Israel Adesanya, the former Nigerian-New Zealander middleweight division champion in the Ultimate Fighting Championship(UFC) has been released after being briefly detained at a New York airport on Wednesday following an attempt to go through security with brass knuckles.
Confirming the release of the mixed martial artist, his manager, Tim Simpson of Paradigm Sports Management revealed that Adesanya has been left go and has flown to his New Zealand home.
“Israel was handed a gift by a fan, which he put in his luggage. When flagged at the airport, Israel quickly disposed of the item and cooperated with authorities. He has complied accordingly, with that the matter was dismissed and he is on his way home,” the manager said.
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Adesanya had been in New York for several days as he prepared for his fight against Alex Pereira in the main event at UFC 281. However, he lost the UFC middleweight title after suffering a fifth-round knockout loss to Alex Pereira in what was only his second career defeat.
