Alexander Yakovlev Signs with The UFC

Alexander Yakovlev Signs with The UFC
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

The Russian craze continues with Alexander Yakovlev becoming the latest Eastern European fighter to join the UFC on a 6 fight deal. Yakovlev's manager Doug Robert today confirmed the signing with Kingdom MMA, warning the UFC's welterweights to be ready:

"Yakovlev is ready to fight the best to be the best" Robert said. "Watch out for the Bad Boy from Russia."

Born in Veliky Novgorod one of the oldest cities in Russia, Yakovlev spent his childhood dreaming of becoming an Olympic wrestler, until he watched a video of fellow Russian Oleg Taktarov defeating Tank Abbott at UFC 6 to become a UFC tournament champion.

A pro for over 9 years, Yakovlev rose to international attention in November when he defeated renowned knockout artist Paul Daley by unanimous decision at Legends 2, and immediate set his sites on joining the UFC. Speaking to Kingdom MMA earlier this month, the Russian said:

'All fighters dream of [being] in the UFC and I'm no exception. It's the best organisation in the world and there are gathered the best of the best.'

I don't like to talk big, but I can say for sure if I'm selected, I will do my best to become the champion!' 

At 21-4 the Russian with 16 finishes to his name - 8 by TKO & 8 by submission, Yakovlev has got his wish, and joins fellow Russians Khabib Nurmagomedov, Rustam Khabilov, Ali Bagautinov and Omari Akhmedov in the UFC.

Yakovlev becomes the second fighter to join the UFC today, with Joe Ellenberger - twin brother to Jake, also signing with the promotion. No date has been set yet for Yakovlev's UFC debut, however with a minimum of 6 European cards planned for 2014, its likely we could Yakovlev could debut on one of these cards.

Stay tuned to KingdomMMA.co.uk for all your latest UFC news.