Nigeria's UFC fighter Adesanya arrested, released in US

Former UFC Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has been arrested and released in the United States.

The 33-year-old was reportedly arrested at the JFK terminal in New York over the possession of an unlawful item.

The incident comes against the backdrop of Adesanya's second career defeat to Alex Pereira last weekend.

The UFC star was apprehended for having in his possession a brass knuckle he received as a gift from a fan according to his manager Tim Simpson.

The possession of such items is considered illegal in New York and is punishable by up to a year in prison with fines.

Explaining the incident, his manager 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 the authorities.

“He has complied accordingly: with that, the matter was dismissed, and he is on his way home.”

WDN