Two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has avoided a conviction for a recent drunk-driving charge, receiving a six-month driving suspension and a requirement to pay $1500 to charity and complete an anti-drunk-driving program.
Well, it seems Israel Adesanya’s recent brush with the law won’t be causing him too much trouble. The two-time UFC middleweight champion isn’t facing any major fallout from his drunk-driving charge.
News broke on Stuff.co.nz this Wednesday. Adesanya, it seems, has managed to dodge a conviction. He had pleaded guilty to drunk driving in Auckland, New Zealand, on August 19. This was just three weeks before his latest fight.
The fight didn’t go well for him, though. Adesanya lost his UFC title to Sean Strickland. It was a one-sided unanimous decision loss at UFC 293.
Adesanya owned up to his mistake in September. He pleaded guilty and issued a public apology. The potential penalties were pretty severe: three months in jail or a fine up to $4500 NZD.
But, here’s the thing. According to court documents Stuff.co.nz got their hands on, Adesanya’s lawyer argued a conviction would hit the fighter even harder. He could lose sponsors, leading to a six-figure loss in earnings. Plus, Adesanya would face travel restrictions to certain countries, including Canada. And that’s a big deal, considering Canada is hosting a middleweight title fight in Toronto on January 20 between Strickland and Dricus du Plessis.
Judge Peter Winter was on Adesanya’s side. He discharged Adesanya without a conviction. The reasons? Adesanya’s drunk-driving reading was relatively low (87 mg. per 100 ml. of blood, 37 mg. above the limit), he cooperated fully, and he’s done a lot of charity work.
So, what’s the fallout? Adesanya got a six-month suspension from driving and has to donate $1500 to charity. He’s also got to complete an anti-drunk-driving program.
As for his fighting career, it’s a bit up in the air. Adesanya, who’s 34, announced a self-imposed hiatus after losing to Strickland. But, he’s hinted he might be back in the octagon sooner than we thought.