UFC star Israel Adesanya apologizes for Drunk Driving case

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has expressed his regret after pleading guilty to a drunk driving charge in New Zealand.

The incident took place on August 19, 2023, in Auckland, New Zealand, three weeks before Adesanya’s UFC 293 title loss to Sean Strickland in Sydney, Australia. Adesanya’s guilty plea became public when he appeared in court on Monday.

According to court documents, he underwent a blood test as evidence, which revealed an alcohol level of 87 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood—exceeding New Zealand’s limit of 0.05.

In comparison, the legal limit in the United States is set at 0.08.

The former UFC champion expressed his apologies by stating, “I deeply regret my decision to drive after consuming alcohol during dinner, and I want to apologize to the community, my family, and my team.”

He emphasized that he was stopped by authorities and made it clear that he does not endorse behavior while hoping that others can learn from his mistake.

Adesanya’s sentencing is scheduled for January 10, 2024.

If convicted, he could face either a fine of up to $4,500 or imprisonment for a period of three months.

Israel Adesanyas attorney, Karl Trotter, has petitioned for a discharge without conviction in an effort to spare the 34-year-old athlete from having a record. The public has taken notice of Adesanya’s admission of guilt, which serves as a reminder of the repercussions of driving under the influence.

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