Gabriel Gonzaga is getting back in the cage after a two year absence and brief foray into boxing.
Former UFC heavyweight Gabriel Gonzaga, who recently competed in boxing for the first time, is returning to MMA. According to multiple reports, Gonzaga is expected to face Alexander Emelianenko, brother of heavyweight legend Fedor, at RCC 3 (Russian Cagefighting Championship) in May. RCC have confirmed the signing of Emelianenko, which is reportedly a four fight deal.
The younger Emelianenko brother, Alexander Emelianenko (25–6) has competed in MMA since 2003, making stops in Pride and M-1. In 2014, however, his career was put on hold after he was accused, and later convicted, of raping his house keeper and withholding her passport. After being paroled from prison in late 2016, he returned to his fighting career the following year. 3-0 since his release, all three fights have come under the controversial WFCA (World Fighting Championship Akhmat) banner. Although having signed a multi-fight deal with RCC, Emelianeko will apparently still be able to compete for both organizations.
Gabriel Gonzaga (17–11) finished his most recent UFC run on a 1-4 slide. That span included losses to Stipe Miocic, Mirko Cro-Cop, and Derrick Lewis. In 2016, he spoke openly of retiring unless a purse of $100,000 U.S. or more was on the table, saying he was focusing on his gym. Last year, he won his pro boxing debut.
Also on the RCC 3 card, taking place May 5, undefeated ‘Ural Hulk’ Ivan Shtyrkov will take on Geronimo dos Santos.
