Last year, Alexander Volkanovski solidified his status as an MMA legend when he beat Diego Lopes for the vacated featherweight belt at UFC 314, becoming a two-time champion at 36, a milestone no one else in the division has hit. He also overcame significant challenges, such as the long-standing “over-35 title-fight curse” in the under-155 lb division and the notorious “Drake curse,” demonstrating that age is irrelevant. 

Now Alexander Volkanovski will defend his belt in a rematch against Diego Lopes at UFC 325, a fight that could be his last. ‘The Great’ has already crushed most milestones inside the Octagon, but he still keeps much of his life outside the cage under wraps. The 37-year-old occasionally drops hints about his family in interviews, yet he has never opened up about his personal story. Let’s get a deep dive into ‘The Great’s early life and current family, as well as his ethnic roots.

Where is Alexander Volkanovski from & what is his nationality?

Alexander Volkanovski was born on September 29, 1988, to Tony and Mary Volkanovski in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. After starting his combat sports journey at an early age with Greco-Roman wrestling, he quickly established himself as a standout talent. By the time he turned 12, Volkanovski had already won two national wrestling titles.

However, during that time, “The Great” also helped with his family business. “I finished high school a few weeks into Year 11 to take on a role in concreting within the family business,” Volkanovski told the UFC.

During his teenage years, Alexander Volkanovski shifted his focus from wrestling to rugby and started competing in high-level leagues while growing up. During this time, he remained deeply connected to his cultural roots, raised in a close-knit Australian household. At 23, he returned to combat sports and launched his MMA career, laying the foundation for his future success.

Even after achieving global success in the UFC, Volkanovski chose to stay based in Australia, keeping his roots close rather than relocating permanently to the United States.

Given this background, fans have been curious about his ethnicity, especially since Australia was once a colony. Let’s dive into Alexander Volkanovski’s heritage and roots. So, let’s take a closer look at this side of “The Great’s” life as well.

What is Alexander Volkanovski’s ethnicity?

Alexander Volkanovski has mixed ancestry because his father, Tony Volkanovski, is of Macedonian descent and was born in Yugoslavia. His mother, Mary Volkanovski, on the other hand, is of Greek origin. The famous conqueror Alexander the Great’s name, who also had a Macedonian-Greek origin like himself, inspired ‘The Great’. Thus, he decided to use a part of The Great Conqueror’s name as his own fight moniker. This is why ‘Volk’ is also known as ‘The Great’.

Since his younger days and even at 36, Volkanovski has remained very close to his parents. However, his affection often takes a mischievous turn. The Instagram post by ‘Volk’ below is proof of the playful antics he enjoys with his beloved parents. Now, let’s take a closer look at Alexander Volkanovski’s religion and beliefs, as fans may be unsure due to his diverse family background.

What is Alexander Volkanovski’s religion?

Alexander Volkanovski hasn’t talked about his religious beliefs, but we can spot a few clues. For example, in a 2020 Instagram post, “The Great” wished his fans a “Happy Orthodox Easter,” suggesting he follows Christianity. Another hint comes from his personal life and symbols.

Volkanovski also shows his faith through his tattoos. In particular, many fans point to the cross wrapped in a chain on his upper back as a sign of his Christian beliefs. What do you think?

This week, Alexander Volkanovski steps back into the Octagon for a rematch against Diego Lopes at Qudos Bank Arena on January 31, putting his title on the line. So, do you think he can beat Lopes again? Share your thoughts in the comments below.