Israel Adesanya

At the 2024 hearing concerning his other road traffic case, the New Zealand judge noted that Israel Adesanya had previously received a discharge without conviction for driving while disqualified.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Adesanya was stopped in Auckland with a blood alcohol level of 87 mg per 100 ml, above New Zealand's criminal threshold of 80. He pleaded guilty. The judge nevertheless granted him a discharge without conviction, disqualified him from driving for six months and imposed, among other measures, a donation of 1,500 New Zealand dollars to charity.

State of the evidence

Established by a court

Attribution

Directly implicated

Course of the proceedings

1. Formally charged — Formal charge before the current outcome

Following his drink-driving hearing, Adesanya posted photographs taken inside the Auckland courtroom without permission, contrary to court rules. The same post paired a photograph of the prosecutor taken outside with insulting song lyrics. He removed the courtroom photographs and apologised for publishing them.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Adesanya was arrested at JFK Airport after brass knuckles were found in his luggage. Prosecutors agreed to an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, a mechanism providing for the case to be dismissed after six months if no further arrest occurred.

Attribution

Directly implicated

Adesanya used a threatening expression referring to rape in a social media comment about Kevin Holland. The remark prompted public condemnation, including from New Zealand political figures, and Adesanya apologised.

State of the evidence

Documented

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Directly implicated

Before a fight, Adesanya said he would make his opponent fall like the 'Twin Towers', a reference to 9/11 which prompted a strong reaction. He subsequently apologised and acknowledged that the comparison was inappropriate.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

After defeating Paulo Costa by TKO at UFC 253, Adesanya simulated a sexual act over his still-grounded opponent, then made an obscene gesture and remarks towards Costa's corner. The episode prompted public debate about respect and sportsmanship.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Visible swelling in one of Adesanya's pectoral muscles after UFC 253 prompted speculation about steroid use. Adesanya denied using performance-enhancing substances and announced medical examinations; subsequent reports did not establish an anti-doping violation.

State of the evidence

Documented