Career Earnings: $7.3 Million
Age: 35
DOB: 29 September 1988,
Birthplace: Wollongong, NSW, Australia
The world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a dynamic and fiercely competitive one, so anybody who rises to the top should be seen as a force to be reckoned with.
Australian born Alexander Volkanovski is one such individual, who despite being just 5 foot 6 has enjoyed tremendous success in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Along the way he has started to accrue significant career earnings. Here is his story so far.
Early Life and Sporting Beginnings
Volkanovski’s has always been a lover of sport and his introduction to it in a competitive sense came through Greco-Roman wrestling initially, where he won a national titled at the age of 12. He also played rugby league semi-professionally for the Warilla Gorillas.
Despite thriving in these codes, fate had different plans for him. In 2010, a career-threatening injury forced him to reconsider his future in rugby, leading him to discover a passion for MMA.
Transition to Mixed Martial Arts
Volkanovski’s transition to MMA marked not just a change of sports, but also charted a path towards success and accruing a significant net worth.
Training under the tutelage of Joe Lopez at the Freestyle Fighting Gym, Volkanovski quickly adapted to the diverse skill set required to excel in MMA. His background in rugby provided a solid foundation of strength and conditioning, which he complemented with the technical aspects of striking and grappling.
Regional Success
Alexander Volkanovski made his professional MMA debut in 2012, and it didn’t take long for him to make an impact on the regional circuit. Competing primarily in the Australian Fighting Championship (AFC) and Hex Fight Series, he compiled an impressive record and established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the featherweight division.
During this period, Volkanovski showcased his well-rounded skill set, combining powerful striking with relentless grappling. His ability to dictate the pace of a fight and adapt to various opponents gave him a distinct advantage.
It wasn’t long before the Australian MMA community took notice and Volkanovski’s reputation started to grow.
UFC Debut and Early Success
In November 2016, Alexander Volkanovski received the call that every aspiring MMA fighter dreams of – an invitation to join the UFC roster.
Taking the opportunity with both hands, he made his debut against Yusuke Kasuya at UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Brunson. Volkanovski wasted no time in announcing his arrival, securing an impressive second-round TKO victory that turned heads.
Over his next few fights, he continued to dominate opponents in the featherweight division, until it became evident that Volkanovski should be considered a legitimate contender. His impressive performances against the likes of Chad Mendes and Darren Elkins caught the attention of fans and pundits, clearing a path for a genuine shot at the title.
Featherweight Champion
Volkanovski’s defining moment came on December 14, 2019, at UFC 245 when he faced the long-reigning featherweight champion, Max Holloway. In a bout that went the distance, Volkanovski displayed his technical prowess, mixing striking with effective grappling to secure a unanimous decision victory. With this win, he became the UFC Featherweight Champion.
The rematch against Holloway at UFC 251, which Volkanovski also won in a highly competitive bout, solidified his status as a featherweight champion.
Champion Mindset and Work Ethic
What sets Alexander Volkanovski apart from his rivals is not just his physical stature and abilities but also his champion mindset and work ethic.
Known for his relentless training regimen and dedication to improvement, he embodies the essence of a true athlete. Undoutbedly, Volkanovski’s commitment to perfection and continuous evolution as a fighter has contributed significantly to his success in the octagon.
Outside the Octagon
Despite being aggressive and ruthless in the cage, Volkanovski is widely admired for his humility and sportsmanship. Whether interacting with fans, fellow fighters, or the media, he remains grounded and approachable.
In addition, Volkanovski’s positive attitude and resilience in the face of challenges have endeared him to a global audience, earning him the respect of those who love the sport and putting Australia on the map as a force within it.
Personal Life
Volkanovski is married to his high school sweetheart, Emma, who he started dating at the age of 16. They got married in 2012 and now have three daughters.
Due to having a Macdonian father and Greek mother he often adopts the nickname of ‘The Great’, in honour of Alexander The Great, who had similar parental heritage. Volkanovski runs his own YouTube channel and also also appeared on an amateur MMA reality show called Malaysia Invasion as a coach.
Conclusion
Although his career is far from over, Alexander Volkanovski will go down in MMA as a true champion. In Australia he has helped increase the profile of the sport, while on the global stage he is an ambassador for his country.
For a small guy, he has an excellent form and terrific skill set. However, with time catching up to him, fans of the sport should make every effort to enjoy his performances within it, before he calls it a day.