Volkanovski's bush rugby days: fighting men a foot taller
Before becoming UFC champion, Volkanovski played rugby league as a 5'6" front-rower for Warilla Gorillas, often facing opponents seven feet tall.
Volkanovski was the smallest front-rower in his rugby league competition, playing for the Warilla Gorillas and often facing much larger opponents. One player stood seven feet tall, taller than UFC fighters Brock Lesnar and Francis Ngannou.
"Alex had to jump to throw punches," his former teammate said. In those early days, Volkanovski sometimes played three grades in one day: under-18s, reserve grade, and first grade.
He also worked concreting jobs with his family. He won the Mick Cronin Medal as the best player in the competition.
His teammate thought he was good enough for the NRL instead of fighting. Volkanovski is now defending his UFC featherweight title against Movsar Evloev on October 25.
- 5 foot 6 inches (168cm)
- Volkanovski's height
- 7 feet tall
- Opponent height
- Warilla Gorillas
- Team
- October 25
- UFC title defense date
Why it mattersVolkanovski's willingness to face much bigger opponents as a teenager shows the character that built his unlikely rise to the top of combat sports.
AustraliaAustralia's UFC champion has his roots in regional New South Wales rugby league, and a significant title defence coming up this month.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 58 min ago
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