Alexander Volkanovski, known as “The Great,” stands as one of MMA’s most accomplished featherweights. His journey from rugby league fields in Australia to the UFC’s global stage is a story of grit, evolution, and family devotion. Here’s a deep dive into his life, career, and legacy as of 2025.
Alexander Volkanovski’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Alexander Volkanovski |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Date of Birth | 29 September 1988 |
| Age (as of June 2025) | 36 years |
| Birthplace | Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Education | Lake Illawarra High School |
| College | N/A |
| Turned Pro | 2012 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $11 million |
| Salary | Per-fight purses range from $1 million to $2.4 million |
| Spouse | Emma Volkanovski |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | Ariana, Arlie, Reign, |
| Instagram Profile | @alexvolkanovski |
Early Career
Alexander Volkanovski’s athletic roots began in Greco-Roman wrestling, where he won national titles as a youth. By 14, he shifted focus to rugby league, excelling as a front-rower for the Warilla Gorillas. After winning the Mick Cronin Medal and a premiership, he left rugby at 23 to pursue MMA in 2011. He quickly made a name for himself in regional Australian and Asian promotions, winning titles and building a formidable reputation
Professional Career
Volkanovski turned professional in 2012, racking up wins in the Pacific Xtreme Combat and Australian Fighting Championship, where he captured multiple featherweight titles. In 2016, he debuted in the UFC with a TKO victory over Yusuke Kasuya. His relentless pace, wrestling base, and evolving striking led to a string of victories over elite opponents, including Chad Mendes, José Aldo, and Brian Ortega.
The pinnacle came in December 2019, when he defeated Max Holloway to claim the UFC Featherweight Championship—a title he defended successfully multiple times. Despite setbacks in 2023 and 2024, including losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, Volkanovski reclaimed the featherweight title in April 2025 by defeating Diego Lopes, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest featherweights in MMA history.
Wife
Alexander Volkanovski is happily married to Emma Volkanovski. The couple wed in October 2012 and are high school sweethearts. Emma, a psychology graduate and fitness enthusiast, is a constant presence at his fights and a pillar of support. They have three daughters—Ariana, Arlie, and Reign—and are expecting their fourth child in 2025. Family is central to Volkanovski’s motivation, and he often cites Emma and their children as his driving force.
Alexander Volkanovski’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Alexander Volkanovski’s estimated net worth is around $11 million. His wealth comes from UFC fight purses, performance bonuses, pay-per-view shares, sponsorships, endorsements, and business ventures. He also earns from his YouTube channel and side businesses, including Volk’s Deli and CMB Nutrition.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event | Date | Result | Base Salary | Win Bonus | PPV Payout | Bonus | Sponsorship | Total Earnings |
| Yusuke Kasuya | UFC Fight Night 101 | Nov 2016 | Win | $10,000 | $10,000 | $0 | $0 | $2,500 | $22,500 |
| Darren Elkins | UFC Fight Night | Jul 2018 | Win | $60,000 | $55,000 | $0 | $0 | $4,000 | $119,000 |
| Chad Mendes | UFC 232 | Dec 2018 | Win | $65,000 | $60,000 | $0 | $50,000 | $5,000 | $180,000 |
| José Aldo | UFC 237 | May 2019 | Win | $70,000 | $65,000 | $0 | $0 | $5,000 | $140,000 |
| Max Holloway | UFC 245 | Dec 2019 | Win | $250,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $30,000 | $280,000 |
| Max Holloway | UFC 251 | Jul 2020 | Win | $350,000 | $0 | $783,333 | $0 | $40,000 | $1,173,333 |
| Brian Ortega | UFC 266 | Sep 2021 | Win | $300,000 | $0 | $400,000 | $50,000 | $42,000 | $792,000 |
| Chan Sung Jung | UFC 273 | Apr 2022 | Win | $500,000 | $500,000 | $600,000 | $70,000 | $42,000 | $1,712,000 |
| Max Holloway | UFC 276 | Jul 2022 | Win | $1,000,000 | $0 | $200,000 | $20,000 | $42,000 | $1,262,000 |
| Islam Makhachev | UFC 284 | Feb 2023 | Loss | $1,500,000 | $0 | $400,000 | $50,000 | $42,000 | $1,992,000 |
| Yair Rodríguez | UFC 290 | Jul 2023 | Win | $1,500,000 | $0 | $600,000 | $0 | $42,000 | $2,142,000 |
| Islam Makhachev | UFC 294 | Oct 2023 | Loss | $1,500,000 | $0 | $850,000 | $0 | $42,000 | $2,392,000 |
| Diego Lopes | UFC 314 | Apr 2025 | Win | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $400,000 | $50,000 | $32,000 | $2,482,000 |
Endorsements
- Athletikan
- Sports Bet
- Engage (his own apparel brand)
- CMB Nutrition
- Bangtao Muay Thai
- Volk’s Deli
Career Records
| Opponent | Event | Date | Result | Method | Rounds |
| Max Holloway | UFC 245, 251, 276 | 2019-2022 | Win (3x) | Decision | 5 |
| José Aldo | UFC 237 | May 2019 | Win | Decision | 3 |
| Chad Mendes | UFC 232 | Dec 2018 | Win | TKO | 2 |
| Brian Ortega | UFC 266 | Sep 2021 | Win | Decision | 5 |
| Yair Rodríguez | UFC 290 | Jul 2023 | Win | TKO | 3 |
| Islam Makhachev | UFC 284, 294 | 2023 | Loss (2x) | Decision/KO | 5/1 |
| Ilia Topuria | UFC 298 | Feb 2024 | Loss | KO | 2 |
| Diego Lopes | UFC 314 | Apr 2025 | Win | Decision | 5 |
FAQs
1. Who is Alexander Volkanovski?
Alexander Volkanovski is an Australian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a two-time UFC Featherweight Champion and considered one of the greatest featherweights in MMA history.
2. What is Alexander Volkanovski’s fighting background?
Volkanovski began his athletic career playing rugby league before transitioning to mixed martial arts. He trained in various disciplines, including wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and holds a black belt in BJJ under Joe Lopez.
3. When did Alexander Volkanovski make his professional MMA debut?
He made his professional MMA debut in 2012, quickly rising through regional promotions before signing with the UFC in 2016.
4. What are Alexander Volkanovski’s most notable UFC achievements?
Volkanovski won the UFC Featherweight Championship by defeating Max Holloway in December 2019 and successfully defended the title multiple times, including two wins over Holloway and victories against Brian Ortega, Chan Sung Jung, and Yair Rodriguez.
5. What is Alexander Volkanovski’s MMA record?
As of June 2025, Volkanovski has a professional MMA record of 27 wins and 4 losses, with 13 wins by knockout, 3 by submission, and 11 by decision.
6. Has Alexander Volkanovski competed in other combat sports?
Yes, prior to his UFC career, Volkanovski had a professional boxing bout in 2015, which he won by unanimous decision.
7. What is Alexander Volkanovski’s nickname and its origin?
His nickname is “The Great,” inspired by his paternal Macedonian and maternal Greek heritage, drawing a parallel to Alexander the Great, who also had a Macedonian father and Greek mother.
8. What is known about Alexander Volkanovski’s personal life?
Volkanovski is married to his wife Emma since 2012, and they have three daughters, with a fourth child expected in 2025. He resides in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.
9. What teams and gyms has Alexander Volkanovski trained with?
He has trained with City Kickboxing, Tiger Muay Thai, Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA, and Freestyle Fighting Gym.
10. How has Alexander Volkanovski remained competitive as he aged?
Volkanovski credits his longevity to maintaining a balance between hard training and proper recovery, emphasizing good sleep, nutrition, and surrounding himself with the right people for optimal performance and recovery.