UFC Lightweight Moves Permanently to New Zealand

Tom Nolan, a top UFC lightweight, has made New Zealand his permanent home after a positive experience training at the City Kickboxing gym in Auckland. Nolan said he moved his entire life to the country after seeing the gym's effectiveness firsthand.

Nolan will compete in his first UFC main event this weekend against veteran Brazilian Renato Moicano, who is currently ranked above him in the top 15. Nolan's move marks his first appearance under the City Kickboxing stable and Eugene Bareman's coaching.

Nolan praised the gym's structured training environment, noting that every athlete receives a personalized system that builds foundational skills. He said the gym's approach is not random but focused on developing key pillars for success.

City Kickboxing has seen changes in its coaching staff this year, with notable fighters like Israel Adesanya and Brando Pericic moving on. Nolan and fellow Australian UFC fighter Dom Mar Fan are among the new additions to the gym's roster.

Bareman highlighted the importance of attracting new talent, including international fighters, to keep the gym dynamic. He noted that overseas fighters bring fresh energy and different styles, which enrich the training environment.

Bareman emphasized the need for consistent foundational training across generations, regardless of athletes' backgrounds. He believes maintaining these core characteristics is key to long-term success in combat sports.