Alexander Yevgenyevich Volkov Bio
Alexander Yevgenyevich Volkov is a Russian professional mixed martial artist born on October 24, 1988, in Moscow, Russia. He competes in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and has been active since 2009. Volkov is a former heavyweight champion in both M-1 Global and Bellator MMA promotions and is currently ranked #2 in the UFC heavyweight rankings as of June 24, 2025.
Early Life and Background
Born in Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union, Alexander Volkov began his journey in martial arts at a young age. He holds a 3rd dan black belt in Tsu Shin Gen, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and a brown belt in Kyokushin Karate, reflecting a diverse and disciplined martial arts background. Volkov’s height of 201 cm and reach of 203 cm have been significant assets in his fighting style.
Residing in Moscow, Russia, Volkov developed his skills in striking and grappling, which laid the foundation for his professional career. His early training emphasized standup striking, utilizing his reach and powerful kicks to control fights from a distance.
Path to MMA
Volkov began his professional MMA career in 2009, quickly making a name for himself in the M-1 Global promotion. His debut fight was a swift TKO victory, showcasing his striking prowess. Early in his career, he experienced both victories and setbacks, including a submission loss that helped him refine his ground game.
His progression through regional tournaments and notable wins against tough opponents earned him opportunities to compete at higher levels. Volkov’s transition to Bellator MMA marked a significant step, where he continued to build his reputation and eventually captured the Bellator Heavyweight Championship.
Alexander Volkov Career
Early Career (2009–2012)
Alexander Volkov’s professional debut occurred in April 2009 with M-1 Global, where he quickly demonstrated his striking ability by winning his first two fights via TKO in under two minutes combined. Despite an early submission loss, he rebounded with a series of wins, including a unanimous decision victory over Ibragim Magomedov that earned him recognition and an M-1 Global ring for exceptional performance.
Volkov competed in the M-1 Eastern European tournament and other regional events, gaining valuable experience and honing his skills. His early career was marked by rapid development and a growing reputation as a formidable heavyweight contender.
Bellator MMA Breakthrough (2012–2015)
In 2012, Volkov signed with Bellator MMA and made his U.S. debut in the Bellator Season Seven Heavyweight Tournament. He advanced through the tournament with decisive victories, including a unanimous decision over Brett Rogers and a TKO win against Vinicius Queiroz. Volkov captured the Bellator Heavyweight Championship by defeating Richard Hale via unanimous decision in the tournament final.
Volkov’s reign as Bellator champion was challenged by Vitaly Minakov, to whom he lost the title via first-round TKO. He continued competing in Bellator with notable wins, including a spectacular knockout of Mighty Mo and a submission victory over Blagoy Ivanov, before experiencing consecutive losses that led to his release from the promotion.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2016–Present)
Volkov signed with the UFC in 2016, debuting with a controversial split decision win over Timothy Johnson. He quickly established himself as a top contender with wins over Roy Nelson, Stefan Struve, and former UFC heavyweight champion Fabrício Werdum, earning Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses.
Volkov has faced elite competition, including Derrick Lewis, Alistair Overeem, and Ciryl Gane, with mixed results. Notable victories include a technical knockout over Walt Harris and a rare Ezekiel choke submission against Tai Tuivasa, making him the second fighter in UFC history to finish a fight with this technique. As of 2025, Volkov remains a top-ranked heavyweight with a record of 39 wins and 11 losses.
Driving Style and Strengths
Volkov is primarily a standup striker who leverages his height and reach advantage to control distance. He is known for his patient, technical boxing and powerful body kicks. His striking strategy emphasizes accuracy and timing, often wearing down opponents before delivering fight-ending strikes. His black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Tsu Shin Gen complement his standup skills, making him a well-rounded fighter.
Notable Events and Milestones
Volkov’s career highlights include winning heavyweight titles in both M-1 Global and Bellator MMA, earning multiple UFC performance bonuses, and executing one of the rarest submissions in UFC history with an Ezekiel choke. His fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 310 was a closely contested bout that ended in a controversial split decision loss, drawing significant attention and discussion within the MMA community.
Alexander Volkov Career Wins
Alexander Volkov has amassed 39 professional wins across multiple top-tier MMA promotions. His victories span knockouts, submissions, and decisions, reflecting his versatility and skill set in the heavyweight division.
M-1 Global Highlights
Volkov began his professional journey in M-1 Global, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become the heavyweight champion. His early wins by TKO and submission set the stage for his later success on the international MMA scene.
Bellator MMA Highlights
Volkov’s tenure in Bellator was marked by capturing the heavyweight championship and defending it against top contenders. His knockout of Mighty Mo and submission of Blagoy Ivanov stand out as career-defining moments in the promotion.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
In the UFC, Volkov has recorded significant wins over former champions and top contenders. His knockout of Fabrício Werdum and submission of Tai Tuivasa are among his most notable UFC victories. He continues to compete at the highest level in the heavyweight division.
Alexander Volkov Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Alexander Volkov’s family background are not publicly available. His focus remains primarily on his professional MMA career.
Personal Life
Volkov resides in Moscow, Russia. Information about his marital status or children is not publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Alexander Volkov remains a key figure in the UFC heavyweight division. He secured a split decision win over Jailton Almeida at UFC 321, demonstrating his resilience and skill against rising contenders. Despite a recent controversial split decision loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC 310, Volkov continues to be a top-ranked heavyweight with strong prospects for future title contention.
Volkov’s partnership with the Strela Team and his continued development in striking and grappling techniques position him well for the ongoing competitive landscape. His experience and technical prowess make him a formidable opponent in the heavyweight division as the 2025 season progresses.