MMA fighter convicted of rape trains children after special military operation

MMA fighter Maxim Novoselov, who was convicted of rape but served only part of his sentence due to his participation in special military operations, is now conducting workshops for children and training military personnel, reports NewsBox. 

Maxim Novoselov, a European champion in combat sambo known by the nickname "Mad Max," was convicted in 2022 for the rape of an 18-year-old woman. The crime occurred after they met in a bar in Mytishchi, and the court sentenced the athlete to five years in a penal colony. However, Novoselov did not serve his full term — in May 2023, he signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense and was released.

Recently, the athlete visited the Penza region, where he conducted a workshop for young sambo practitioners. As shown in a report on the "Vesti" program on the "Russia-1" channel, even a six-year-old girl participated in the session. Besides working with children, Novoselov also trains servicemen and paratroopers from the Airborne Forces.

Ivan Nikolaev, a deputy of the Legislative Assembly of the Penza region, posted about this event but soon removed the post from his social media accounts.