ULTIMATE Fighting Championship (UFC) star Israel Adesanya could be imprisoned for up to three months over a drink-driving case.
The Nigerian-New Zealander, who recently lost his UFC middleweight title to America’s Sean Strickland, pleaded guilty to drink-driving charges in New Zealand, where he is based.
The incident took place on August 19, when Adesanya underwent breath test in Auckland while driving with friends in the vehicle.
Reports claimed he was found with 87 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood in his system, 37 milligrams over the legal limit in New Zealand.
“I want to apologise to the community, my family and my team for the decision I made to get behind the wheel after drinking at a dinner,” Adesanya said in a statement late last night.
“I am disappointed with my decision to drive; it was wrong. I know that people might follow me and I want them to know I do not think this behaviour is acceptable.”
The New Zealand Herald reported that the flamboyant 34-year-old could face up to a $2,680 fine and/or three months in prison for the offence.
His lawyer Karl Trotter sought that no conviction be entered, and this was granted by the judge.
Trotter said he would seek a discharge without conviction at sentencing on January 10, according to the New Zealand Herald.
He said he had nothing further to add, except to say that Adesanya was ‘feeling quite contrite’.
After the shock loss to Strickland in Australia on September 10, Adesanya’s UFC record fell to 24 wins and three defeats, with 16 of the victories via knockout.
PHOTO: Israel Adesanya outside the court in New Zealand after pleading guilty to drink-driving charges.
