Alexander Volkanovsky

Alexander Volkanovski: The Australian UFC Featherweight Champion and Dominant Force in MMA

Alexander "The Great" Volkanovski, born September 29, 1988 in Shellharbour, Australia, is the reigning UFC Featherweight Champion and one of the most dominant fighters in the featherweight division. Volkanovski is known for his explosive power, excellent fight intelligence and versatile skill set, which has allowed him to defeat some of the biggest names in the sport. He is a versatile athlete who began his career as a professional rugby player before transitioning to MMA, where he established himself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

Early Life and Transition to MMA

Before discovering MMA, Volkanovski had a successful career in rugby league, where despite being one of the smallest players, he excelled due to his speed, strength and endurance. He took up MMA at the age of 22, combining his rugby experience with martial arts training to develop a unique, physically powerful fighting style.

Volkanovski’s strong background in high-level sports gave him a solid foundation for his MMA career. He began dominating the regional circuits in Australia before making his UFC debut in 2016.

UFC Career and Championship

Volkanovski made his UFC debut in November 2016 and quickly gained attention with his aggressive style and versatile fighting skills. He has built an impressive winning streak against elite opponents such as Chad Mendes and José Aldo, eventually earning him a shot at the UFC featherweight title against then-champion Max Holloway.

In December 2019, at UFC 245, Volkanovski defeated Holloway via unanimous decision to become the new UFC Featherweight Champion. He repeated his success in a rematch with Holloway in July 2020 at UFC 251, where he again won, this time via split decision.

Volkanovski has successfully defended his title against some of the best fighters in the division, including Brian Ortega in an epic bout at UFC 266 in September 2021, where he survived what seemed like an almost inevitable submission from Ortega to ultimately win the fight.

Style and Technique

Alexander Volkanovski is a versatile fighter who excels in both striking and grappling. His strengths lie in his excellent footwork, quick combinations and powerful punches, while he is also skilled in wrestling and ground fighting. He has the power and explosiveness to overpower opponents, and his ability to control fights with his tactical approach makes him a formidable opponent in any situation.

One of the hallmarks of Volkanovski's style is his ability to adapt to his opponents and change his strategy during the fight. This makes him unpredictable and difficult to beat. He is also known for his strong defensive skills, including his ability to escape from dangerous submissions, as seen in his fight against Ortega.

Influence and Legacy

Volkanovski is widely regarded as one of the best featherweights of all time. His string of victories against top opponents and his ability to defend his title against some of the most dangerous fighters in the division have established him as a dominant force in the UFC.

His strong work ethic, intelligence in the cage, and humble demeanor outside the ring make him a beloved fighter with fans and a role model for many up-and-coming fighters. Volkanovski's success has been an inspiration to many Australian fighters and has helped to promote MMA in Australia and the wider region.

Future Ambitions

Volkanovski has already hinted that he may consider a move down to lightweight to take on a new challenge and potentially become a double champion. His dominance in the featherweight division has put him in the conversation as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and he is determined to continue building his legacy.

Conclusion

Alexander Volkanovski is one of the most dominant and versatile fighters in UFC history. With his impressive winning streak, ability to adapt to opponents, and strong mental and physical resilience, he has cemented himself as one of the greatest featherweights of all time. His future in both the feather and potentially lightweight divisions looks bright, and his legacy in the sport will continue to grow as he continues his dominance.