Nov 27, 2016; Melbourne, Australia; Alexander Volkanovski (blue gloves) celebrates after winning his bout against Yusuke Kasuya (not pictured) during UFC Fight Night at Rod Laver Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

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Alexander Volkanovski: His Journey From Middleweight Fighter To Featherweight Champion!

Discover featherweight legend Alexander Volkanovski's journey from a stocky middleweight all the way down to the featherweight champion!

Alexander Volkanovski wasn’t always the featherweight legend fans know today. Before becoming one of UFC‘s most dominant champions, ‘The Great’ walked a path few fighters dare to tread. His transformation from a stocky rugby player to a lean fighting machine is nothing short of remarkable.

Volkanovski grew up playing rugby in Australia, where his low center of gravity and incredible strength made him a fearsome opponent on the field. These same qualities would later serve him well in the octagon, though in a completely different weight class. His decision to pursue MMA full-time changed not just his career, but his entire physique and fighting style.

Also Read: “I Don’t Think It’s The Same Volk”- Henry Cejudo Gives His Take On Alexander Volkanovski Post-Islam Makhachev

The Incredible Weight Journey

Would you believe Volkanovski once competed as a middleweight? It is true! The man who now dominates at 145 pounds actually began his amateur career as a middleweight. This is the same weight class that giants like Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya fight at! His record at middleweight was 4-0 before he turned professional.

Alexander Volkanovski started his MMA career at middleweight.

Imagine if we saw this fight 🤯 pic.twitter.com/jUfKUhRsJV
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) April 30, 2023

Alexander Volkanovski’s only career lost came in 2013. He fought Corey Nelson at welterweight.

pic.twitter.com/XwtdBNmKUq
— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) March 30, 2022

His professional fighting career began as a welterweight in 2012. After going 4-1 in this division, he decided to slim down further, moving to lightweight in early 2014. His total record at lightweight is currently at 4-2 ( the 2 losses are from Islam Makhachev in 2023 and 2024).

Alexander Volkanovski weighs in at 154.5 pounds for his lightweight title fight at #UFC284 ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/dKIbOWfqrB
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) February 10, 2023

By May of 2014, he had already dropped to featherweight, where he would eventually make his name. This dramatic weight transformation, shedding nearly 80 pounds from his rugby days – showcases Volkanovski’s incredible discipline and dedication to his craft. The Australian fighter didn’t just change weight classes; he completely reinvented himself as an athlete.

Finding Home at Featherweight

After bouncing between weight classes, Alexander Volkanovski made his UFC debut at lightweight against Yasuke Kasuya. He won convincingly with a second-round TKO and immediately announced his intention to drop to featherweight. This decision would prove life-changing.

At 145 pounds, Volkanovski found his perfect fighting weight – small enough to maintain incredible speed and cardio, but still carrying the power from his heavier days. His frame and fighting style seemed tailor-made for the division, allowing him to use his wrestling background and developing striking skills to maximum effect. The featherweight division had found its future king.

The longest reigning Featherweight Champions in UFC history 🏆

🥇Jose Aldo – 2,037 days

🥈Alexander Volkanovski – 1,526 days

🥉Max Holloway – 925 days pic.twitter.com/mb5YtwR3VN
— Veluta (@VelutaMMA) April 4, 2025

His path to the featherweight title was nothing short of spectacular. Working his way through the division’s toughest competition, he earned a shot at then-champion Max Holloway in December 2019 at UFC 245. Many considered Holloway the greatest featherweight of all time, making him a formidable challenge. But Volkanovski’s game plan and execution were flawless. He outworked and outpointed Holloway to claim the title in a decisive upset.

This victory wasn’t a fluke either. He went on to defend his title five times, coming just two defenses short of Jose Aldo’s record seven defences. His championship reign has further cemented his place in featherweight history. Despise some setbacks (2 losses to Makhachev and losing his title to Ilia Topuria), he is still considered one of the best to ever step in the octagon.

Path To Redemption

What makes Volkanovski’s story so inspiring isn’t just his success, but the journey he took to achieve it. From middleweight amateur to featherweight champion, his career demonstrates that with enough determination, fighters can completely transform themselves. His willingness to challenge himself across multiple weight classes speaks to his competitive spirit.

IT'S #UFC314 FIGHT WEEK 🔥

🇦🇺 Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes 🇧🇷
⚙️ Michael Chandler vs Paddy Pimblett 🔴 pic.twitter.com/Ou9ySeVIxl
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) April 7, 2025

Now, he prepares to get back in the octagon against the young and hungry Diego Lopes at UFC 314. He will look to take back the belt he once had and cement his place in the featherweight and overall UFC history!

(Image Credit: Matt Roberts – Imagn Images)

Alexander Volkanovksi

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!