Prospect Abdul-Rahman Yakhyaev shows depth beyond first-round finishes

Abdul-Rahman Yakhyaev, known for finishing opponents early, has also demonstrated well-rounded skills in longer bouts. Against Najmudin Yusupov in 2022 he secured a second-round triangle choke after trailing in round one, and against Nikolai Kovalenko — an MSMK-level judoka — he survived a knockdown in round two before grinding out a unanimous decision over five rounds through consistent takedowns and top control.