Israel Adesanya addressed a road rage incident in Auckland, New Zealand, where he claims he was racially abused and threatened by another driver, leading him to press charges and express disappointment in the public’s reaction.
Israel Adesanya has addressed the recent report of his involvement in a road rage incident.
Earlier this week, footage surfaced of the two-time UFC middleweight champion getting into an animated argument with another driver on the streets of Auckland, New Zealand. On Thursday, the New Zealand Herald published a statement from Adesanya. He claims that the incident stemmed from the other driver making racially-charged comments.
“I am extremely disappointed after an incident on Wednesday when a random member of the public stopped his car, racially abused me, and challenged me to a fight,” Adesanya said in the statement. “We have been in contact with police and will be pressing charges.”
“On Wednesday morning, I was leaving a cafe on K Rd when a passing car slowed, and an occupant began yelling racial abuse and challenging me to fight. I smiled, waved it off, and continued to my car. The vehicle stopped, and the abuse continued. I again waved it off.”
“The car then parked, and the passenger got out, approached me aggressively, continued his torrent of abuse, and demanded I fight him. I tried to de-escalate the situation repeatedly. As he got closer, I asked bystanders to call the police.”
“He then entered my personal space, and I felt threatened. To protect myself, I became more forceful in my language and defensive. Though he paused, the abuse continued, so I left him with some choice words, cautiously moved to my car, and drove away.”
“It’s ridiculous that I can’t buy a pie after training without some idiot screaming despicable things and asking for a fight while his mates film from the sidelines. Threatening violence is no joke. It’s very dangerous, and incidents like this must not be glorified online. I hope in the future people say something rather than get their phones out to film.”
See footage of the altercation below.
According to the New Zealand Herald, Adesanya has filed a formal complaint to the police.
The Herald’s report also includes comments from the person who filmed the interaction. The anonymous witness expressed disappointment in Adesanya’s behavior. It’s unclear how much of the interaction they were privy to before and after filming.
“I immediately recognized him and from what I witnessed I was quite disappointed to see him acting in this manner in public, swearing and spitting at the other guy and grabbing his privates,” the witness said. “As a public figure, I expected more from someone who represents New Zealand internationally.”
The other driver in the footage is yet to be identified.
Adesanya, 35, most recently fought at UFC 305. He went head-to-head with longtime rival Dricus du Plessis. “The Last Stylebender” failed to secure a third reign as middleweight champion when du Plessis successfully defended his belt by submitting Adesanya via face crank in Round 4.