Israel Adesanya, a Nigerian-Zealand born has been released briefly after he was detained by the New York Port Authority police on Wednesday, October 16 2022.
According to the Port Authority police, Adesanya was arrested after he attempted to go through security with brass knuckles.
The former UFC champion was “arrested at approximately 1:57 p.m. ET yesterday, at JFK Terminal for possession metal knuckles.”
TMZ first reported that Adesanya had been detained.
Meanwhile his manager Tim Simpson of Paradigm Sports Management issued a statement to MMA Fighting, 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 has complied accordingly, with that the matter was dismissed and he is on his way home.”
Brass knuckles made of metal or plastic are illegal in New York and possession is considered a misdemeanor punishable up to one year in prison plus fines.
Adesanya had been in New York for several days as he prepared for his fight against Alex Pereira in the main event at UFC 281.
He ultimately suffered a fifth-round knockout loss, which cost him the UFC middleweight title in only his second career defeat.
Adesanya remained in New York after the fight but now appears to be on his way home after he was briefly detained by authorities on Wednesday.
