Australian · Shellharbour, Australia · Born 29 September 1988Dominant featherweight regarded among the greatest in the division's history, reclaimed the title in 2025 after losing it in 2024.
Alexander Volkanovski was born on 29 September 1988 in Shellharbour, New South Wales, Australia, of North Macedonian and Greek heritage, and won a national Greco-Roman wrestling title at 12 before giving up the sport at 14 to focus on rugby league as a front-row forward. He worked as a concreter after graduating from Lake Illawarra High School. Volkanovski, nicknamed "The Great," turned professional in mixed martial arts in 2012, and developed into one of the finest pound-for-pound fighters in UFC history despite standing just 5 feet 6 inches, training at Auckland's City Kickboxing under coach Eugene Bareman. Volkanovski won the UFC Featherweight Championship in 2019, defeating Max Holloway, becoming the first Australian-born fighter to win a UFC title, and defended it successfully multiple times while also challenging twice for the lightweight championship against Islam Makhachev. Volkanovski lost his featherweight title to Ilia Topuria in 2024 before reclaiming it later that year, continuing to compete at the top of the men's pound-for-pound rankings, and remains one of the most respected and technically complete champions in the sport's history.
First Australian-born UFC champion
How They Played
Volkanovski employs a pressure-heavy style built around excellent cardio, wrestling, and striking combinations. His low center of gravity and compact frame allow him to close distance effectively while maintaining strong takedown defense. He excels at mixing striking with grappling threats, using volume punching and leg kicks to break down opponents over five rounds.
Lasting Impact
Volkanovski established himself as one of the most dominant featherweight champions in UFC history and helped elevate Australian MMA on the global stage.
Career Honours
- UFC Featherweight Champion 2019-2024, regained 2025
Australian Athletes