Napao returns to MMA, stopped by Aleks Emelianenko
Gabriel Gonzaga made a return to MMA, vs. Aleks Emelianenko at RCC: Russian Cagefighting Championship 2 in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
A decade ago Gabriel Gonzaga challenged then UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture, breaking The Natural’s arm with a high kick, but ultimately losing via TKO in Round 3. He went just 1-5 his last six in the UFC, and was released after losing to Derrick Lewis on April 10, 2016.
Gonzaga then focused on his Team Squared BJJ, and last year fulfilled a long-held desire to try a professional boxing match. He was successful there, and this weekend made a return to MMA, vs. Aleks Emelianenko at RCC: Russian Cagefighting Championship 2 in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
That did not go as hoped.
‘Napao’ was able to take Fedor’s wayward brother down and control but was unable to submit him, or pound him out. And when the fight returned to standing, he was unable to match Emelianenko’s striking power, and was stopped in Round 2.
https://twitter.com/Jolassanda/status/992821128447102981
It is not clear what is next for Napao. At 38, with a 4th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, coaching might be the best, healthiest path for the endlessly friendly fan favorite.
Aleksander is now 4-0 since his release from prison.