Alexander “The Great”Volkanovski

Alexander Volkanovski is an Australian mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC featherweight division. Born on September 29, 1988, and listed at 5 feet 6 inches, he began training in mixed martial arts in 2011 while playing first-grade rugby league for the Warilla Gorillas and working as a concreter in his family’s business. A former teenage national wrestling champion, he made his professional MMA debut in 2012 and developed at Freestyle Fighting Gym under longtime coach Joe Lopez.

Volkanovski entered the UFC in 2016 and rose through the featherweight division with victories over established contenders including Chad Mendes and José Aldo. He defeated Max Holloway by unanimous decision at UFC 245 on December 14, 2019, to capture the featherweight championship. His first reign included five successful title defenses, highlighted by two additional victories over Holloway and defenses against Brian Ortega, Chan Sung Jung and Yair Rodriguez.

After losing the championship to Ilia Topuria on February 17, 2024, Volkanovski returned to defeat Diego Lopes for the vacant belt at UFC 314 on April 12, 2025, becoming a two-time UFC featherweight champion. He retained the title in a rematch with Lopes on January 31, 2026. As of September 11, 2026, the UFC lists Volkanovski as active and recognizes him as its featherweight titleholder.

Volkanovski’s style combines calculated pressure, sharp boxing, low kicks, feints, footwork and a strong wrestling base. He is known for controlling distance and cage position, changing tactics to fit an opponent and mixing takedowns or clinch work into his striking. That adaptable approach has helped him remain effective across multiple championship reigns.