Alexander Volkanovski will defend his title against 'The Korean Zombie' in the main event of UFC 273. Ahead of this intriguing title fight, let's take a look at five facts about Volkanovski.
Prior to his transition to mixed martial arts, Volkanovski played semi-pro rugby with the Warilla Gorillas of the South Coast Rugby League in New South Wales, Australia.
During his early twenties, 'The Great' played rugby league on weekends and worked as a concreter for a crust on weekdays to make ends meet.
Before becoming the UFC featherweight champion, Volkanovski has held titles in five different promotions, including Southern Fight Promotions, Roshambo MMA, Australian Fighting Championship, Pacific Xtreme Combat, and Wollongong Wars.
'The Great' had his first pro fight at middleweight. Later, he cut down to middleweight for his next three fights. Volkanovski made his UFC debut in the lightweight. However, he is now dominating the featherweight division.
Previously, Volkanovski's moniker was 'The Hulk', which suited him more when he was 97kg. However, after coming down to the featherweight, he changed it to Alexander 'The Great' Volkanovski, as his father is Macedonian and his mother is Greek.