Volkan Oezdemir Bio
Volkan Oezdemir is a Swiss professional mixed martial artist and former kickboxer born on September 19, 1989. He competes in the Light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and has been active professionally since 2010. Known by his ring name “No Time,” Oezdemir has built a reputation for his striking power and competitive spirit in the MMA world.
Early Life and Background
Volkan Oezdemir was born in Fribourg, Switzerland, in the French-speaking region of the country. His father is ethnically Kurdish from Turkey, and his mother is Swiss. Growing up in Switzerland, Oezdemir developed an interest in combat sports early on. He trained in kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu before transitioning fully into mixed martial arts. His early exposure to various fighting styles laid the foundation for his versatile skill set.
Oezdemir befriended notable fighter Alistair Overeem during training sessions in the Netherlands at the Golden Glory gym, which influenced his development as a fighter. This connection helped him gain valuable experience and insight into professional fighting.
Path to MMA
Oezdemir began his professional combat sports career as a kickboxer, competing in the heavyweight division of the Superkombat Fighting Championship, Europe’s largest kickboxing promotion. He maintained an undefeated record in professional kickboxing before fully committing to mixed martial arts in 2010.
Transitioning to MMA, Oezdemir quickly made a name for himself with an undefeated 9–0 record before signing with Bellator MMA. His early success in regional circuits demonstrated his potential and readiness for higher levels of competition.
Volkan Oezdemir Career
Early Career (2010–2013)
Volkan Oezdemir made his professional MMA debut in 2010. Over the next few years, he compiled an impressive undefeated streak of nine wins, showcasing his striking and grappling abilities. This early success earned him a contract with Bellator MMA, one of the premier MMA organizations globally.
At Bellator 105 in October 2013, Oezdemir made his promotional debut with a first-round TKO victory over Josh Lanier. However, after a loss at Bellator 115 via submission, he parted ways with the promotion to pursue other opportunities.
UFC Breakthrough (2017–Present)
Oezdemir signed with the UFC in 2017 and made an immediate impact. He debuted as a short-notice replacement against Ovince St. Preux, winning by split decision. His striking prowess was on full display in subsequent fights, including a knockout victory over Misha Cirkunov in just 28 seconds and a first-round knockout of Jimi Manuwa, which earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.
His rapid rise led to a title shot against then-champion Daniel Cormier at UFC 220 in January 2018. Although he lost via TKO in the second round, Oezdemir remained a top contender in the light heavyweight division. He continued to face elite competition, earning notable wins and enduring tough losses, demonstrating resilience and skill throughout.
Oezdemir has fought for several top teams, including Golden Glory, Blackzilians, Fight Move Academy, Kill Cliff FC, and currently trains with Allstars Training Center. His career highlights include multiple Performance of the Night awards and a reputation for explosive striking and toughness inside the cage.
Driving Style and Strengths
Volkan Oezdemir fights with an orthodox stance and is known for his powerful striking and knockout ability. His reach of 191 cm and height of 185 cm give him physical advantages in the light heavyweight division. Oezdemir combines aggressive striking with solid grappling skills, making him a well-rounded fighter. His strategic approach and ability to finish fights quickly have been key to his success.
Notable Events and Milestones
Oezdemir’s UFC debut and rapid ascent to a title shot are among his career milestones. His knockout wins over top-ranked opponents and multiple Performance of the Night bonuses highlight his impact in the division. Despite setbacks, he has remained a consistent presence in the UFC light heavyweight rankings, currently positioned at number nine as of November 2024.
Volkan Oezdemir Career Wins
Volkan Oezdemir has accumulated a total of 21 professional MMA wins out of 29 fights. His victories include knockouts, submissions, and decisions, reflecting his versatility and finishing ability across different fight scenarios.
UFC Highlights
Since joining the UFC, Oezdemir has secured several notable wins, including quick knockouts against Misha Cirkunov and Jimi Manuwa. His first UFC win came against Ovince St. Preux by split decision. His most recent UFC victory was a first-round knockout against Johnny Walker in June 2024, which earned him another Performance of the Night award. Oezdemir has competed in multiple high-profile bouts, including a title fight and matchups against top contenders.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to the UFC, Oezdemir competed in Bellator and regional MMA promotions, where he built an undefeated record. He also holds a 5–0 record in professional kickboxing, competing in the heavyweight division of Superkombat Fighting Championship. These experiences contributed to his striking skills and competitive edge.
Volkan Oezdemir Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Volkan Oezdemir’s father is ethnically Kurdish from Turkey, and his mother is Swiss. This multicultural background has influenced his identity and career. There is no public information about a family lineage in combat sports beyond his own achievements.
Personal Life
Oezdemir resides in Fribourg, Switzerland. Details about his marital status or children are not publicly available. He maintains a professional focus on his MMA career.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Volkan Oezdemir is scheduled to continue competing in the UFC light heavyweight division. His recent performances, including a knockout win in 2024, suggest he remains a formidable contender. Oezdemir’s experience and training with Allstars Training Center position him well to pursue further success. The upcoming season will be critical for maintaining his ranking and potentially positioning himself for another title opportunity.