Facts have emerged on why Nigeria-born, New Zealand-based former UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, was arrested at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, United States, on Wednesday. He was reportedly arrested by Port Authority police in the American Airlines terminal for taking brass knuckles through security.
Though, he has been released, a statement issued by Adesanya’s manager, Tim Simpson of Paradigm Sports Management on the incident on Wednesday reads: “Israel was handed a gift by a fan, which he put in his luggage. When flagged at the airport, Israel quickly disposed off the item and cooperated with authorities.
“He has complied accordingly; with that, the matter was dismissed, and he is on his way home.”
![[FILE] Israel Adesanya avoids a punch from Paulo Costa during their UFC middleweight championship bout at UFC 253 on September 27, 2020 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC)](https://www.afriupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Adesanya-v-Costa-by-MMA-Fighting-120x86.jpg "Costa mocks Adesanya ahead UFC 287 rematch with Pereira 5")
The 33-year-old Adesanya, who lost his title by TKO to Alex Pereira in New York last Saturday, was arrested by Port Authority police in the American Airlines terminal on Wednesday.
Brass knuckles are a Class A misdemeanour in New York and it is also illegal to bring them aboard an aeroplane.
His release was confirmed by Canadian-based Combat Sports reporter, who works for ESPN, Marc Raimondi, on his verified Twitter handle, referencing a statement issued by Adesanya’s manager, Tim Simpson of Paradigm Sports Management.
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