Is Israel Adesanya Arrested? Why was He Arrested?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Jun 13, 2023
Who is Israel Adesanya?
Israel Adesanya, a formidable mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and former boxer, hails from the vibrant heritage of Nigeria and New Zealand. Currently signed with the esteemed Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), he dominates the middleweight division with finesse. Since 2019, Adesanya has held the esteemed title of UFC middleweight champion, showcasing his exceptional skills. Prior to his triumph in the UFC, he reigned as the Glory Middleweight Champion.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Adesanya's journey led him to New Zealand at the age of 10. At 18, he delved into kickboxing, rapidly ascending the ranks and capturing the Glory Middleweight Championship in 2017. Eager to explore new horizons, he ventured into the realm of mixed martial arts, marking his professional debut in 2012.
Adesanya's prowess in mixed martial arts is undeniable, achieving victory in his initial 11 fights. His entry into the UFC in 2018 further solidified his dominance, clinching triumph in all 10 bouts since then. Renowned for his remarkable striking skills and captivating style, he has rightfully earned the moniker "The Last Stylebender."
Adesanya's success has garnered immense admiration and adoration. As the first African-born UFC fighter and the first to hold titles in both kickboxing and mixed martial arts, he has etched his name in history. Widely recognized as one of the world's finest fighters, he serves as a role model for countless individuals, inspiring not only Nigerians but also New Zealanders. Adesanya takes immense pride in his Nigerian heritage and has consistently emphasized the significance of representation in the realm of sports.
Moreover, he actively advocates for mental health awareness, using his platform to uplift others. A true embodiment of talent and positivity, Adesanya's journey in the UFC and the realm of mixed martial arts is destined for continued triumph. His exemplary skills, coupled with his inspiring character, ensure his enduring impact in the sporting world.
Is Israel Adesanya Arrested?
Regrettably, Israel Adesanya was arrested on November 16, 2022, when an unfortunate incident unfolded at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. Adesanya, renowned for his skills as a professional mixed martial artist, found himself facing charges of criminal possession of a weapon after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers discovered a pair of brass knuckles in his carry-on luggage.
The incident occurred as Adesanya was returning to New Zealand following his defeat to Alex Pereira in the middleweight title bout at UFC 281. During the security screening process, TSA officers flagged a suspicious item in Adesanya's bag, leading to his apprehension.
To the disappointment of Adesanya, the object in question turned out to be a pair of brass knuckles, an item prohibited in New York City. Consequently, he was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon, categorized as a class A misdemeanor. Following his release on bail, he is scheduled to appear in court on June 27 to address the charges against him.
In defense of Adesanya, his manager, Tim Simpson, asserted that the fighter had no prior knowledge of the brass knuckles in his bag. According to Simpson, Adesanya had received them as a gift from a fan and had inadvertently placed them in his bag without considering the implications.
Expressing deep remorse for the incident, Adesanya is fully cooperating with the authorities, as emphasized by Simpson. He remains confident in his ability to rectify the situation and clear his name from any wrongdoing.
The consequences of Adesanya's arrest are yet to be determined. Conviction may result in penalties such as fines or even imprisonment, while his status in the UFC could also be affected, potentially leading to a suspension.
Adesanya's immense popularity and undeniable success as a mixed martial artist add further weight to the significance of this incident. As a former UFC middleweight champion and recognized as one of the world's top fighters, this setback poses a considerable challenge to his career trajectory.
Israel Adesanya Record
Israel Adesanya, a remarkable Nigerian-New Zealand professional mixed martial artist, showcases his exceptional skills in the middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Previously, he held the prestigious UFC Middleweight Championship from 2019 to 2023.
With his immense popularity and undeniable success, Adesanya holds the distinction of being the first UFC fighter born in Africa and the first to secure titles in both kickboxing and mixed martial arts. He is widely regarded as one of the world's top fighters, a testament to his remarkable talent.
Some notable achievements in Adesanya's career include his triumph over Robert Whittaker by unanimous decision at UFC 243, where he claimed the UFC Middleweight Championship. He further solidified his dominance with a second-round knockout victory against Paulo Costa at UFC 253. In a thrilling rematch against Marvin Vettori at UFC 263, Adesanya retained the UFC Middleweight Championship, securing a resounding unanimous decision win.
Professional boxing
6
5
1
-
1
Kickboxing
80
75
29
-
5
Mixed martial arts
26
24
16
8
2
Overall Record
112
104
46
8
8
Field
Total
Wins
By knockout
By decision
Losses
Israel Adesanya Reveals His Reservations and Reflects on Recent Events
Israel Adesanya found himself facing potential jail time as a result of an unexpected gift from a fan. The renowned middleweight champion has garnered a loyal following and is adored by crowds since his debut in the UFC. However, his devoted fans inadvertently caused him trouble when he was arrested at JFK airport for possessing brass knuckles.
To add to the alarming situation, it was revealed that another fan had gifted him a samurai sword, which, had he brought it to the airport, could have escalated the matter to a whole new level.
During an interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, the Nigerian-Kiwi fighter shared the ordeal of finding himself in a prison cell all because of a gift he had accepted from a fan. Reflecting on the experience, he admitted that he no longer accepts gifts from fans due to concerns about potentially peculiar or dangerous items being included. He remarked, "That's why I don't take any gifts from my fans because some people might be weird. They might put some juju or some weird thing, you know."
Adesanya also recounted a specific incident where a fan approached him with an old sweatshirt, which he had to politely decline by fabricating an excuse. The 33-year-old fighter expressed gratitude to his fans but acknowledged the need for caution when it comes to accepting gifts, sharing, "Shouts to fans. They are cool. And once they saw I was taking gifts, guys will bring like, this guy brought an old sweatshirt. Bro, this is Nike, I'm Puma. I just gave an excuse, but yeah, it is what it is."
Currently, Israel Adesanya has shown interest in facing off against the rising contender Dricus du Plessis following the conclusion of his rivalry with Alex Pereira in the promotion
Is Israel Adesanya Arrested - FAQs
Yes, Israel Adesanya was recently arrested.
Israel Adesanya was arrested for possessing brass knuckles at an airport security checkpoint.
Israel Adesanya was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.
Israel Adesanya could face legal penalties, such as fines or possible jail time, if convicted of the charges.
Yes, Israel Adesanya was released on bail following his arrest.