Former UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, is at risk of a potential three-month jail sentence after pleading guilty to drunk-driving charges in New Zealand. The incident occurred on August 19, approximately three weeks before his UFC 293 fight against Sean Strickland.
Reports indicate that Adesanya encountered a Random Breath Testing unit in Auckland following dinner with friends. His blood alcohol content was found to be 87 milligrams per 100 milliliters, which exceeded the legal limit of 50 milligrams.
Following his guilty plea at the Auckland District Court, Adesanya released a statement to The New Zealand Herald.
“I want to apologize to the community, my family, and my team for the decision I made to get behind the wheel after drinking at a dinner.
“I was pulled over and given an evidentiary blood test, the reading was 87 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.
“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 behavior is acceptable.”
According to ESPN, he could face a fine of up to $2,680 and/or a jail term of up to three months. His sentencing is scheduled for January 10.
