A closer look at Abdul-Rahman Yakhyaev's two toughest tests to date

Prospect Abdul-Rahman Yakhyaev has shown the ability to win beyond the first round in two notable fights: a second-round triangle choke submission of Nazhmudin Yusupov at ACA Young Eagles in June 2022, and a five-round unanimous decision over Nikolai Kovalenko in Khan Fight in January 2023. Against Kovalenko, a master of sport in judo, Yakhyaev was dropped in the second round but recovered by grabbing a leg, securing control, and grinding out three dominant grappling rounds to win clearly. The performances highlight takedown ability, ground control, and composure under pressure as core strengths of the 23-year-old.