In the MMA latest updates, Israel Adesanya, the former Former UFC middleweight champion, has pleaded guilty to drunk driving. 

Adesanya’s Troubles

According to reports, the guilty plea occurred on September 25th, 2023, in New Zealand after the MMA fighter was over the legal drinking limit of 50 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood.

The actual incident had allegedly occurred on August 19th, 2023. This was before Adesanya had faced Sean Strickland on September 9th, 2023, at UFC 293 to defend his middleweight title.

And given that Adesanya would go on to lose his belt via a unanimous decision, the charge does not do his image any favors. After all, he had been accused of overlooking the American.The UFC commentator Jon Anik confirmed as much.

Adesanya’s Comments

"There were a lot of people asking me if there was betting value on Sean Strickland, and I didn’t even necessarily know how to answer that question. Was he capable of this masterpiece? Yes. Can he execute like this again? I would think probably. But I do believe that the other side discounted him a little bit and didn’t necessarily understand what he was capable of, and they paid the ultimate price," Anik stated 

But now that the dust has settled down, Adesanya did express remorse for his actions. 

"I want to apologize to the community, my family, and my team for the decision I made to get behind the wheel after drinking at dinner. I was pulled over and gave an evidentiary blood test. The reading was 87 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters 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 behavior is acceptable," Adesanya

In response, Adesanya’s lawyer Karl Trotter is attempting to prevent any conviction given that the fighter was just over the legal limit.

The actual sentencing date has been set for January 10th, 2024. If Izzy is convicted, then he could face three months behind bars, or a fine of $4500. Either way, things are not looking good for him. 

A rematch with Strickland has been teased by Dana White, but it is not clear if this will happen. After all, Dricus Du Plessis has targeted the American next.

Du Plessis On Adesanya

Meanwhile, a fight between Izzy and the South African also appears out of the question for now. Prior to facing Strickland, a fight with Du Plessis looked on the cards. But given that Izzy no longer holds a belt, Du Plessis has turned his attention towards Strickland.

"Myself and [Strickland] had the biggest upsets of 2023 and I am undoubtedly the No. 1 contender, so let’s settle this like men whenever, wherever. After that, I’ll give [Adesanya] his well-deserved hiding on my home soil South Africa. That being said, don’t want to beat the amateur that fought on Saturday night. I want to beat the best [Adesanya] so take some time and get your s*** together," Du Plessis stated