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

Abdul-Rahman Yakhyaev, known for rapid first-round finishes, has also demonstrated resilience and adaptability in harder fights. Against Nazhmudin Yusupov in ACA Young Eagles in 2022, Yakhyaev survived a competitive opening round before securing a triangle choke finish in the second. Against Nikolai Kovalenko — a master of sport in judo — in 2023, Yakhyaev was dropped in the second round but recovered to take the bout to the mat and earn a unanimous decision over five rounds.