Israel Adesanya set for 3 months in jail: Nigerian UFC star pleads Guilty to Drinking and Driving

Israel Adesanya, a former middleweight champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), entered a guilty plea to a driving under the influence allegation in his native New Zealand on Monday.

Adesanya was stopped on August 19 during a Random Breath Testing stop.

The charge was brought against him because his blood alcohol level was beyond the legal limit of 50 milligrams at 87 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood.

Adesanya, a former two-time UFC middleweight champion, has developed into one of the sport's biggest names, yet this incident casts a shadow over all of his achievements.

This incident took place just a few weeks prior to Sean Strickland's surprise victory in their title match at UFC 293 on September 10.

According to MMA Fighting, Adesanya issued an official statement to the New Zealand Herald.

He said, “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 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.”

The charge carries fines as well as a jail sentence that can last up to three months.

Adesanya's lawyer is requesting that the accusations against her client be withdrawn without a finding of guilt as the sentence is set for January 10.