Misplaced Pages

Alexander Volkanovski

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 120.155.130.69 (talk) at 02:07, 15 December 2019 (→Background: More info, context and references.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Revision as of 02:07, 15 December 2019 by 120.155.130.69 (talk) (→Background: More info, context and references.)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) Australian rugby league player and MMA fighter

Alexander Volkanovski
Alex Volkanovski
BornAlexander Volkanovski
(1988-09-29) 29 September 1988 (age 36)
Shellharbour, New South Wales, Australia
Other namesThe Great
The Hulk
ResidenceNew South Wales, Australia
NationalityAustralian
Height5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
Weight145 lb (66 kg; 10 st 5 lb)
DivisionFeatherweight
Lightweight
Welterweight
Reach71+1⁄2 in (182 cm)
StyleKickboxing, Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Fighting out ofWindang, New South Wales, Australia
TeamFreestyle Fighting Gym
RankPurple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Joe Lopez
Years active2012–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total21
Wins20
By knockout11
By submission3
By decision6
Losses1
By knockout1
Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Alexander Volkanovski (Macedonian: Александар Волкановски) (born 29 September 1988) is an Australian mixed martial artist and kickboxer. He is a former Australian Fighting Championship (AFC) featherweight champion. He is currently competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As of May 15, 2019, he is #1 in the UFC featherweight rankings.

Background

Volkanovski was born in Shellharbour, New South Wales. His father was born in Beranci, Macedonia and moved to Australia at the age of 15 while his mother has Greek heritage. He began training in Greco-Roman wrestling at an early age and won a national title at the age of 12. He decided to give away wrestling at the age of 14 and instead focused on a career in rugby league as a front rower. He played semi-professional rugby league for the Warilla Gorillas in the South Coast Group 7 Rugby League where he was awarded the Mick Cronin Medal in 2010 as the league's best player. He also played a crucial role in Warilla's 2011 Premiership season and was awarded the Man of the Match award for his Grand Final performance in his team's victory over Gerringong. Volkanovski then quit rugby league to pursue Mixed Martial Arts in 2012.

Freestyle Fighting Gym trainer Joe Lopez said Volkanovski started training in MMA at the age of 22 and Greco-Roman wrestling to keep fit for rugby league, where he weighed 97 kg (214 lbs). However, he soon realised he had a passion for the sport and wanted to go as far as he can. He fought in the middleweight division as he weighed 210 lbs with his 5' 6" frame before moving down to the lightweight and featherweight divisions.

He appeared as a coach in Malaysia Invasion, an amateur MMA reality show. Volkanovski is a good counter striker with powerful overhand right and a fantastic offensive wrestler.

There are no excuses in fighting. You can be playing a team sport and have a good game, and you can lose. In fighting, it’s all on me. If I go out there and lose, then it’s my fault. I like that. So I know if I fight well, I’m going to win. I definitely love the fact that it’s all on you, and you do what you have to do to win. And each fight is like a grand final in the rugby league"

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Starting as an amateur, at middleweight, going 4–0 before turning professional. Volkanovski has fought in various MMA organizations in Oceania region in Asia from 2012 to July 2016 prior signed with UFC. He won Pacific Xtreme Combat (PXC) and two times Australian Fighting Championship Featherweight titles. Volkanovski amassed a record of 13–1 with 10 straight wins prior joining the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Volkanovski made his promotional debut on 26 November 2016 and increased his win streak to 11 with a second-round TKO against Yusuke Kasuya at UFC Fight Night 101. He announced at the post fight press conference that he would drop from lightweight to featherweight for his next fight.

Volkanovski was expected to face Michel Quiones on 19 February 2017 at UFC Fight Night 105. However, the bout was scrapped after Quinones suffered an injury and no replacement could be found.

Volkanovski returned to Featherweight and faced Mizuto Hirota on 11 June 2017 at UFC Fight Night 110. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Volkanovski was expected to face Jeremy Kennedy at UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Tybura on 19 November 2017 in Sydney, Australia. However, Kennedy pulled out of the fight on 5 October citing a back injury and was replaced by Humberto Bandenay. In November 2017, it was announced that Bandenay would delay his UFC debut at this event due to undisclosed reason, and was replaced by promotional newcomer Shane Young. The bout proceeded at a catchweight at 150 pounds. Volkanovski won the fight via unanimous decision.

The bout with Kennedy was rescheduled and took place on 11 February 2018 at UFC 221. He won the fight via technical knock out.

Volkanovski faced Darren Elkins on 14 July 2018 at UFC Fight Night 133. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Volkanovski faced Chad Mendes on 29 December 2018 at UFC 232. He won the fight via technical knockout in round two. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.

Volkanovski faced former featherweight champion José Aldo at UFC 237 on 11 May 2019. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Volkanovski is scheduled to face Max Holloway on 14 December 2019 at UFC 245.

Personal life

Volkanovski is married to Emma and he has two daughters, Ariana and Airlie.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
21 matches 20 wins 1 loss
By knockout 11 1
By submission 3 0
By decision 6 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 20–1 José Aldo Decision (unanimous) UFC 237 11 May 2019 3 5:00 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 19–1 Chad Mendes TKO (punches) UFC 232 29 December 2018 2 4:14 Inglewood, California, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 18–1 Darren Elkins Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: dos Santos vs. Ivanov 14 July 2018 3 5:00 Boise, Idaho, United States
Win 17–1 Jeremy Kennedy TKO (punches and elbows) UFC 221 11 February 2018 2 4:57 Perth, Australia
Win 16–1 Shane Young Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Werdum vs. Tybura 19 November 2017 3 5:00 Sydney, Australia Catchweight (150 lbs) bout.
Win 15–1 Mizuto Hirota Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Hunt 11 June 2017 3 5:00 Auckland, New Zealand Return to Featherweight.
Win 14–1 Yusuke Kasuya TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Brunson 26 November 2016 2 2:06 Melbourne, Australia
Win 13–1 Jai Bradney TKO (punches) Wollongong Wars 4 8 July 2016 1 N/A Wollongong, Australia Won the Wollongong Wars Lightweight Championship.
Win 12–1 Jamie Mullarkey KO (punch) Australian Fighting Championship 15 19 May 2016 1 3:23 Melbourne, Australia Defended the AFC Featherweight Championship.
Win 11–1 Yusuke Yachi Submission (triangle choke) Pacific Xtreme Combat 50 4 December 2015 4 3:43 Mangilao, Guam Won the PXC Featherweight Championship.
Win 10–1 James Bishop TKO (punches) Australian Fighting Championship 13 14 June 2015 1 1:39 Melbourne, Australia Won the AFC Featherweight Championship.
Win 9–1 David Butt TKO (punches) Wollongong Wars 2 1 November 2014 2 1:52 Thirroul, Australia
Win 8–1 Kyle Reyes Decision (unanimous) Pacific Xtreme Combat 45 24 October 2014 3 5:00 Mangilao, Guam Featherweight bout.
Win 7–1 Jai Bradney Submission (rear-naked choke) Roshambo MMA 3 – In the Cage 26 July 2014 1 4:58 Chandler, Australia Defended the Roshambo MMA Lightweight Championship.
Win 6–1 Rodolfo Marques Diniz KO (punch) Australian Fighting Championship 9 17 May 2014 1 3:41 Albury, Australia Featherweight debut.
Win 5–1 Greg Atzori Submission (guillotine choke) Roshambo MMA 2 – In the Cage 1 February 2014 1 N/A Brisbane, Australia Won the Roshambo MMA Lightweight Championship.
Win 4–1 Luke Catubig TKO (punches) Australian Fighting Championship 7 14 December 2013 3 4:39 Melbourne, Australia
Loss 3–1 Corey Nelson TKO (head kick and punches) Australian Fighting Championship 5 10 May 2013 3 0:13 Melbourne, Australia AFC Welterweight Tournament Quarterfinal.
Win 3–0 Anton Zafir TKO (punches) Roshambo MMA 1 – In the Cage 17 April 2013 4 2:19 Brisbane, Australia Won the Roshambo MMA Welterweight Championship.
Win 2–0 Regan Wilson TKO (doctor stoppage) Southern Fight Promotions – Cage Conquest 2 23 February 2013 1 2:49 Nowra, Australia Won the Cage Conquest Welterweight Championship.
Win 1–0 Gerhard Voigt Decision (unanimous) Revolution Promotions – Revolution at the Roxy 19 May 2012 3 5:00 Sydney, Australia

See also

References

  1. "Alexander Volkanovski RECORD: 17–1–0 THE GREAT". .fightmetric. .fightmetric.
  2. "Alexander Volkanovski – "THE GREAT"". Sherdog. Sherdog.
  3. Latifi, Agron. "UFC debut just the start for Illawarra 'Hulk' Alex Volkanovski". illawarramercury. illawarramercury. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  4. ^ "Alexander "The Great" Volkanovski – Official UFC Profile". UFC.com. Archived from the original on 17 June 2018. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
  5. "ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI 'THE GREAT'". FightMetric. FightMetric.
  6. "ALEXANDER "THE GREAT" VOLKANOVSKI". Topology. Topology.
  7. ^ "Champions". Australian Fighting Championship. Australian Fighting Championship.
  8. "Fighter Rankings | UFC ®". UFC. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  9. "From Rugby League to UFC champ: meet Alexander "The Great" Volkanovski".
  10. ^ "From Rugby League To UFC, Alexander Volkanovski Just Wins - FloCombat". Retrieved 12 November 2017.
  11. ^ "Volkanovski wants statement with 'savage ground and pound'". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
  12. Volkanovski, Alexander (13 November 2017). "Mick Cronin Medal to UFC Read more at https://www.athletesvoice.com.au/alex-volkanovski-mick-cronin-medal-to-ufc/#JwWQIMu6HqlhXwix.99". athletesvoice.com.au. Retrieved 14 December 2019. {{cite news}}: External link in |title= (help); line feed character in |title= at position 25 (help)
  13. Latifi, Agron (15 November 2016). "UFC debut just the start for Illawarra 'Hulk' Alex Volkanovski". Illawarra Mercury. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
  14. "The HULK: Alex Volkanovski Australian Macedonian MMA champion | AUSTRALIAN MACEDONIAN E-MAGAZINE". AUSTRALIAN MACEDONIAN E-MAGAZINE. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
  15. Latifi, Agron (15 November 2016). "UFC debut just the start for Illawarra 'Hulk' Alex Volkanovski". Illawarra Mercury. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  16. Submission Radio (16 June 2017), Alex Volkanovski Reveals the Crazy Circumstances He Endured Ahead of UFC Auckland!, retrieved 16 June 2017
  17. "Alex Volkanovski yet to lose a cage bout".
  18. "The HULK: Alex Volkanovski Australian Macedonian MMA champion | AUSTRALIAN MACEDONIAN E-MAGAZINE". AUSTRALIAN MACEDONIAN E-MAGAZINE. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  19. Primetown, Jay. "UFC Fight Night 101 Newcomer Breakdown: Alex Volkanovski". mmaoddsbreaker.com. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  20. "From the Warilla Gorillas to the UFC, Volkanovski likes his second chapter". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
  21. FNA Staff. "Australian Fighting Championships 15 Results". fight news australia. fight news australia.
  22. Chris. "Pacific Xtreme Combat 50 Results". Fight News Australia. Fight News Australia.
  23. Sherdog.com. "Alexander". Sherdog.
  24. Ho, John Hyon. "Alexander Volkanovski Grounds and Pounds Yusuke Kasuya in Melbourne". The Fight Nation. International MMA. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
  25. Baldwin, Nick. "UFC Melbourne results: Akhmedov grinds out Noke, Volkanovski wins debut". bloodyelbow. UFC. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
  26. "Alex Volkanovski plans drop to featherweight following UFC Fight Night 101 victory". You Tube. USA TODAY Sports. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
  27. Cruz, Guilherme. "Alexander Volkanovski vs. Michel Quinones off Sunday's UFC Fight Night card in Halifax 7". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  28. Staff (19 April 2017). "Alex Volkanovski meets Mizuto Hirota at UFC Fight Night 110 in New Zealand". mmajunkie.com.
  29. Ban Fowlkes (10 June 2017). "UFC Fight Night 110 results: Alex Volkanovski cruises to unanimous-decision win vs. Mizuto Hirota". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 10 June 2017.
  30. "Volkanovski earns UFC Fight Night berth". Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  31. Nolan King (5 October 2017). "Jeremy Kennedy suffers back injury; out of UFC Sydney". mma-today.com. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  32. "Jeremy Kennedy out, Alex Volkanovski meets Humberto Bandenay at UFC-Sydney". MMAjunkie. 12 October 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  33. "Humberto Bandenay out at UFC-Sydney; featherweight sought for Alex Volkanovski". MMAjunkie. 8 November 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  34. DNA, MMA. "Shane Young maakt short notice debuut tegen Alexander Volkanovski tijdens UFC Sydney". mmadna.nl. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  35. "UFC Fight Night 121 official weigh-in results: Headliner set, but four fighters heavy". MMAjunkie. 18 November 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  36. "UFC Fight Night 121 results: Alex Volkanovski dominates short-notice opponent Shane Young". MMAjunkie. 19 November 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  37. Nolan King (21 December 2017). "Jeremy Kennedy vs. Alex Volkanovski added to UFC 221 in Perth". mma-today.com. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  38. "UFC 221 results: Alex Volkanovski destroys Jeremy Kennedy with second-round TKO". MMAjunkie. 11 February 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  39. Dale Jordan (9 May 2018). "Darren Elkins vs Alexander Volkanovski added to UFC Fight Night 133 in Idaho". mmamad.com. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  40. "UFC Fight Night 133 results: Alex Volkanovski tops typically gritty Darren Elkins". MMAjunkie. 15 July 2018. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  41. "Chad Mendes vs. Alex Volkanovski joins UFC 232 lineup in Las Vegas". MMAjunkie. 6 November 2018. Retrieved 7 November 2018.
  42. "UFC 232 results, highlights: Alexander Volkanovski stops Chad Mendes in all-out battle". CBSSports.com. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  43. ^ Sherdog.com. "UFC 232 Bonuses: Nunes, Volkanovski, Mendes, Hall Capture $50K Awards". Sherdog. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  44. Nichols, Jake (5 March 2019). "Jose Aldo vs. Alexander Volkanovski scheduled for UFC 237". The Body Lock. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  45. Evanoff, Josh (12 May 2019). "UFC 237 Results: Alexander Volkanovski Dominates Jose Aldo". Cageside Press. Retrieved 12 May 2019.
  46. Lee, Alexander K. (21 September 2019). "Max Holloway vs. Alexander Volkanovski set for UFC 245". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
  47. "MMA fighter Alex 'The Hulk' Volkanovski aiming for world title". News. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
  48. Sherdog.com. "Alexander". Sherdog. Retrieved 7 November 2018.

External links

Categories: