Leading up to Bellator 200, a lot of people were talking about the undefeated record of Anastasia Yankova. Russia’s MMA star had won 5 and lost none at Bellator and the betting patterns showed that most had backed her to beat Britain’s Kate Jackson.

Having taken a year out from the sport, Yankova had perhaps left it a bit too long, after taking time out to concentrate on the modelling side of her career. With her long hair and striking features, she has not been short of modelling offers. However, in the MMA world, she has a lot of ground to make up after a shock defeat to Jackson, who was performing in her home country.

From Russia with love (for Xena)

Yankova started off as a kick boxer with a record of 9 wins, 2 defeats. In interviews, she has revealed that Xena Warrior Princess inspired her to take up martial arts. She also often comments on how difficult it is to be a tattooed MMA star in a country like Russia. She is somewhat jealous of the way that the stars from the UK or US are able to be who they want to be, without fear of judgement.

Star of Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjIttxZAzSI/?hl=en&taken-by=anastasia_yankova

A quick look at Anastasia’s Instagram account will show you just how popular she is. With over 235k followers, her pictures are a mix of fighting action shots and glamorous poses showing off her sublime figure. All of that training clearly keeps her in perfect shape and who can blame her for taking on the modelling contracts when they come along?

What next for Yankova?

The direction Yankova’s career will go in now following this surprise defeat, is yet unknown. With many experts in MMA describing her as someone who lacks in the grappling department and who is not as athletic as her opponents, perhaps she will decide to turn more of her attention back to her modelling career. Or perhaps she will come out fighting and take this as motivation to take the MMA world by storm.