Video: Aleksander Emelianenko Wins First MMA Bout Since Release From Prison

Aleksander Emelianenko made a successful return to mixed martial arts on Wednesday, defeating Geronimo dos Santos via first-round TKO at WFCA 42 in Moscow.

It was Emelianenko’s first bout following his release from Russian prison after he was convicted of sexual assault, “kidnapping” by withholding a passport, and the forced use of “narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances” of his housekeeper, Polina Stepanova. Emelianenko pleaded not guilty to the charges, claiming that that any contact with the victim was consensual. Stepanova was reportedly harassed by Emelianenko’s friends after filing a police report.

Emelianenko was initially sentenced to four and a half years in prison in 2015 but was released three years ahead of time for “good behavior.” The younger brother of legend Fedor Emelianenko is now 24-7 over the course of an MMA tenure that began in 2003.

Video of Emelianenko’s return can be seen above.