Israel Adesanya arrested at airport days after loss to Alex Pereira

Nigerian-New Zealander professional mixed martial artist (MMA) Israel Mobolaji Adesanya has been arrested in the United States of America (USA). 

Adesanya was knocked out by Alex Pereira in the main event of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 281 last weekend at Madison Square Garden, New York.

In a UFC middleweight championship fight, Adesanya was ahead 3-1 on the judges' scorecard before being knocked out with a combination of strikes by Pereira in the fifth round.

Adesanya was arrested because he possessed metal knuckles considered to be a weapon.

TMZ news broke the news of Adesanya's arrest while Lenis Valens New York’s Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) spokesperson explained the situation.

Adesanya's arrest came at 1:57 p.m. local time on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, when the authorities went through his luggage.

Tim Simpson, of Paradigm Sports Adesanya’s manager, gave a detailed assessment of the situation explaining that his client cooperated with the authorities.

He explained that the metal brass was not purchased by Adesanya but a gift by a fan which he decided to travel with.

He said, “Israel was handed a gift by a fan, which he put in his luggage. 

“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’s on his way home.”

According to TSA rules, metal knuckles can be stored in checked luggage but cannot be allowed in carry-on bags.

Adesanya's issue with the authorities has been resolved as the Last Style bender is expected to travel out of the country as he begins his mandated rest.