UFC star Israel Adesanya arrested at New York airport
Nigerian-born New Zealand UFC star Israel Adesanya was arrested at JFK airport on Wednesday, November 16, after allegedly attempting to board a plane with brass knuckles.
Port Authority police say Adesanya, who attempted to break through security around 2 p.m., was arrested by Transportation Security Administration personnel who found the prohibited item in his possession.
Brass knuckles are illegal in New York State, however, the UFC star’s manager claims the fighter was given to them as a gift by a fan. Adesanya was later released after being questioned by airport officials.
Adesanya’s manager Tim Simpson said in a statement;
“Israel received a gift from a fan, which he put in his luggage.
“When reported at the airport, Israel quickly disposed of the item and cooperated with authorities. He has complied accordingly, the case has been dismissed and he is on his way back.
Although Adesanya has apparently not been charged after his arrest, the incident still deals another blow to the former UFC middleweight champion, following his stunning fifth-round loss to Pereira at Madison Square Garden. Saturday, November 12.
Adesanya was ahead on all three cards, 39-37, after four full rounds in the main event in New York, nearly finishing Pereira at the end of the first round.
However, things changed drastically in the decisive fifth round, as history repeated itself and Pereira once again delivered the knockout blow to his opponent.
Pereira is the only man to knock out Adesanya in his professional fighting career, having picked up two kickboxing wins over the Kiwi in 2016 and 2017.
