Kiwi UFC superstar Israel Adesanya has been stopped at New York City's JFK airport for attempting to carry brass knuckles through security.
'The Last Stylebender' was leaving the country after his unsuccessful middleweight title defence against Alex Pereira at UFC 281 on Sunday (NZ time), where the Brazilian ended his five-fight reign atop the division.
Adesanya's camp have denied earlier reports that the fighter had been arrested, saying he's been released from custody and was on his way back to New Zealand.
Brass knuckles are illegal in the state of New York, which led to Adesanya being flagged by security.
Manager Tim Simpson said the knuckles were a gift from a fan, which Adesanya got rid of upon request.
"Israel was handed a gift by a fan, which he put in his luggage," he said in a statement.
"When flagged at the airport, Israel quickly disposed of the item, and cooperated with authorities.
"He has complied accordingly, with that the matter was dismissed and he is on his way home."
After the first knockout defeat of his UFC career, Auckland-based Adesanya said he'd take some time to rest and recover, before turning his attention to a rematch with Pereira.
Due to the nature of the knockout loss, the New York State Athletic Commission have handed Adesanya an indefinite medical suspension from fighting.
"It was my third fight in 10 months, as a champion, putting it on the line every single time," he told The MMA Hour.
"I'm going to really enjoy myself and just chill. I'll travel maybe, and help my teammates as well... but I deserve this. I earned this."
