Alexander Volkanovski Bio
Alexander Volkanovski (born 29 September 1988) is an Australian professional mixed martial artist competing in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is the current and two-time UFC Featherweight Champion and the first Australian-born fighter to win a UFC title. Volkanovski is widely regarded as one of the greatest Featherweights of all time.
Early Life and Background
Alexander Volkanovski was born in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. His father hails from the village of Beranci in what is now North Macedonia, while his mother is from Greece. He began training in Greco-Roman wrestling at an early age, winning national titles twice by age 12. At 14, he shifted focus from wrestling to rugby league, playing as a front rower during his teenage years.
Volkanovski attended Lake Illawarra High School and worked as a concreter after graduation. He played semi-professional rugby league for the Warilla Gorillas, earning the Mick Cronin Medal in 2010 as the league’s best player and contributing to the team’s 2011 premiership win. At 23, he decided to pursue a career in mixed martial arts, having been a UFC fan since childhood.
He began training in MMA at age 22, initially competing as a middleweight amateur before moving down to welterweight, lightweight, and ultimately featherweight. Volkanovski is known for his powerful counter striking and offensive wrestling skills. He trains primarily at Freestyle Fighting Gym in Wollongong and regularly camps at Tiger Muay Thai and City Kickboxing in Auckland.
Path to MMA
Volkanovski started his amateur MMA career with a 4–0 record before turning professional in 2012. He fought in various organizations across Oceania and Asia, capturing the Pacific Xtreme Combat title and two Australian Fighting Championship Featherweight titles. Prior to joining the UFC, he amassed a professional record of 13–1 with a 10-fight winning streak.
His early success in regional promotions showcased his well-rounded skill set and readiness for the global stage. Volkanovski’s transition to the UFC marked a significant step up in competition, where he aimed to establish himself among the world’s elite featherweights.
Alexander Volkanovski Career
Early Career (2012–2016)
Volkanovski began his professional MMA career in 2012, competing primarily in the middleweight division as he adjusted from his rugby league weight. He quickly demonstrated his versatility by moving through weight classes, eventually settling at featherweight. During this period, he won multiple regional titles and built a reputation as a tough, strategic fighter.
His early career was marked by steady improvement and notable victories in the Pacific Xtreme Combat and Australian Fighting Championship promotions. These accomplishments set the stage for his UFC debut in late 2016.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2016–Present)
Alexander Volkanovski made his UFC debut on November 26, 2016, with a second-round TKO victory over Yusuke Kasuya. Shortly after, he announced his move from lightweight to featherweight, where he would find his greatest success. Volkanovski quickly climbed the featherweight ranks with wins over notable opponents including Mizuto Hirota, Chad Mendes, and former champion José Aldo.
Volkanovski captured the UFC Featherweight Championship on December 14, 2019, by defeating Max Holloway via unanimous decision at UFC 245. He successfully defended the title multiple times, including rematches against Holloway and a unanimous decision win over Brian Ortega at UFC 266, a bout praised for his resilience and tactical prowess.
In 2022, Volkanovski continued his dominance by defeating Chan Sung Jung via fourth-round TKO and winning a trilogy fight against Holloway with a unanimous decision. He briefly moved up to lightweight in 2023 to challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight Championship but lost via unanimous decision. Returning to featherweight, he unified the title against interim champion Yair Rodríguez with a third-round TKO at UFC 290.
Volkanovski’s career has been highlighted by his adaptability, strategic fight IQ, and relentless pressure. His training with City Kickboxing and Tiger Muay Thai, alongside top UFC fighters, has been integral to his success.
Driving Style and Strengths
Volkanovski fights from an orthodox stance and is known for his exceptional cardio, precise striking, and strong wrestling base. His ability to control the pace and adapt mid-fight makes him a formidable opponent across all facets of MMA. His partnership with coaches at City Kickboxing has refined his tactical approach and fight preparation.
Notable Events and Milestones
Volkanovski is the first Australian-born UFC champion and has earned multiple Fight of the Night awards, including bouts against Chad Mendes and Brian Ortega. He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has been recognized for his performances with Fight of the Night honors in 2021 and 2023. His trilogy with Max Holloway and title unification against Yair Rodríguez are considered career-defining moments.
Alexander Volkanovski Career Wins
Alexander Volkanovski has compiled an impressive professional record of 27 wins and 4 losses. His victories include 3 knockouts, 3 submissions, and 21 decisions, reflecting his well-rounded skill set and tactical fighting style.
UFC Highlights
Volkanovski’s UFC career features multiple title wins and defenses in the featherweight division. His first UFC title win came in 2019 against Max Holloway, followed by successful defenses against top contenders. His most recent featherweight title win was a unanimous decision victory over Diego Lopes at UFC 314 in 2025. Volkanovski’s fights often showcase his endurance and strategic execution, earning him accolades and fan admiration.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Volkanovski secured regional titles in Pacific Xtreme Combat and Australian Fighting Championship promotions. He also holds a professional boxing win by unanimous decision. These early successes laid the foundation for his rise to the top of the featherweight division.
Alexander Volkanovski Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Volkanovski’s heritage includes Macedonian and Greek roots, which he honors through his nickname “The Great,” referencing Alexander the Great. This cultural background is a source of pride and identity for him throughout his career.
Personal Life
Alexander Volkanovski is married to Emma Volkanovski since October 2012. The couple has three daughters: Ariana (born 2015), Arlie (born 2017), and Reign (born 2023). They are expecting a fourth daughter as of 2025. Volkanovski balances his professional career with family life and has also ventured into media, including a cooking show on his YouTube channel.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Alexander Volkanovski continued to solidify his legacy as UFC Featherweight Champion. He reclaimed the vacant title by defeating Diego Lopes via unanimous decision at UFC 314, earning Fight of the Night honors. At 36 years old, he became the first male UFC fighter between flyweight and lightweight divisions to win a title over the age of 35. Volkanovski is scheduled to defend his title in a rematch against Lopes at UFC 325 in early 2026, maintaining his position as a dominant force in the featherweight division.