MMA Star Israel Adesanya Arrested At JFK Airport Security For Possession Of Brass Knuckles

UFC superstar, Israel Adesanya was arrested Wednesday afternoon at JFK airport in New York City, for criminal possession of a weapon.

The weapon was originally discovered when Adesanya passed through security with brass knuckles. The arrest took place near the airport’s TSA screening area, by the Port Authority Police Department.

Adesanya’s manager, Tim Simpson, said “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,” according to TMZ Sports.

The Nigerian born Adesanya, currently resides in New Zealand and trains under Eugene Bareman at the City Kickboxing in Auckland. Simpson added Adesanya “has complied accordingly, with that the matter was dismissed and he is on his way home.”

Different states have different laws about the legality of brass knuckles, and almost always need a concealed carry license. In the state of New York brass knuckles are illegal, and if charged and convicted, Adesanya could face up to one year in jail, plus fines.

The five-time UFC middleweight champion lost the title to Alex Pereira in the main event at UFC 281 on Saturday at Madison Square Garden.

Despite the loss, Adesanya, known to MMA fans as "The Last Stylebender" is ranked #6 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound. Adesanya is now the #1 contender among the middleweights, making a case for a rematch with Pereira and a shot at regaining his title.