Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya can finally put his drink-driving incident in the past.
Adesanya found himself in some hot water when it was revealed that he pleaded guilty after being charged with drink-driving in Auckland. Per New Zealand law, 50 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood is the legal limit for alcohol consumption while driving, and "Izzy's" was at 87 milligrams.
So, what was the punishment for "The Last Stylebender?"
During a hearing on Tuesday, judge Peter Winter spared Adesanya of prison. The former 185-pound ruler had been facing three months behind bars. While Adesanya avoids time in the slammer, he must pay $1,500 to a charity and enroll in a stop-drink-driving program.
Before Winter's ruling, Adesanya's lawyer, Karl Trotter, said that his client understood the significant impact the ruling could have on his career and personal life (quotes via MMAJunkie).
“The adverse consequences, should my client be convicted, are monumental. That’s not exaggerating the situation,” Trotter said. “He realizes he is in jeopardy.”
Judge Winter believes that Israel Adesanya will take this drink-driving ordeal as a learning experience.
“I’m sure you have learned from this,” Winter told Adesanya as he sat in court. “You would not want to be placed in this position again, as you realize.”
Adesanya's last UFC bout took place back in September 2023. He was defeated by Sean Strickland in a massive upset, losing the UFC Middleweight Championship in the process.
Following his loss to Strickland, putting a quick end to his second UFC 185-pound title reign, Adesanya announced that he will be taking a hiatus. While he joked with reporters that he won't be back until 2027, "Izzy" has since said when he returns the fights have to be meaningful.
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