The Guardian (Nigeria)

How fan’s gift landed Israel Adesanya in trouble in U. S.

- By Gowon Akpodonor

FACTS have emerged on why Nigeria- born, New Zealand- based former UFC middleweig­ht champion, Israel Adesanya, was arrested at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, United States, on Wednesday. He was reportedly arrested by Port Authority police in the American Airlines terminal for taking brass knuckles through security.

Though, he has been released, a statement issued by Adesanya’s manager, Tim Simpson of Paradigm Sports Management on the incident on Wednesday reads: “Israel was handed a gift by a fan, which he put in his luggage. When flagged at the airport, Israel quickly disposed off the item and cooperated with authoritie­s.

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

The 33- year- old Adesanya, who lost his title by TKO to Alex Pereira in New York last Saturday, was arrested by Port Authority police in the American Airlines terminal on Wednesday.

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