Abdul-Rahman Yakhyaev's toughest tests reveal well-rounded skill set

A detailed breakdown of Abdul-Rahman Yakhyaev's two most competitive fights reveals a fighter capable of adapting when early finishes are not available. Against Najmuddin Yusupov in ACA Young Eagles in June 2022, Yakhyaev was outworked early before submitting his opponent with a triangle choke in the second round. In a five-round bout against Nikolai Kovalenko — a master of sport in judo — in January 2023, Yakhyaev survived a knockdown in the second round, recovered by clinching and controlling, and went on to win a unanimous decision across the remaining rounds.