavyweight. He told Fox Sports Australia that training at City Kickboxing would help him face larger opponents. Names mentioned include Carlos Ulberg, Navajo Stirling, Brando Pericic and Tyson Pedro.
He said he currently walks around near 105kg, well above the 93kg light-heavyweight limit. Whittaker emphasized he still wants to stay lean, but that the weight change may help recovery and lifestyle.
Trilogy off the table
Despite the reconciliation, Whittaker suggested a third fight is unlikely. He stated he does not want to face fighters he shares meals with. That stance appears to close the door on a future trilogy with Adesanya.
Another feud ends in friendship
Elsewhere in MMA, Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal also reconciled in 2025. Their animosity peaked around UFC 239 in 2019, when Masvidal scored a five-second flying knee knockout of Askren.
The rivalry lingered until Askren endured a life-threatening health crisis. After a double-lung transplant, he said he wanted to move past grudges. Masvidal traveled to Wisconsin, they shared a meal, and Askren announced they had buried the hatchet.
These turnarounds show how UFC rivals can become close. Old feuds can end in unexpected friendships. For Filmogaz.com readers, the sport now shows both fierce competition and the possibility of reconciliation.
