Israel Adesanya received a DUI charge in Auckland, New Zealand in August, just three weeks before his shock middleweight title loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293.
The news emerged after the 34-year-old appeared in an Auckland court to plead guilty to the DUI charge.
“Court documents show the international star was charged with driving a car on Wellesley St in Auckland Central with 87 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood,” the New Zealand Herald reported. “The legal limit is 50 milligrams.”
Adesanya has since issued a statement apologizing for drinking and driving.
“I want to apologise to the community, my family and my team for the decision I made to get behind the wheel after drinking at dinner,” Israel Adesanya said in his statement.
“I was pulled over and gave an evidentiary blood test – the reading was 87 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres 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.”
Adesanya spoke out last week about his unexpected loss to Strickland at UFC 293, but made no reference of any behind-the-scenes troubles while explaining his sub-par performance, instead suggesting that his opponent’s unorthodox style and pressure had thrown him off his game.
However, the former champion also stated that he was “quietly confident” that he’d beat Strickland in a rematch after watching the fight back.
