Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya was arrested at JFK Airport on Wednesday for possessing metal knuckles.
Metal knuckles are prohibited in New York. Possession is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Metal knuckles are permitted in checked luggage but are not permitted in carry-on bags, according to TSA regulations.
According to TMZ, Adesanya was apprehended near JFK's American Airlines terminal on Wednesday afternoon, shortly before 2 p.m. local time.
Adesanya's manager, Tim Simpson, told MMA Fighting that the matter had been dropped and that the UFC star was on his way home.
"A fan gave Israel a gift, which he put in his luggage," Simpson explained.
"When the item was flagged at the airport, Israel quickly removed it and cooperated with authorities." He has done as requested. With that, the case was closed, and he was on his way home." It said.
This follows Adesanya's loss to Alex Pereira in the UFC earlier this week, capping off a difficult week for the Nigerian-New Zealander.
