Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has apologised after pleading guilty to a drunk driving charge in New Zealand.
A report from The New Zealand Herald on Sunday revealed court documents allege Adesanya drove on August 19 with 87 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
The UFC star appeared in court on Monday and pleaded guilty to the charge of driving over the legal limit of 50 milligrams.
Adesanya will be sentenced on January 10, 2024, with a maximum penalty of either a fine of $4500 or three months’ imprisonment.
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In a statement to The Herald, Adesanya said he was “disappointed” in his decision to drive under the 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.
“I was pulled over and gave an evidentiary blood test — the reading was 87 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.”
“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.”