Career
Yakovlev is recognized as an aggressive welterweight competitor who competed in the M-1 Global, ProFC, Shooto Russia, and Bodog Fight promotions. Yakovlev’s martial arts background included training in Sambo and Freestyle Wrestling prior to turning his attention to professional fighting at the age of nineteen. He is currently fighting in the welterweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Yakovlev is managed by Murat Keshtov and Doug Wilson.
He currently trains with Albert Tumenov, Alexander Keshtov, Rustam Chsiev, Khusein Khaliev in K Dojo Warrior Tribe. M-Global
At the age of 19, Alexander made his professional Mobile Marketing Association 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. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Yakovlev faced Murad Abdulaev on April 9, 2013 at M-1 Challenge 38.
Yakovlev faced UFC veteran Paul Daley on November 8, 2013 at Legend 2. 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. However, on April 9, Yakovlev was moved to the The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale card as he replaced an injured Mike Pierce against Demian Maia.
He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Yakovlev fought Nico Musoke on October 4, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 53. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Yakovlev next dropped to the Lightweight division and faced Gray Maynard on April 4, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 63. Yakovlev faced George Sullivan in the Welterweight at UFC on Fox 18 on January 30, 2016.
Hand-to-hand combat
Russian Union of Martial Arts
Medalist Russian Hand-to-hand combat Championships
Russian National Champion
Sambo
Russian Combat Sambo Federation
Medalist Russian Sambo Championship
Freestyle Wrestling
All-Russian Wrestling Federation
Medalist of Freestyle Wrestling National Tournament.