Israel Adesanya was arrested and briefly detained at a New York airport on Wednesday after he attempted to go through security with brass knuckles.
According to Port Authority police, the former UFC champion was “arrested at approximately 1:57 p.m. ET today, at JFK Terminal for possession metal knuckles.” TMZ first reported that Adesanya had been detained.
Brass Knuckles — whether made from metal or plastic — is illegal in New York. Possession can result in a one-year sentence plus fines.
Adesanya’s manager Tim Simpson of Paradigm Sports Management issued a statement to MMA Fighting while also stating that the former UFC champion has already been released and he’s currently flying home to New Zealand.
“Israel was handed a gift by a fan, which he put in his luggage,” Simpson said in the statement. “When flagged at the airport, Israel quickly disposed of the item, and cooperated with authorities.
“He agreed to that, and is now on his way home .”
Adesanya was in New York several days to prepare for the fight against Alex Pereira at UFC 281..
He lost the UFC Middleweight Title in five rounds after a knockout. This was only Adesanya’s second defeat. Adesanya remained in New York after the fight but now appears on his way home after briefly being detained by authorities on Wednesday.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/11/16/23463217/israel-adesanya-arrested-new-york-airport-carrying-brass-knuckles-manager-charges-already-dismissed?rand=96749
