Alexander Volkanovski has carved a mythical call in combined martial arts (MMA) and specifically in the UFC’s featherweight division. Known for his relentless aerobic, strategic intelligence, and iron will, Volkanovski has broadly appeared as one of the best featherweights in MMA history.
As fanatics and analysts speak of his journey, preventing style, latest matches, and destiny prospects, Alexander “The Great” stays a focus in sports activities discussions worldwide.
Who is Alexander Volkanovski?
Alexander Volkanovski is an Australian expert combined martial artist presently signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is the previous UFC Featherweight Champion and has competed in more than one division, along with a bold stint at lightweight. Volkanovski is thought of defeating MMA legends like Max Holloway, José Aldo, and Brian Ortega.
Full Name: Alexander Volkanovski
Nickname: The Great
Nationality: Australian
Date of Birth: September 29, 1988
Height: 5’6” (168 cm)
Weight Class: Featherweight (one hundred forty 5 lbs), occasional Lightweight (a hundred and 55 lbs)
Reach: 71.5 inches
Team: Freestyle Fighting Gym
Stance: Orthodox
Early Life and Background
Volkanovski was born in Shellharbour, New South Wales, to a Macedonian father and a Greek mother. His multicultural upbringing became wealthy in discipline, sportsmanship, and tough work. From a younger age, he confirmed a hobby in fight sports activities and athletics. However, earlier than his MMA days, Volkanovski became deeply interested in a completely specific sport—rugby league.
Rugby League Days: A Unique Athletic Beginning
Before MMA, Volkanovski performed semi-expert rugby league and became acknowledged for his explosive velocity and aggression no matter his shorter stature. He performed as a front-rower—a role usually ruled by means of a great deal of large players. Weighing over two hundred kilos on the time, he defied bodily expectancies with sheer willpower.
His history in rugby evolved his intellectual toughness, endurance, and tackling cap potential—developments that later have become important to his MMA style.
Transition to MMA
Volkanovski started out schooling in MMA round 2011, first of all to keep healthy at some stage in the rugby offseason. However, it wasn’t lengthy earlier when he found out his skills in fighting sports activities. He entered the expert MMA scene in 2012 and quickly racked up an outstanding report in Australian nearby promotions earlier than signing with the UFC in 2016.
UFC Journey: From Underdog to Champion
Volkanovski made his UFC debut on November 26, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 101, defeating Yusuke Kasuya by TKO. From there, he went on an undefeated tear, defeating high-profile names and subsequently touching the then-dominant champion Max Holloway.
UFC 245 – Volkanovski vs Holloway I
In December 2019, he beat Holloway through unanimous selection, surprising fanatics and analysts alike together with his tactical hanging and leg kicks.
UFC 251 – Volkanovski vs Holloway II
A debatable cut up selection win observed their rematch, with many fanatics believing Holloway had carried out sufficient to reclaim the title. However, Volkanovski’s approach and resilience proved pivotal as soon as possible.
UFC 276 – Volkanovski vs Holloway III
In their trilogy bout, Volkanovski silenced all doubters with a dominant unanimous selection victory, cementing himself as the advanced fighter in the rivalry.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Volkanovski’s sport is constructed on relentless pace, advanced fight IQ, and adaptive hanging. He employs:
High-extent hanging
Calf kicks to disable fighters’ mobility
Efficient wrestling and floor control
Defensive footwork
Elite aerobic and conditioning
He hardly ever makes the identical mistake two times and adapts properly mid-fight, earning him reward as a relatively cerebral fighter.
Record, Stats, and Achievements
Professional MMA Record (as of April 2025): 26 wins – 4 losses
UFC Featherweight Champion: 2019 – 2024
Notable Wins: Max Holloway (x3), José Aldo, Brian Ortega, Chad Mendes, Korean Zombie
Title Defenses: 5
Fight of the Night Bonuses: Multiple
Volkanovski’s cap potential to keep championship shape throughout more than one fighter speaks volumes about his versatility and elite schooling.
Volkanovski vs Islam Makhachev: Lightweight Challenge
In October 2023 at UFC 294, Volkanovski stepped in on short notice to rematch Islam Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight Title. The end result became a first-spherical knockout loss—an unprecedented second of vulnerability for “The Great.”
Despite the loss, fanatics and commentators praised his braveness to stand a bigger, relatively professional opponent in just 11 days’ word. Volkanovski later admitted he wasn’t in height circumstance however took the fight for the venture and legacy.
Volkanovski’s Losses: What Went Wrong?
Volkanovski’s most mentioned defeats include:
Islam Makhachev I & II – Competitive first bout, however completed in the second. Critics wondered about the selection to take the rematch so quickly.
Ilia Topuria – UFC 298 (Feb 2024): Topuria dethroned Volkanovski with a brutal knockout. This fight raised questions on whether or not age and repeated weight cuts had taken a toll.
Following the loss to Topuria, Volkanovski hinted at taking a spoil and that specialize in his intellectual and bodily health.
Training, Nutrition, and Mentality
Volkanovski trains out of Freestyle Fighting Gym with head educate Joe Lopez. He combines:
Strength and conditioning
Sparring and grappling drills
High-altitude education
Nutrition tailor-made for featherweight cuts
He’s been open about the use of intellectual overall performance coaches and visualization techniques, and he’s well-appeared for his emotional intelligence and humility.
Personal Life and Family
Volkanovski is married to Emma Volkanovski, and they have 3 daughters. Despite his international fame, he continues a grounded, family-first method and frequently highlights his wife’s aid in interviews.
He’s frequently visible returning to Shellharbour to offer lower back to his network and educate with neighborhood fighters.
Volkanovski’s Business Ventures and Media Presence
Alexander Volkanovski has elevated past fighting:
YouTube Channel: “Volkanovski” – consists of vlogs, fight breakdowns, and education footage
Podcast Appearances: Regular visitor on The Joe Rogan Experience, Freestyle TV, and Submission Radio
Brand Collaborations: Deals with Monster Energy, Engage Fightwear, and diverse health & health companies
Streaming & Gaming: An lively gamer and Twitch streamer, attractive fanatics in a completely unique way
Social Media Popularity and Fan Base
As of 2025:
Instagram: 1.5M followers
Twitter/X: 500K+
YouTube: 400K+ subscribers
TikTok: Growing presence with highlights and comedic content
Volkanovski is cherished for being both humble and entertaining—an extraordinary combination in contemporary-day MMA.
Latest News and 2025 Updates
As of April 2025:
Volkanovski is rumored to go back to the octagon later this year.
He has hinted at shifting to light-weight completely or likely taking super-fights.
Talks are ongoing about an ability education position on The Ultimate Fighter or behind-the-scenes UFC roles.
Many fanatics speculate that Volkanovski may also retire in the next 2 years however keep making contributions to the game as a mentor or commentator.
How did Volkanovski lose 12kg in 11 days?
Alexander Volkanovski’s dramatic 12kg (26.5 lbs) weight reduction in 11 days is one of the most talked-approximately moments in latest UFC records, specifically main as much as his brief-be aware fight towards Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 in October 2023.
How much will Volkanovski make?
Alexander Volkanovski earned an assured handbag of $750,000 for his principal occasion bout towards Ilia Topuria at UFC 298, as disclosed through the California State Athletic Commission.
In addition to his base pay, Volkanovski received $42,000 from the UFC’s outfitting partner, Venum, as a part of the Promotional Guidelines Compliance program.
While genuine figures for pay-per-view (PPV) income aren’t publicly disclosed, it is common for UFC champions to earn extra profits primarily based totally on PPV sales. Estimates propose that Volkanovski’s general income for UFC 298 may want to exceed $1 million, factoring in PPV factors and ability discretionary bonuses.
Volkanovski next fight
Alexander Volkanovski’s most recent fight began on April 12, 2025, at UFC 314 in Miami, Florida, in which he confronted Diego Lopes for the vacant UFC Featherweight Championship. Volkanovski secured a unanimous choice victory, reclaiming the name and making records as a two-time featherweight champion.
Volkanovski Net worth
As of April 2025, Alexander Volkanovski’s net worth is anticipated to be between $10 million and $11 million, in line with diverse sources. This wealth has been accrued through an aggregate of his UFC income, endorsement deals, enterprise ventures, and social media presence.
Final Thoughts
Alexander Volkanovski’s adventure from a stocky rugby league participant to a UFC champion is not anything brief or inspirational. With discipline, intelligence, and incessant drive, he overcame bodily negative aspects to dominate one of the UFC’s most aggressive divisions. Though recent setbacks have examined him, his legacy is secure, and fanatics globally wait for what “The Great” has saved subsequently.
FAQs
What befell in the Volkanovski vs Topuria fight?
Volkanovski was knocked out in Round 2 at UFC 298, marking the end of his featherweight reign.
Why did Volkanovski fight Islam Makhachev briefly?
He stepped in because of Charles Oliveira‘s withdrawal, aiming to capture a legacy-defining opportunity.
What is Volkanovski’s net worth in 2025?
Estimated at $3-5 million, which include UFC income, endorsements, and enterprise ventures.
Has Volkanovski retired?
No, however he’s thinking about a transition phase. A very last run at light-weight or featherweight can be in the works.
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