Alexander Yakovlev (fighter)

{{Short description|Russian mixed martial arts fighter (born 1984)}}

{{For|other individuals with the same name|Alexander Yakovlev (disambiguation)}}

{{Infobox martial artist

| name = Alexander Yakovlev

| other_names = Thunder of the North

| native_name = Александр Яковлев

| image =

| image_size =

| alt =

| caption =

| birth_name =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|07|18}}

| birth_place = Veliky Novgorod, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union

| death_date =

| death_place =

| death_cause =

| residence =

| nationality = Russian

| height = {{height|ft=6|in=3}}

| weight = {{convert|170|lbs|kg st|abbr=on}}

| trainer =

| weight_class = Light Heavyweight
Middleweight
Welterweight
Lightweight

| reach = 74 in

| stance =

| fighting_out_of = St. Petersburg, Leningrad, Russia
Fairfield, New Jersey, United States {{cite web|url=http://www.mixfight.ru/mma/interviews/2014/1/8/Alexander_Yakovlev_derzha_v_rukah_kontrakt_UFC_ya_znayu_mech/|title=Александр Яковлев: держа в руках контракт UFC, я знаю - мечты сбываются (Эксклюзив)|trans-title=Alexander Yakovlev: holding a contract UFC, I know - Dreams Come True (Exclusive)|language=Russian|publisher=mixfight.ru|accessdate=January 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402133354/http://www.mixfight.ru/mma/interviews/2014/1/8/Alexander_Yakovlev_derzha_v_rukah_kontrakt_UFC_ya_znayu_mech/|archive-date=April 2, 2014|url-status=dead

}}

| team = K-Dojo Warrior Tribe

| rank = Master of Sports in Hand-to-hand combat{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/alexander-yakovlev|title=Alexander Yakovlev - Official UFC Fighter Profile|publisher=UFC|access-date=April 5, 2015}}
Master of Sports in Sport Sambo
Master of Sports in Combat Sambo
Master of Sports in Freestyle Wrestling

| years_active = 2004–present

| mma_kowin = 9

| mma_subwin = 9

| mma_decwin = 7

| mma_koloss = 1

| mma_subloss = 5

| mma_decloss = 7

| mma_draw = 1

| mma_nc =

| university = St. Petersburg Ministry of Internal Affair University

| url =

| sherdog = 10846

| footnotes =

| updated =

}}

Alexander Andreevich Yakovlev (born July 18, 1984), is a Russian mixed martial artist and rapper who competes in the Lightweight division. Yakovlev competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, M-1 Global, ProFC, Shooto Russia, and Bodog Fight promotions.

Mixed martial arts career

=M-Global=

At the age of 19, Alexander made his professional MMA debut in a tournament for M-1 Global.

Yakovlev faced Shamil Zavurov on March 16, 2012, at M-1 Challenge 31, with the fight ending in a draw (judges scorecards: 29–28 Zavurov, 28–28, 28–28)

Yakovlev faced Rashid Magomedov on November 15, 2012, at M-1 Challenge 35.{{cite web|url=http://www.mixfight.ru/promos/M_1_Challenge_35_15_let_MMA/|title=M-1 Challenge 35: Emelianenko vs. Monson|publisher=mixfight.ru|accessdate=2012-11-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118164002/http://www.mixfight.ru/promos/M_1_Challenge_35_15_let_MMA/|archive-date=2012-11-18|url-status=dead}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Yakovlev faced Murad Abdulaev on April 9, 2013, at M-1 Challenge 38.{{cite web|url=http://www.mixfight.ru/mma/interviews/2013/3/19/Murad_Abdulaev_Ya_budu_staratysya_zavershity_boy_dosrochno/|title=M-1 Challenge 38: Gran Prix|publisher=mixfight.ru|accessdate=2013-03-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325125623/http://www.mixfight.ru/mma/interviews/2013/3/19/Murad_Abdulaev_Ya_budu_staratysya_zavershity_boy_dosrochno/|archive-date=2013-03-25|url-status=dead}} He won via split decision.

Yakovlev faced UFC veteran Paul Daley on November 8, 2013, at Legend 2. He won via unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=http://valetudo.ru/mma/news/5553-paul-daley-protiv-alexandra-yakovleva-na-turnire-legenda|title=MMA legend vs Bad Boy|publisher=valetudo.ru|accessdate=2013-08-04}}

=Ultimate Fighting Championship=

On January 6, 2014, Yakovlev signed a contract with the UFC.

Yakovlev was initially expected to make his debut against Yan Cabral on May 10, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 40.{{cite web|url=http://forum.mmajunkie.com/forum/threads/alexander-yakovlev-vs-yan-cabral-added-to-ufn-40.61116/|title=Sambo vs. BJJ|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|accessdate=2014-02-21|date=2014-02-21|archive-date=2014-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225060858/http://forum.mmajunkie.com/forum/threads/alexander-yakovlev-vs-yan-cabral-added-to-ufn-40.61116/|url-status=dead}} However, on April 9, Yakovlev was moved to The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale card as he replaced an injured Mike Pierce against Demian Maia.{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/04/replacement-alexander-yakovlev-meets-demian-maia-at-ufc-fight-night-42/|title=Replacement Alexander Yakovlev meets Demian Maia at UFC Fight Night 42 |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |author=Staff |date=April 9, 2014}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Yakovlev fought Nico Musoke on October 4, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 53.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/08/alexander-yakovlev-replaces-amir-sadollah-at-ufc-fight-night-53-in-sweden|title=Alexander Yakovlev replaces Amir Sadollah at UFC Fight Night 53 in Sweden |publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2014-08-08|accessdate=2013-08-08}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/10/ufc-fight-night-53-results-nico-musoke-sweeps-cards-to-beat-alexander-yakovlev|title=UFC Fight Night 53 results: Nico Musoke sweeps cards to beat Alexander Yakolev|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2014-10-04}}

Yakovlev next dropped to the lightweight division and faced Gray Maynard on April 4, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 63.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/02/gray-maynard-vs-alexander-yakovlev-added-to-ufc-fight-night-63-in-virginia|title=Gray Maynard vs. Alexander Yakovlev added to UFC Fight Night 63 in Virginia|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=2015-02-02|accessdate=2015-02-02}} He won the fight by unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/04/ufc-fight-night-63-results-alexander-yakovlev-continues-gray-maynards-slide|title=UFC Fight Night 63 results: Alexander Yakovlev extends Gray Maynard's slide|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Brent Brookhouse|date=2015-04-04|accessdate=2015-04-04}}

Yakovlev faced George Sullivan in the Welterweight at UFC on Fox 18 on January 30, 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-fight-night-new-jersey|title=UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Bader|publisher=Ultimate Fighting Championship|accessdate=2015-11-04}} He won the fight via knockout in the first round.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/01/ufc-on-fox-18-results-alexander-yakovlev-stops-george-sullivan-with-first-round-ko|title=UFC on FOX 18 results: Alexander Yakovlev stops George Sullivan with first round KO|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|accessdate=2016-01-30|date=2016-01-30}}

Yakovlev was expected to face Ryan LaFlare on July 23, 2016, at UFC on Fox 20.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-on-Fox-20-Update-4-Bouts-Confirmed-for-July-23-Card-in-Chicago-102833|title=UFC on Fox 20 update: 4 bouts confirmed for July 23 card in Chicago|author=Staff|publisher=sherdog.com|date=2016-04-04|accessdate=2016-04-04}} However, LaFlare pulled out of the fight in early June after sustaining an undisclosed injury and replaced by Kamaru Usman.{{cite news|url=http://www.redeyechicago.com/sports/redeye-ufc-announces-injury-replacement-for-july-23-card-at-united-center-20160603-story.html|title='Nigerian Nightmare' lands spot for UFC event at United Center|publisher=redeyechicago.com|author=Chris Sosa|date=2016-06-03|accessdate=2016-06-07}} He lost the one-sided fight via unanimous decision.{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/07/ufc-on-fox-20-results-kamaru-usman-dominates-alexander-yakovlev-in-grappling-heavy-affair|title=UFC on FOX 20 results: Kamaru Usman dominates Alexander Yakovlev in grappling heavy affair|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2016-07-23|accessdate=2016-07-23}}

Yakovlev faced Zak Cummings at UFC Fight Night 99 on November 19, 2016. He lost the fight by submission due to armbar in the second round.{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/11/ufc-fight-night-99-results-zak-cummings-armbars-alexander-yakovlev-in-second|title=UFC Fight Night 99 results: Zak Cummings armbars Alexander Yakovlev in second|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Ben Fowlkes|date=2016-11-19|accessdate=2016-11-19}}

Yakovlev was expected to return from an extended hiatus to face Teemu Packalén on April 20, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 149.{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/alexander-yakovlev-vs-teemu-packalen-tijdens-ufc-st-petersburg/|title=Alexander Yakovlev vs. Teemu Packalen at UFC St.Petersburg|author=Marcel Dorff|publisher=mmadnanl.com|date=2019-02-06|access-date=2019-02-06|language=nl}} However on April 4, 2019, it was reported that Packalen pull out for undisclosed reason and he was replaced by Alex da Silva Coelho.{{Cite web|url=https://sportv.globo.com/site/combate/noticia/alex-leko-e-contratado-pelo-ultimate-e-enfrenta-yakovlev-na-russia-dia-20-de-abril.ghtml|title=Alex Leko é contratado pelo Ultimate e enfrenta Yakovlev na Rússia, dia 20 de abril|website=Sportv|language=pt-br|access-date=2019-04-05|archive-date=2019-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416145750/https://sportv.globo.com/site/combate/noticia/alex-leko-e-contratado-pelo-ultimate-e-enfrenta-yakovlev-na-russia-dia-20-de-abril.ghtml|url-status=dead}} Yakovlev won the fight via guillotine choke submission in the second round.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/04/20/ufc-st-petersburg-results-alexander-yakovlev/|title=UFC St. Petersburg Results: Alexander Yakovlev Submits Alex da Silva|last=Evanoff|first=Josh|date=2019-04-20|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-20}}

Yakovlev was scheduled to face Vinc Pichel on November 9, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 163{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/vinc-pichel-vs-alexander-yakovlev-toegevoegd-aan-ufc-moskou/|title=Vinc Pichel vs. Alexander Yakovlev toegevoegd aan UFC Moskou|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=12 September 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-13}} However, Pichel pulled out of the fight on October 24 citing an undisclosed injury and was replaced by Roosevelt Roberts.{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/roosevelt-roberts-vervangt-vinc-pichel-tegen-alexander-yakovlev-tijdens-ufc-moskou/|title=Roosevelt Roberts replaces Vinc Pichel against Alexander Yakovlev during UFC Moscow|author=Marcel Dorff|website=mmadan.nl|date=2019-10-24|access-date=2019-10-24}}{{in lang|nl}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/11/09/ufc-moscow-results-alexander-yakovlev-vs-roosevelt-roberts/|title=UFC Moscow Results: Roosevelt Roberts Gets Past Alexander Yakovlev in Enemy Territory|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2019-11-09|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-09}}

Yakovlev faced Joel Álvarez on October 24, 2020, at UFC 254.{{cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/joel-alvarez-vs-alexander-yakovlev-toegevoegd-aan-ufc-254-in-abu-dhabi/|title=Joel Alvarez vs. Alexander Yakovlev added to UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi|publisher=mmadna.nl|author=Staff|date=2020-10-07|access-date=2020-10-07}} {{in lang|nl}} At the weigh-ins, Álvarez weighed in at 159.5 pounds, three and a half pounds over the lightweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at catchweight and Álvarez was fined 30% of his purse respectively, which went to Yakovlev.{{Cite web|date=2020-10-23|title=UFC 254 weigh-in results: Khabib needs the towel, but makes weight for title fight|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/10/ufc-254-khabib-nurmagomedov-justin-gaethje-weigh-in-results-video-stream|access-date=2020-10-24|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}} Yakovlev lost the fight via an armbar submission in the first round.{{Cite web|last=Vreeland|first=Daniel|date=2020-10-24|title=UFC 254 Results: Joel Alvarez Snags Another Quick Sub, Taps Alexander Yakovlev|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/10/24/ufc-254-results-joel-alvarez/|access-date=2020-10-24|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}

On June 17, 2021, it was announced that Yakovlev was released from the UFC.{{cite web|title=Complete, updated current UFC roster list - Bloody Elbow|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/1/29/3928296/ufc-roster-current-list-fighters |access-date=28 June 2021|date=2021-06-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628003803/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/1/29/3928296/ufc-roster-current-list-fighters |archive-date=2021-06-28 }}

= Post UFC =

In his first appearance after leaving the UFC, he faced Ali Abdulkhalikov on March 27, 2022, at ProFC 70.{{Cite web |title=Абдулхаликов подерется за пояс чемпиона PRO FC. Его соперник — экс-боец UFC Яковлев - 23 марта 2022 - Sport24 |url=https://sport24.ru/news/mma/2022-03-23-abdulkhalikov-poderetsya-za-poyas-chempiona-pro-fc-yego-sopernik-eks-boyets-ufc-yakovlev |access-date=2022-04-15 |website=sport24.ru |language=ru}} He lost the bout via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |title=ProFC 70. Балкизов vs Гасанов - смотреть онлайн видео |url=https://www.championat.com/video/243619-profc-70-balkizov-vs-gasanov/ |access-date=2022-04-26 |website=www.championat.com |language=ru}}

Yakovlev faced Maxim Butorin on March 18, 2023, at AMC Fight Nights 119, losing the bout via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |title=Буторин победил Яковлева на AMC Fight Nights 119 в Ульяновске |url=https://mma.metaratings.ru/news/butorin-pobedil-yakovleva-na-amc-fight-nights-119-v-ulyanovske-236623 |access-date=2023-04-02 |website=mma.metaratings.ru|date=18 March 2023 }}

Championships and accomplishments

=Sambo=

Russian Combat Sambo Federation
Medalist Russian Sambo Championship

=Hand-to-hand combat=

Russian Union of Martial Arts
Medalist Russian Hand-to-hand combat Championships
Russian National Champion{{cite web|url=http://www.mixfight.ru/news/2013/3/30/AY_champion/|title=Ykovlev winner Russia HTHC Championships|publisher=mixfight.ru|date=March 30, 2013|access-date=March 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018143917/http://mixfight.ru/news/2013/3/30/AY_champion/|archive-date=October 18, 2013|url-status=dead}}

=Freestyle wrestling=

All-Russian Wrestling Federation
Medalist of Freestyle Wrestling National Tournament

=Grappling=

NAGA
World Champion (2014, 187 lbs){{cite web|url=http://pryamayarech.ru/text/2014-04-29novgorodets-aleksandr-|title=Ykovlev won NAGA world grappling title|publisher=pryamayarech.ru|date=April 20, 2014}}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Mixed martial arts record

{{MMArecordbox

| draws= 1

| nc=

| ko-wins= 9

| sub-wins= 9

| dec-wins= 7

| ko-losses= 1

| sub-losses= 5

| dec-losses= 7

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|25–13–1

|Maxim Butorin

|Decision (unanimous)

|AMC Fight Nights 119

|{{dts|2023|March|18}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Ulyanovsk, Russia

|{{small|Return to Welterweight.}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|25–12–1

|Ali Abdulkhalikov

|Decision (unanimous)

|ProFC 70

|{{dts|2022|March|27}}

|align=center|5

|align=center|5:00

|Rostov-on-Don, Russia

|{{small|For the ProFC Interim Lightweight Championship.}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|25–11–1

|Joel Álvarez

|Submission (armbar)

|UFC 254

|{{dts|2020|October|24}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:00

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|{{small|Catchweight (159.5 lb) bout; Álvarez missed weight.}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|{{nowrap|25–10–1}}

|Roosevelt Roberts

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Magomedsharipov vs. Kattar

|{{dts|2019|November|9}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Moscow, Russia

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|25–9–1

|Alex da Silva Coelho

|Submission (guillotine choke)

|UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Oleinik

|{{dts|2019|April|20}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|3:10

|Saint Petersburg, Russia

|{{small|Return to Lightweight.}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|24–9–1

|Zak Cummings

|Submission (straight armbar)

|UFC Fight Night: Mousasi vs. Hall 2

|{{dts|2016|November|19}}

|align=center| 2

|align=center| 3:25

|Belfast, Northern Ireland

|{{small|Catchweight (172.8 lb) bout; Cummings missed weight.}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|24–8–1

|Kamaru Usman

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC on Fox: Holm vs. Shevchenko

|{{dts|2016|July|23}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Chicago, Illinois, United States

|{{small|Yakovlev was deducted one point in round one for grabbing the cage.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|24–7–1

|George Sullivan

|KO (punches)

|UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Bader

|{{dts|2016|January|30}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:59

|Newark, New Jersey, United States

|{{small|Return to Welterweight.}}

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 23–7–1

| Gray Maynard

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC Fight Night: Mendes vs. Lamas

| {{dts|2015|April|4}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Fairfax, Virginia, United States

|{{small|Lightweight debut.}}

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 22–7–1

| Nico Musoke

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC Fight Night: Nelson vs. Story

| {{dts|2014|October|4}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Stockholm, Sweden

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 22–6–1

| Demian Maia

| Decision (unanimous)

| The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale: Miocic vs. Maldonado

| {{dts|2014|May|31}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| São Paulo, Brazil

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 22–5–1

| Paul Daley

| Decision (unanimous)

| Legend: Part 2: Invasion

| {{dts|2013|November|8}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Moscow, Russia

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 21–5–1

| Reinaldo da Silva

| Decision (unanimous)

| Fightspirit Championship 1

| {{dts|2013|September|8}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 5:00

| Kolpino, Russia

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 20–5–1

| Murad Abdulaev

| Decision (split)

| M-1 Challenge 38

| {{dts|2013|April|9}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

Alexander Yakovlev (fighter)

Mixed martial arts career

=M-Global=

=Ultimate Fighting Championship=

= Post UFC =

Championships and accomplishments

=Sambo=

=Hand-to-hand combat=

=Freestyle wrestling=

=Grappling=

Mixed martial arts record

Discography

See also

References

External links