Yelena Makoyed's Three Favorite Matches

Get to know Yelena Makoyed before her match against Jesaphine Lee at the NWCA All-Star Classic. Makoyed picks three of her best matches so far.

Nov 10, 2022 by Kyle Klingman

Yelena Makoyed won three international ranking tournaments in 2022, which places her near the top of FloWrestling's pound-for-pound women's college rankings. She is also a two-time NCWWC (NCAA) champion and a three-time finalist.

Makoyed will take on Jesaphine Lee at the NWCA All-Star Classic on November 22. Makoyed picked out three of her favorite matches and provided brief comments on why each was important to her career.

Nov 23, 2022, 1:00 AM UTC

2022 NWCA All-Star Classic

2022 Matteo Pellicone: Makoyed vs Epp Mae (EST)

I was down by a point with nine seconds to go but hope was not lost. This match demonstrates the chaotic nature of wrestling -- two people trying to impose their will on each other; my coach scrambling to towel me off with his shirt (we forgot to grab a towel); the panic in the eyes of my opponent in the eighth minute; and the outcome flipped in a matter of nine seconds. (Note: Mae is a Senior World silver medalist).

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Zouhaier Sghaier Gold Medal Match: Makoyed vs Dymond Guilford (USA)

This was a redeeming match for me. I was tired of losing to the same person over and over again. I knew I was better. I made the adjustments and told myself I wasn't going to lose again. My movement and body awareness in this match are immaculate. I came off the mat knowing I gave my all and I was incredibly proud of myself, even if I only won by a takedown.

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Matteo Pellicone Semifinals: Makoyed vs Catalina Axente (ROU)

When I was at Final X this summer, I met the legend himself: John Smith. After being exposed, I began to study him out, specifically his notorious low single. I ended up hitting the low single in this match a few times and it has been one of my top moves since. Thanks, John.