Who is Volkan Oezdemir?

In a sport that’s dominated most by the United States and Brazil, Volkan Oezdemir stands about as one of Switzerland’s best MMA exports. Ranked #8 in the current UFC light heavyweight division rankings, the 35-year-old started his MMA journey more than a decade back in 2010. He’s been in the game for a long time, but prior to stepping inside the Octagon, Oezdemir also has had the experience of kickboxing in the Superkombat Fighting Championship’s heavyweight division.

Volkan Oezdemir had a great start to his UFC career, going on a three-fight winning streak, which earned him a light heavyweight title shot against the then-champion, Daniel Cormier. But he failed to get the job done, and since then, he’s yet to bag another championship opportunity in Dana White’s promotion.

Volkan Oezdemir’s Early Life

Despite being the lone representative of Switzerland in the UFC, Volkan Oezdemir is still considered to be one of the top UFC contenders. Half-Kurdish and half-Swiss, ‘No Time’ has a connection to both sides, although he prefers keeping his Swiss nationality close to his heart. Nevertheless, belonging to two different cultures is something that the 35-year-old takes absolute pride in.

When it comes to his birthplace, Oezdemir was born in Fribourg, a part of Switzerland where French is the most dominating language. A city with just over 37,000 people, Fribourg is known for its history, architecture, and, of course, its richness in natural resources.

Volkan Oezdemir’s Partner

Volkan Oezdemir has been in a relationship for a long time with his now-wife, Bruna Oezdemir. The couple made their union official when they decided to tie the knot in July 2023 after the Swiss fighter announced their engagement a few months back in April on Instagram. ‘No Time’ has shared some beautiful snaps from his wedding on social media, just like he did for his engagement.

Like some of the other fighters, Volkan Oezdemir prefers to lay low when it comes to his personal life, which makes it difficult to learn more about his wife, Bruna. However, her support for her husband can never be undermined, as on 17th January 2018, the YouTube channel, ‘Anatomy of a Fighter’, uploaded a video on how Volkan Oezdemir was training moments after his loss in UFC 220. His life partner was present in this video and she gave all her support silently by sitting next to him and giving him a heartfelt kiss. No words were needed because her actions proved that she was there for him.

Volkan Oezdemir’s Net Worth 2024

Oezdemir has estimated career earnings in excess of $1,284,500, according to certain reports. As of November 2024, his biggest paycheck came from his fight against Daniel Cormier at UFC 220 in 2018, when he raked in $360,000 for his first and only title fight in the promotion so far.

Volkan Oezdemir’s Career Timeline

November 18, 2006 – Volkan Oezdemir competed in his first amateur MMA fight on SMAG: Battle Under the Tower.

October 25, 2013 – Volkan Oezdemir debuted under the Bellator banner against Josh Lanier.

February 4, 2017 – Volkan Oezdemir debuted against Ovince St. Preux at UFC Fight Night 104

January 20, 2018 – Volkan Oezdemir competed in his first and only light heavyweight title fight at UFC 220.

Volkan Oezdemir’s Partnerships and Endorsements

Volkan Oezdemir has recently endorsed several brands through his social media, including BIWI SA, Blockasset, Allstars Training Center, and Antonova Payerne SA, among others. For now, these are the only endorsements the Swiss fighter has done so far.

Volkan Oezdemir’s Career stats and record

Having started his MMA career in 2006 as an amateur, Volkan Oezdemir has amassed a pretty impressive 20-wins-and-7-losses record. Moreover, the Swiss light heavyweight contender has an unbeaten record in kickboxing, winning all three of his professional bouts, with two wins coming off of knockouts and the other coming via decision.

In 2017, ‘No Time’ impressed the MMA world so much that he bagged the 2018 ‘Newcomer of the Year’ award. Also, the Swiss 205fer has three ‘Performance of the Night’ UFC honors to his name as well, helping him earn $50,000 extra on each occasion.

Volkan Oezdemir’s Social Media Accounts