Alexander Volkanovski

Australian mixed martial artist and former UFC Featherweight Champion, widely considered one of the greatest featherweight fighters of all time.

Alexander Volkanovski is an Australian featherweight and former UFC champion who dominated the 145-pound division with exceptional technical striking, elite wrestling, and championship-level problem-solving. A former rugby league player who discovered MMA in his mid-twenties, Volkanovski's rapid rise to championship level is one of MMA's great stories. His three fights with Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title demonstrated his exceptional ability at the very top level. Volkanovski held the featherweight title through 2025 and into 2026, with his only career defeats having come against pound-for-pound leaders Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, and opened 2026 with a scheduled defence against Diego Lopes.

Volkanovski employs a pressure-heavy style built around excellent cardio, wrestling, and striking combinations. His low center of gravity and compact frame allow him to close distance effectively while maintaining strong takedown defense. He excels at mixing striking with grappling threats, using volume punching and leg kicks to break down opponents over five rounds.

Volkanovski established himself as one of the most dominant featherweight champions in UFC history and helped elevate Australian MMA on the global stage.

• UFC Featherweight Champion (2019–2024)
• UFC Featherweight Champion (Two-time champion, regained title 2022)
• Longest reigning UFC Featherweight Champion
• UFC Fight of the Night bonus award (multiple times)
• UFC Performance of the Night bonus award (multiple times)
• Ranked #1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world by UFC (2022–2023)
• NRL Rugby League premiership winner with Warringah Rats
• Australian Featherweight Champion (before UFC)
• Oceania Featherweight Champion (before UFC)
• URCC Featherweight Champion
• World No.1 pound-for-pound MMA fighter (multiple rankings organisations, 2022–2023)