Alexander Yakovlev

When and why did you start training for fighting? I always wanted to fight; I watched Oleg Taktarov in UFC when I was like 13 years old, and since then I always dreamed of being a UFC fighter.

What ranks and titles have you held? NAGA Expert World Champion

Do you have any heroes? The time has passed for me to have heroes. Now I need to be a hero for someone else.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? For me to fight in UFC, it's like an actor getting a part in a major Hollywood movie. For me to fight Demian Maia in the UFC, it's like getting the starring role in the Hollywood movie.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I have a military college degree in military law and have achieved the rank of Captain. 

What was your job before you started fighting? I have been a professional MMA fighter since I was 18, so I never really did anything else.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? I have earned Master of Sport designations in Sport Sambo, Combat Sambo, Freestyle Wrestling, and Hand-To-Hand-Combat.