Convicted rapist Aleksander Emelianenko expected to sign with Bare Knuckle FC

Bare Knuckle FC have become a rapidly growing combat sports promotion, especially following the heated rivalry between Artem Lobov and Paulie Malignaggi. The promotion is already battling stigmas due to bare knuckle boxing still being frowned upon by many in the martial arts community and by mainstream media. Bare Knuckle FC certainly haven’t made things easier for themselves, as they have now offered controversial Russian Aleksander Emelianenko a contract. He is the younger brother of MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko, who differs from his brother in many ways.

Now RT Sport have confirmed via Gagarin Management group that BKFC have offered Emelianenko a contract, and that papers are expected to be signed within the coming days.

BREAKING: Alexander Emelianenko officially received an offer from @BareKnuckleFC. Expected to sign it once his US visa issues will be solved pic.twitter.com/DnQJA0o4q1

— Denis Geyko (@DenisGeykoRT) July 29, 2019

Convicted of damning charges

While Fedor Emelianenko has been a stoic example of prime martial arts discipline and talent, his brother Aleksander’s multiple run-ins with the law have plagued much of his recent career. In 2014 a court convicted him of raping his house-keeper, sentencing him to four and a hald years in prison. He was released on parole in 2016 and allowed to compete in MMA. He returned to the sport in 2017 and since then holds a 5-0-1 record. As early as march of this year he was detained due to him crashing into two cars then evading police – all while under the influence.

In his ongoing run in MMA he’s recorded notable wins over former UFC title challenger Gabriel Gonzaga and former UFC fighters Viktor Pesta. He also went three rounds with veteran Tony Johnson in a fight that ended in a draw.

As of now it’s not certain when, or against who, Emelianenko will make his BKFC debut.