Former UFC Champion Israel Adesanya Risks Jail Term for Drunk-Driving in New Zealand
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has entered a guilty plea to drunk driving charges in New Zealand. The incident occurred on August 19, 2023, when Adesanya was pulled over after attending a dinner party with friends. During the traffic stop, he was found to have 87 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood in his system, well above the legal limit in New Zealand, which is 50 milligrams.
Appearing at the Auckland District Court, Adesanya expressed remorse for his actions and issued an apology to his family, his team, and the community. He acknowledged the poor decision to drive after consuming alcohol and the consequences of his actions.
“I want to apologize to my family, my team, and to the community for the decision I made to get behind the wheel after drinking at dinner,” Adesanya stated. He continued, “I was pulled over and given an evidentiary blood test. The reading was 87 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.”
Adesanya’s attorney, Karl Trotter, requested that no conviction be entered for his client, a request that was granted by the judge. Trotter indicated that during the sentencing hearing, scheduled for January 10, he would seek a discharge without conviction, which would have significant implications for Adesanya’s legal record.
The charge Adesanya pleaded guilty to carries a maximum penalty of three months in prison or a fine of £2,189. The outcome of the sentencing hearing will determine the final resolution of this legal matter.
