Prior to the full-scale war, Maxim taught grappling at the academy, having been the 2021 Ukrainian champion in the sport. He was also a bronze medallist at the 2020 European Championships in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a master of sport in pankration and free-fighting.

Yalovtsov was also one of the leaders of the Dynamo Kyiv fan movement.

"The war with the Rashist invaders takes lives of the best sons and daughters of Ukraine... Defending the integrity and independence of our motherland one of the leaders of the fan movement of Kyiv Dynamo Maksym Yalovtsov died at the front. The soul of the company, a loyal comrade, a brave and courageous warrior - this is how his friends and brothers will always remember him. FC Dynamo shares this irreparable loss and expresses sincere condolences to Maksim's family and friends", - the message on the website of FC Dynamo reads.