Few heavyweights carry the quiet menace of Alexander Volkov. Towering at 6’7″, the man nicknamed ‘Drago’ has built a reputation for calculated violence, a fighter who doesn’t just strike, but dismantles. Yet behind his calm exterior lies a deep sense of pride in his homeland, his roots, and the identity that forged him.

His rise from karate prodigy to Bellator champion and now a UFC contender reflects more than athletic talent; it’s a product of discipline, resilience, and cultural heritage. And as he prepares for his next showdown against Jailton Almeida at UFC 321, fans continue to ask: Who is Alexander Volkov beyond the cage?

Alexander Volkov’s Russian Nationality and Moscow Upbringing

Alexander Yevgenyevich Volkov is Russian by nationality. He was welcomed into this world by his parents on October 24, 1988, in Moscow. At that time, the country was still under the rule of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, or the USSR. Volkov takes pride in being a Russian and has used the songs of artists from his motherland as walkout music for all of his fights.

Alexander Volkov’s nickname is ‘Drago’, which he took up after witnessing the fourth installment of the famous ‘Rocky’ movie franchise that had a Russian villain with the same name, portrayed by Dolph Lundgren. Hence, there is no doubt as to how Russian Volkov is. Meanwhile, when it comes to his ethnicity, things can be a little confusing.

Alexander Volkov’s Ethnicity

The Russian capital of Moscow has people from all around Eastern Europe. These include Ukrainians, Belarusians, Azerbaijanis, Tatars, and Armenians. Yet, by all accounts, Volkov is ethnically Russian. When it comes to his religious beliefs, things are unclear as ‘Drago’ seemingly prefers to keep that side of his life outside the spotlight.

Still, his background is more than just a label. It’s a framework that has shaped his mindset as an athlete and a man, one who has turned Russian resilience into a weapon.

How Volkov’s Background Shapes His UFC Heavyweight Career

MMA fighters come from various walks of life. For most, fighting is therapy for the hassles of their personal lives, be it a troubled childhood, adulthood, or financial troubles. Meanwhile, others just love combat sports and have certain backgrounds to help them break through in MMA, and Alexander Volkov took this exact route to become a pro fighter. ‘Drago’ was already a martial artist, a karate fighter, and when he received his first belt, that was the time when he knew that all he wanted was to become an MMA fighter.

“I have been doing sports since childhood. I earned my first karate belt when I was nine years old. And it was obvious to me that I needed to continue,” Alexander Volkov told the UFC. 

That philosophy carried him to Bellator, where he became heavyweight champion before making his UFC debut in 2016. Since then, Volkov has faced some of the sport’s biggest names, Derrick Lewis, Curtis Blaydes, and Ciryl Gane, earning a reputation as one of the division’s most technically sound fighters. 

That mindset was tested in 2024, when he faced former interim champion Ciryl Gane in a rematch at UFC 310. The fight ended in a controversial split decision as 19 out of 20 media outlets scored the bout in Volkov’s favor. Even Dana White publicly apologized, saying he thought Volkov had won. The fighter himself voiced frustration at Judge Adalaide Byrd, known for her inconsistent scorecards. Now, with a new fight set for October 25  against Jailton Almeida at UFC 321, the Russian star looks to reclaim his momentum and silence the doubters!