Israel Adesanya to serve jail time? What offence did former UFC Middleweight champ commit?

Former UFC Middleweight Champion, Israel Adesanya, admitted to driving under the influence. On Monday, Adesanya, his attorney, and two personal security personnel arrived at the Auckland District Court. According to court records, the MMA star was accused of operating a vehicle on Wellesley St in Auckland Central with a blood alcohol content of 87 milligrammes. 50 milligrams is the permitted maximum.

3 things you need to know

• Israel Adesanya pleads guilty to drunk and driving
• Adesanya lost the UFC Middleweight chamionship to Sean Strickland at UFC 293
• Adesanya has lost the Middleweight championship twice in 10 months

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Israel Adesanya admits to driving under influence

“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,” Adesanya said in a statement provided to the Herald. “I was pulled over and gave an evidentiary blood test - the reading was 87 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.” He added: “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 behaviour is acceptable.” The maximum penalty for the charge is a term of imprisonment of three months or a fine of $4500.

The alleged offence occurred on August 19 of this year. According to his blood alcohol test, he was just over the 80-milligramme limit which would have resulted in a charge. The judge agreed to Karl Trotter's (attorney) request that there be no conviction entered. At the January 10 sentencing hearing, Trotter stated he will ask for a release without conviction. Adesanya was "feeling quite contrite," he added, adding that he had nothing further to say.

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Israel Adesanya's lacklustre show at UFC 293

He came in as the favourite to defend his title at UFC 293 against Sean Strickland but nobody saw it coming what was going to transpire at the event. A purposeful Strickland did not let Adesanya breathe and got the better of the greatest counter-striker in the area of striking. Sean Strickland secured an overwhelming unanimous win.