This past Tuesday, November 15, 2022, former UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya was unexpectedly arrested for what is said to be “the possession of brass knuckles,” according to Port Authority police documents. Transpiring at JFK Airport in Queens, New York, the mixed martial arts star was reportedly issued a simple citation and sent on his way after security confiscated his weapon.
As stated in the police’s official arrest report, “Brass knuckles are illegal [class A misdemeanor] in the state of New York — It is also illegal to carry them on your person or in your carry-on bag.” His manager, Tim Simpson, released a short statement after the news reached the public, helping his client dodge a hefty misdemeanor charge and up to a full year behind bars: “Israel was handed a gift by a fan, which he had in his luggage,” Simpson wrote to his athlete’s audience. “When flagged at the airport, Israel quickly disposed of the item and cooperated with the authorities. He has complied accordingly, with that the matter was dismissed and he is on his way home.”
Adesanya is currently coming off his intense battle against Alex Pereira, unfortunately losing his prestigious middleweight title and gaining only his second professional MMA loss. Pereira defeated the 33-year-old fighter during the main event of UFC281 by technical knockout (TKO) in the final two minutes of the fifth round.