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Bellator’s Anastasia Yankova Recognizes Responsibility That Comes with Promotional Push
- Updated: September 13, 2016
As Anastasia Yankova’s second Bellator foray approaches, the Russian fighter has figured prominently into the California-based promotion’s marketing campaign.Whether it’s a presence on social media or showing her face at the organization’s numerous events around the globe, the Russian muay Thai champion is becoming a well-known figure despite having just one Bellator bout under her belt thus far. “I’m seeing the results of Bellator’s promotion already. I’m going into my second fight in Bellator, but I have people showing up at the gym with my pictures wanting me to sign them,” Yankova told Sherdog.com through a translator. “There are people recognizing me at the airport, just in random places. “[Recently] we went to do medicals and all the girls at the doctor’s office wanted to take pictures. Not just to take pictures but because they actually knew me and they were excited to see me,” she continued. “Obviously all this work that they’re putting into it is paying off really fast. I’m honored, I’m flattered, I’m overwhelmed. But it also brings a lot of responsibility on my part, which the only way I can show is by training and fighting hard.” If Yankova continues to win, her combination of looks and fighting prowess could help her follow in the footsteps of her MMA idol, Gina Carano, the former Strikeforce and EliteXC star who left the sport to pursue an acting career when Hollywood beckoned. Yankova has no …
