Alexander Volkanovski is one of the most dominant and respected fighters in mixed martial arts (MMA). Known for his resilience, versatility, and aggressive fighting style, Volkanovski has carved out a place in MMA history. As the reigning UFC Featherweight Champion, he has become a household name in the sport, especially after his string of successful title defenses and his impressive rise through the ranks of the UFC. This article dives deep into Volkanovski’s career, his fighting style, his rise to the top, and his impact on the sport.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on September 29, 1988, in Wollongong, Australia, Volkanovski’s path to MMA was unconventional. Growing up, he was involved in rugby and other sports, which helped develop his physicality and toughness. His background in rugby gave him the foundation to excel in combat sports, as he was used to high-intensity physical challenges. At the age of 23, Volkanovski transitioned from rugby to MMA. He initially competed in regional circuits in Australia, quickly making a name for himself with his aggressive style and ability to adapt in the cage. His dedication to the sport and ability to improve rapidly would become a hallmark of his career.
Volkanovski’s Rise Through the Ranks
Volkanovski’s breakthrough came in 2016 when he joined the UFC after an impressive run in Australia’s regional MMA scene. Prior to entering the UFC, he had a professional record of 14-1, with only one loss to his name. He made his UFC debut on November 27, 2016, at UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Tybura, where he defeated Yusuke Yachi by unanimous decision. From his debut, it was clear that Volkanovski was a force to be reckoned with. He demonstrated his cardio, technical skills, and ability to deal with adversity. His relentless pace and ability to push through tough situations quickly gained him the respect of both fans and analysts.
Steady Climb to the Top
Volkanovski’s climb through the UFC ranks was marked by notable victories. Some of his early fights included wins over fighters like Mizuto Hirota, Jeremy Kennedy, and Darren Elkins. Each victory added to his growing reputation, but it was his fight against José Aldo at UFC 237 on May 11, 2019, that truly catapulted him into the title conversation. A dominant win over Aldo, the former long-time featherweight champion, earned Volkanovski the respect of critics and pundits, signaling that he was ready for a title shot.
The Featherweight Championship and Historic Title Defense
Winning the UFC Featherweight Title on December 14, 2019, Volkanovski faced Max Holloway, the long-reigning featherweight champion, at UFC 245. In what would be a pivotal moment in his career, Volkanovski defeated Holloway by unanimous decision, securing the UFC Featherweight Championship. The victory was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Volkanovski’s well-rounded game, including his striking, wrestling, and fight IQ, made him a dangerous threat to any fighter in the division.
Defending the Title: Volkanovski vs. Holloway II
Volkanovski’s first title defense came in a highly anticipated rematch against Max Holloway at UFC 251 on July 11, 2020. Many experts and fans believed Holloway had done enough in their first fight to deserve the win, which set the stage for a thrilling second encounter.
In a fight that was both technical and brutal, Volkanovski narrowly defeated Holloway once again, earning a split decision victory. Though the win was controversial for some, it solidified his status as one of the best featherweights of all time. The two fighters later faced off a third time at UFC 276 in 2022, where Volkanovski once again defended his title with a dominant unanimous decision win.
Other Title Defenses
Volkanovski’s reign continued in 2021 with successful defenses against Brian Ortega and Chan Sung Jung (also known as “The Korean Zombie”). Against Ortega, Volkanovski showcased his heart and ability to escape dangerous submissions, eventually securing a victory via unanimous decision. His fight against “The Korean Zombie” at UFC 273 in April 2022 was another testament to his elite skill set. Volkanovski dominated the fight, securing a fourth-round TKO victory.
Fighting Style: The Complete Package
Volkanovski’s fighting style is one of the most complete in MMA. He combines a strong striking game with a solid wrestling background and a deep understanding of strategy. His ability to mix striking and grappling has proven to be one of his most dangerous assets, making him difficult to predict and counter.
Striking: Volkanovski’s striking is crisp, precise, and powerful. His leg kicks, particularly his low kicks, are one of his trademarks, and he uses them to wear down his opponents. His ability to close the distance quickly and throw combinations makes him dangerous in the stand-up. He’s known for his ability to throw a variety of strikes, from jabs to hooks to uppercuts, all with great timing.
Wrestling and Control: Volkanovski is also a proficient wrestler, and his ability to control opponents on the ground has been a key component of his success. He is excellent at keeping his opponents guessing, often switching between striking and grappling. His takedown defense is exceptional, and he has the ability to out-wrestle fighters when necessary. In many of his title defenses, Volkanovski’s pressure and top control were pivotal in neutralizing his opponents.
Cardio and Work Rate: One of Volkanovski’s most defining characteristics is his cardio and relentless pace. His conditioning allows him to push the action for five full rounds, and his ability to maintain pressure throughout a fight has made him difficult to outwork. This constant pressure not only tires out his opponents but forces them to make mistakes, which Volkanovski capitalizes on.
Notable Fights and Rivalries
Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway: Trilogy Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski trilogy is one of the most discussed rivalries in UFC history. Their first fight was a turning point in Volkanovski’s career, as he dethroned one of the greatest featherweights of all time. Their second and third meetings further cemented the rivalry as one of the most competitive in the sport. The trilogy not only showcased Volkanovski’s fighting skills but also his mental fortitude, as he faced one of the best in the game. The close decision wins proved Volkanovski’s greatness and highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.
Volkanovski vs. Brian Ortega: Another notable fight in Volkanovski’s career was his battle with Brian Ortega. Ortega is known for his incredible submission game, and he came very close to submitting Volkanovski in the third round with a guillotine choke and a triangle. However, Volkanovski’s toughness and ability to survive in adverse situations became clear as he managed to escape Ortega’s submission attempts and eventually won the fight by decision.
Volkanovski’s Impact on MMA and His Legacy
As of now, Alexander Volkanovski is considered one of the greatest featherweights of all time. His ability to adapt and evolve has been key to his success, and his performances inside the octagon are a testament to his hard work and dedication. Volkanovski’s impact goes beyond just the fight game; he is a role model for aspiring fighters and a symbol of perseverance and determination. Volkanovski’s legacy is still in the making, and with every fight, he continues to add to his story. Whether it’s through his skillful victories, his ability to face adversity, or his sportsmanship, Volkanovski is an athlete who continues to inspire millions.
FAQs
What weight class does Alexander Volkanovski fight in?
Alexander Volkanovski competes in the Featherweight division (145 lbs, 66 kg) of the UFC. He is known for his remarkable strength and conditioning at this weight, making him a formidable opponent despite his shorter stature compared to other fighters in the division.
Who did Alexander Volkanovski defeat to become the UFC Featherweight Champion?
Alexander Volkanovski won the UFC Featherweight Championship by defeating Max Holloway at UFC 245 on December 14, 2019. Volkanovski won the bout by unanimous decision, showcasing his impressive striking and pressure game to dethrone Holloway and become the new champion.
Has Alexander Volkanovski ever fought for a second title?
Yes, Alexander Volkanovski has expressed interest in moving up to the lightweight division (155 lbs) to challenge for the UFC Lightweight Championship. In 2023, he faced Islam Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 284 but narrowly lost via unanimous decision, though many analysts felt the fight was closer than the judges’ scorecards indicated.
What is Alexander Volkanovski’s background in sports?
Before transitioning to MMA, Volkanovski had a successful career in rugby league. He played in various rugby competitions in Australia and developed a strong athletic foundation, which has contributed to his impressive physical condition and work ethic in the cage.
What is Alexander Volkanovski’s gym and coaching team?
Volkanovski trains at City Kickboxing in Auckland, New Zealand, alongside other elite fighters like Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker. His coach, Eugene Bareman, has played a major role in shaping Volkanovski’s striking and overall MMA game. The gym is known for producing top-tier fighters in various disciplines of mixed martial arts.
In Summary
Alexander Volkanovski stands as one of the most skilled and resilient champions in the UFC, with his relentless fighting style, unmatched endurance, and strategic brilliance making him a force to be reckoned with in the featherweight division. From his rise in the UFC to defending his title against some of the best in the world, Volkanovski has proven himself time and time again.
His dominance in the octagon, combined with his adaptability and impressive fight IQ, sets him apart from many in the sport. As he looks to further cement his legacy, whether defending his featherweight crown or pursuing a second title, Volkanovski’s journey in MMA continues to excite fans worldwide. His future in the UFC remains bright, and he’s sure to remain one of the most compelling fighters to follow in the sport.
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