Alex Volkanovski

About

Australian MMA fighter and home cook known for being a UFC champion and one of the most dominant featherweight fighters of his era who is also known for his cooking content featuring bold and hearty recipes, BBQ meals, and food-focused adventures which he shares on his Instagram account and YouTube channel @cookinwithvolk and his website cookingwithvolk.com.

Before fame

He trained in Greco-Roman wrestling as a child and won national titles by the time he was 12 years old. He transitioned into rugby league as a teenager playing as a front-rower for the Warilla Gorillas where he won the Mick Cronin Medal in 2010 and helped secure a premiership in 2011. He began training in mixed martial arts after leaving rugby league and made his professional MMA debut in 2012. He worked as a concreter during his early fighting career while developing into a world-class athlete. He officially launched the Cooking With Volk in August 2024 as a space focused on cooking, food exploration, and lifestyle content. He launched the Cookin' With Volk YouTube channel in July 2025.

Trivia

He was named UFC Pound-For-Pound #1 in both 2022 and 2023. He became the first man under 155 pounds to win a UFC world title after age 35 at UFC 314 in 2025. His cooking content often features BBQ dishes, comfort food, and high protein meals. 

Family life

He was born and raised in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. He married Emma Volkanovski and they have children together.

Associated with

He has defended the UFC Featherweight title multiple times including victories over Max Holloway, Brian Ortega, Chan Sung Jung, and Diego Lopes.