Sultan Tikhaev, better known as Alexander Yakovlev, is a Russian mixed martial artist and rapper. Yakovlev is recognized as an aggressive welterweight competitor who’s competed in the M-1 Global, Pro FC, Shooto Russia, and Bodog Fight promotions. Yakovlev’s martial arts background included training in Sambo and wrestling prior to turning his attention to professional fighting at the age of nineteen. He has earned Master of Sport designations in Sport Sambo, Combat Sambo, Freestyle Wrestling, and Hand-To-Hand-Combat. He is also a musician and has released three rap albums.

He was signed to the UFC in 2014 but would drop his first two fights for the promotion, both by decision to Demian Maia and Nico Musoke. He will got another shot to pick up a win when he faces Gray Maynard at UFC Fight Night 63.