Anastasia Yankova


Anastasia Yankova is a Russian mixed martial artist and competes in Flyweight division of the Bellator MMA.

Background

Yankova was born in Moscow, Russia. She started training in Kyokushin Karate from the age of six to fourteen, inspired by childhood fascination with "" on TV. She took a few years break from training to concentrate in school and getting into college. She started her training in Muay Thai after a Muay Thai coach at her fitness gym invited her to join his Muay Thai class, and not long after, she started competing in kickboxing tournaments. She later transitioned into MMA after being a Muay Thai Champion. She often trains at American Kickboxing Academy in Thailand.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Yankova has two professional MMA fights in Russia prior joining Bellator with the record of 2-0. Yankova's MMA debut came under, a promotion branded with neo-Nazi symbols.

Bellator MMA

Yankova made her Bellator MMA debut on April 16, 2016 at Bellator 152 in Torino, Italy. She faced Anjela Pink and submitted Pink via armbar in round one.
On September 16, 2016, Yankova faced Veta Arteaga at Bellator 161 on a catchweight bout. She edged out Arteaga with a split decision win.
Yankova faced the Greek fighter, Elina Kallionidou, in a catchweight bout at Bellator 176 on April 8, 2017 in Torino, Italy. After three rounds of battle, judges awarded the win to Yankova with the score card of.
Yankova faced Kate Jackson on May 25, 2018 for the Bellator 200 event at Wembley Arena. She lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Personal life

Yankova is sponsored by Nike and she was featured in Nike Russian "Made of..." sales campaign short film.

Mixed martial arts record