Photos – The Anastasia Yankova Story

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Anastasia Yankova (born March 1, 1991) is a Russian mixed martial artist and competes in Flyweight division of the Bellator MMA.

Yankova was born in Moscow, Russia.

She started training in Kyokushin Karate from the age of six to fourteen, inspired by childhood fascination with “Xena: Warrior princess” 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 (AKA) in Thailand.

Yankova has two professional MMA fights in Russia prior joining Bellator with the record of 2-0.

Yankova’s MMA debut came under White Rex, a promotion branded with neo-Nazi symbols.

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

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.

Image Courtesy –  Anastasia Yankova (Instagram)