Court to consider Alexander Emelianenko’s appeal for sexual assault conviction

The Simonovsky Court in Moscow will reconsider the conviction of longtime MMA heavyweight Alexander Emelianenko after the fighter appealed his sentence earlier this month.

On May 19, Emelianenko was found guilty of sexual assault and sentenced to 4.5 years in prison and a fine of 50,000 rubles (approx. $1000 USD). The former PRIDE fighter was convicted of sexual assault, "kidnapping" by withholding a passport, and the forced use of "narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances" on 27-year-old Polina Stepanova. Emelianenko allegedly stole his substitute housekeeper's passport from her purse while she was cleaning the house and extorted her for sexual favours, while forcing her to consume narcotics.

Emelianenko pleaded not guilty to all the charges levied against him and claimed that all dealings with the victim were "consensual."

The decision will be announced over the coming days.