Alexander Volkanovski: The Australian MMA Sensation

Alexander Volkanovski is a name that has become synonymous with excellence in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Hailing from Australia, this talented fighter has made waves in the UFC featherweight division with his impressive skills and determination. In this article, we’ll delve into the life and career of Alexander Volkanovski, exploring his background, training, and achievements in the world of MMA.

Early Life and Background

Alexander Volkanovski was born on September 29, 1988, in Shellharbour, New South Wales, Australia. Growing up, he was always interested in sports, playing rugby and basketball in his youth. However, it wasn’t until he was 18 years old that he discovered his true passion for MMA.

Volkanovski began training in martial arts at the age of 18, starting with Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He quickly fell in love with the sport and began competing in local tournaments. Over the next few years, he racked up an impressive record of 12 wins and 2 losses in the amateur circuit.

Career in MMA

Volkanovski made his professional MMA debut in 2012, winning his first fight via submission. He continued to compete in various regional promotions, building up a reputation as a formidable fighter. In 2016, he signed with the UFC, making his debut against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 207.

Since joining the UFC, Volkanovski has been on a tear, racking up an impressive record of 13 wins and 3 losses. He has faced some of the toughest opponents in the featherweight division, including Max Holloway, Brian Ortega, and Islam Makhachev.

Title Reign and Achievements

In 2019, Volkanovski faced off against Max Holloway for the UFC Featherweight Championship. He won the fight via split decision, becoming the new champion. Volkanovski went on to defend his title successfully against Brian Ortega and Islam Makhachev, solidifying his position as one of the best featherweight fighters in the world.

In addition to his achievements in the UFC, Volkanovski has also received numerous accolades for his performances. He was awarded the UFC Featherweight Championship belt in 2019 and has been named the UFC Featherweight Fighter of the Year twice.

Training and Fighting Style

Volkanovski is known for his well-rounded fighting style, which combines elements of wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and boxing. He is a skilled grappler, with a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and is also a formidable striker. Volkanovski’s ability to control fights and dictate the pace has earned him the nickname “The Great.”

When it comes to training, Volkanovski is known for his intense and dedicated approach. He trains out of the renowned Australian MMA gym, Tiger Muay Thai, and works with some of the best coaches and training partners in the world.

Personal Life and Interests

Outside of MMA, Volkanovski is a family man and enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He is also a passionate supporter of various charitable organizations, including the Starlight Children’s Foundation and the Australian Children’s Music Foundation.

Volkanovski is also known for his love of rugby and has even played professionally in the past. He has stated that he would have pursued a career in rugby if he hadn’t found MMA.

Trivia and Fun Facts

Here are a few fun facts about Alexander Volkanovski:

• Volkanovski’s nickname, “The Great,” was given to him by his coach, Joe Lopez, due to his impressive skills and dominance in the featherweight division.
• Volkanovski is the first Australian fighter to win a UFC championship belt.
• Volkanovski has a pet kangaroo named “Roo.”
• Volkanovski has a tattoo of the Australian flag on his back
• Alexander Volkanovski’s height is 5’6″ (168 cm), and he competes in the featherweight division, which has a weight limit of 145 pounds (65.8 kg).
• Volkanovski’s reach is 70.5 inches (179 cm), which is slightly above average for a featherweight fighter.
• Volkanovski’s most notable victory to date is his win over Max Holloway at UFC 245, where he won the UFC Featherweight Championship via split decision.
• Volkanovski’s favorite fight is his bout against Brian Ortega at UFC 260, where he successfully defended his title for the second time.
• Volkanovski’s walkout song is “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses.
• Volkanovski’s idol is the actor and martial artist, Bruce Lee.
• Volkanovski’s favorite holiday destination is Hawaii, and he often trains there during the off-season.
• Volkanovski’s favorite food is steak, and he often indulges in a big steak dinner after a fight.
• Volkanovski’s favorite drink is a protein shake, which he drinks after every training session.
• Volkanovski’s favorite hobby outside of MMA is playing video games, particularly Call of Duty.
• Volkanovski’s favorite sport outside of MMA is rugby, and he has played professionally in the past.
• Volkanovski’s favorite MMA fighter is the former UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson Silva.
• Volkanovski’s favorite movie is “The Matrix.”
• Volkanovski’s favorite TV show is “Friends.”
• Volkanovski’s favorite music genre is hip-hop.
• Volkanovski’s favorite artist is Eminem.
• Volkanovski’s favorite car is a Range Rover.
• Volkanovski’s favorite animal is a kangaroo, and he has a pet kangaroo named “Roo” that travels with him everywhere.

Volkanovski’s motto is “Never give up on your dreams,” which he credits to his father, who instilled this philosophy in him from a young age.

Alexander Volkanovski MMA career Achievements :

Alexander Volkanovski has had an impressive MMA career, with several achievements and accolades to his name. Here are some of his notable achievements:

UFC Featherweight Champion: Volkanovski won the UFC Featherweight Championship in 2019, defeating Max Holloway via split decision at UFC 245. He went on to successfully defend his title three times, against Brian Ortega, Islam Makhachev, and Max Holloway again at UFC 272.

UFC Featherweight Fighter of the Year: Volkanovski was named the UFC Featherweight Fighter of the Year in 2019 and 2020, in recognition of his outstanding performance in the octagon.

UFC Performance of the Night Awards: Volkanovski has won UFC Performance of the Night awards four times, for his wins against Yair Rodriguez, Jeremy Kennedy, Max Holloway, and Brian Ortega.

UFC Fight of the Night Awards: Volkanovski has also won UFC Fight of the Night awards three times, for his fights against Max Holloway at UFC 245, Brian Ortega at UFC 260, and Islam Makhachev at UFC 280.

MMAJunkie’s MMA Fighter of the Year: In 2019, Volkanovski was named MMAJunkie’s MMA Fighter of the Year, in recognition of his impressive performances and achievements in the octagon.

MMAJunkie’s MMA Fight of the Year: Volkanovski’s fight against Max Holloway at UFC 245 was named MMAJunkie’s MMA Fight of the Year in 2019.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt: Volkanovski is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a testament to his grappling skills and expertise.
Overall, Alexander Volkanovski has had an impressive MMA career, with numerous achievements and accolades to his name. His dedication, hard work, and talent have made him one of the top fighters in the UFC featherweight division.

What is Alexander Volkanovski’s win-loss record :

Alexander Volkanovski’s win-loss record in his MMA career stands at 23 wins and 1 loss. He has been one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC featherweight division, with a long streak of victories. Here’s a breakdown of his MMA record:

Wins: 23

Losses: 1

Draws: 0

No contests: 0

Volkanovski’s only loss came against Corey Aldis in 2013, in the first fight of his professional MMA career. Since then, he has been on an impressive run, with 23 consecutive wins, including 12 wins in the UFC.

It’s worth noting that Volkanovski’s MMA record includes fights in various weight classes, including featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight. However, the majority of his fights have been in the featherweight division, where he has had the most success and established himself as one of the best fighters in the world.

 Notable fighters that Alexander Volkanovski has defeated in his career :

Alexander Volkanovski has defeated many notable fighters throughout his MMA career. Here are some of the most notable ones:

1. Max Holloway: Volkanovski defeated Holloway twice, first at UFC 245 and then at UFC 272, to become the UFC Featherweight Champion and defend his title. Holloway is widely regarded as one of the best featherweight fighters of all time, and his victories over him are considered some of Volkanovski’s most impressive.
2. Brian Ortega: Volkanovski defeated Ortega via unanimous decision at UFC 260 to defend his featherweight title. Ortega is known for his dangerous submissions and striking skills, but Volkanovski was able to outlast him and secure the victory.
3. Islam Makhachev: Volkanovski defeated Makhachev via unanimous decision at UFC 280 to defend his featherweight title. Makhachev is a well-rounded fighter with a strong grappling background, but Volkanovski was able to outstrike him and control the pace of the fight.
4. Yair Rodriguez: Volkanovski defeated Rodriguez via split decision at UFC 226. Rodriguez is a highly skilled striker with quickness and power, but Volkanovski was able to weather the storm and take home the victory.
5. Jeremy Kennedy: Volkanovski defeated Kennedy via submission (rear-naked choke) at UFC Fight Night 142. Kennedy is a talented prospect with a strong grappling background, but Volkanovski was able to catch him with a submission in the second round.

These are just a few of the notable fighters that Alexander Volkanovski has defeated in his career. He has also beaten other skilled opponents, such as Chad Mendes, Frankie Edgar, and Jose Aldo, solidifying his position as one of the top featherweight fighters in the world.

Alexander Volkanovski’s fighting style :

Alexander Volkanovski is known for his well-rounded fighting style, which makes him a formidable opponent in the UFC featherweight division. Here are some key aspects of his fighting style:

1. Striking: Volkanovski is a versatile striker who can switch between orthodox and southpaw stances. He has a strong jab, which he uses to keep his opponents at a distance and set up his powerful right hand. He also has a good chin and can take a shot, which allows him to trade strikes with his opponents.

2. Grappling: Volkanovski is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and his grappling skills are a major part of his fighting style. He is known for his ability to control fights on the ground, using his wrestling and jiu-jitsu skills to dominate opponents. He is also dangerous with submissions and has finished fights with armbars, chokes, and other submissions.

3. Cardio: Volkanovski has a strong cardio base, which allows him to maintain a high pace throughout his fights. He can push the pace and control the fight, even in the later rounds, which has helped him secure victories in many of his fights.

4. Defense: Volkanovski has a solid defense, both in terms of striking and grappling. He can avoid takedowns and submissions, and he rarely gets caught with clean shots. He also has a good understanding of the cage, and he uses it to his advantage to avoid danger and create opportunities for himself.

5. Adaptability: Volkanovski is an adaptable fighter who can adjust his game plan to suit his opponents. He has fought against opponents with different styles, and he has been able to adjust his approach to counter their strengths and exploit their weaknesses.

Overall, Alexander Volkanovski’s fighting style is a combination of strong striking, grappling, cardio, defense, and adaptability. He is a formidable opponent who can control fights wherever they take place, and his well-rounded skillset makes him a dangerous fighter in the UFC featherweight division.

Alexander Volkanovski’s notable fights :

Alexander Volkanovski has shown adaptability in several fights throughout his career. Here are some notable examples:

1. Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway (UFC 245): In this fight, Volkanovski faced off against one of the best featherweight fighters in the world, Max Holloway. Holloway is known for his aggressive style and powerful striking, so Volkanovski knew he needed to adapt his game plan to counter Holloway’s strengths. Volkanovski focused on using his wrestling and jiu-jitsu skills to take the fight to the ground, where he could control Holloway and avoid his striking. The strategy worked, and Volkanovski won the fight via split decision, becoming the new UFC Featherweight Champion.
2. Volkanovski vs. Brian Ortega (UFC 260): In this fight, Volkanovski faced off against Brian Ortega, a formidable opponent known for his dangerous submissions and striking skills. Ortega was a replacement for the injured Max Holloway, and Volkanovski had to adjust his game plan on short notice. Volkanovski decided to focus on his striking, using his jab and footwork to keep Ortega at a distance. He also used his grappling skills to defend against Ortega’s submissions and control the fight on the ground. Volkanovski won the fight via unanimous decision, showcasing his ability to adapt to different opponents and situations.
3. Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez (UFC 226): In this fight, Volkanovski faced off against Yair Rodriguez, a highly skilled striker with quickness and power. Volkanovski knew he needed to be careful and avoid getting caught with a clean shot, so he focused on using his footwork and jab to control the distance. He also used his wrestling skills to take the fight to the ground, where he could control Rodriguez and avoid his striking. Volkanovski won the fight via split decision, showcasing his ability to adapt to different styles and control fights on the ground and the feet.

These fights demonstrate Volkanovski’s adaptability and ability to adjust his game plan to suit his opponents’ strengths and weaknesses. He is a versatile fighter who can control fights wherever they take place, and his adaptability has helped him secure victories against top opponents in the UFC featherweight division.

Alexander Volkanovski’s wrestling and jiu-jitsu skills :

Alexander Volkanovski’s wrestling and jiu-jitsu skills are a key part of his fighting style and have played a significant role in his success in the UFC featherweight division. Here are some details about his wrestling and jiu-jitsu skills:

Wrestling:

• Volkanovski has a background in freestyle wrestling, which he began practicing at the age of 10. He has competed at the state and national levels in Australia and has also trained with the Australian national wrestling team.
• In his UFC fights, Volkanovski has shown excellent wrestling skills, including takedowns, trips, and Thai clinch takedowns. He can use his wrestling background to control fights on the ground, which has helped him secure victories against top opponents.
• Volkanovski’s wrestling skills have also helped him to defend against takedowns and submissions. He can use his strength and positioning to avoid being taken down and has shown the ability to quickly escape from bad positions.

Jiu-jitsu:

• Volkanovski is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which he began training in 2012. He has trained with some of the best jiu-jitsu practitioners in the world, including former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker.
• In his fights, Volkanovski has shown excellent jiu-jitsu skills, including submission attempts, sweeps, and transitions. He can use his jiu-jitsu background to control fights on the ground and has finished fights with armbars, chokes, and other submissions.
• Volkanovski’s jiu-jitsu skills have also helped him to defend against submissions. He can use his knowledge of jiu-jitsu to avoid dangerous positions and has shown the ability to quickly escape from submissions when needed.

Overall, Alexander Volkanovski’s wrestling and jiu-jitsu skills are a key part of his fighting style and have helped him to achieve success in the UFC featherweight division. His ability to control fights on the ground, finish fights with submissions, and defend against takedowns and submissions has made him a formidable opponent for any fighter in the 145-pound weight class.

For more Articles Like this Check NbaQuickUpdates