Alexander Volkanovski pay, fight with Islam Makhachev, rematch, last fight highlights, fight date, time in Australia،
Alexander Volkanovski has become one of Australia’s highest-paid athletes – and “easily” above the $5 million required to break into the top 15 – after signing for Sunday’s blockbuster title fight against UFC lightweight king Islam Makhachev.
Better still, a win at UFC 294 here in Abu Dhabi could see the former Wollongong cement worker put his name at the top of a list dominated by NBA superstar Ben Simmons, F1 ace Daniel Ricciardo and NFL heavyweight Jordan Mailata.
As first revealed by Fox Sports Australia, Volkanovski has signed a huge new contract with UFC president Dana White after agreeing to fight for the lightweight title on just 11 days’ notice .
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Speaking for the first time about the deal last night in Abu Dhabi, Australia’s No.1 fighter would not say precisely how much the deal was worth – but confirmed it exceeded the $5 million required to enter the Australian top 15.
The popular father-of-three is also set to earn significantly more if he beats Makhachev this Sunday – setting up a host of exciting and lucrative fights at lightweight in 2024.
Volkanovski also pointed out that if he becomes a two-division champion against Makhachev, then he would want to defend both belts in 2024 – and points out that he has already proven he is capable of doing so.
Above all, and regardless of what happens at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday, the champion and his manager Ash Belcastro also revealed that the new agreement with the UFC already places “The Great” among the 15 best Australian athletes to win money.
Belcastro said the new contract allows his client to “easily” build a roster with an entry point of $5 million per year.
While chatting with Fox Sports Australia inside the Hilton Hotel, Volk was shown a list of the country’s highest-paid athletes for 2023, which includes Simmons, Ricciardo, Patty Mills, Josh Giddey and golfer Cam Smith.
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When it was noted that the No. 15 golfer was Jason Day, with $4.7 million, the champion smiled and replied, “Yes, I’m there too now.”
Presenting the same list, Belcastro responded: “Volk is there…and easily.”
The new deal represents an incredible change of fortune for the fighter who began his professional career while also working as a concrete worker in Wollongong and living, broke, in a spare room at his mother’s house with his young family.
A victory on Sunday would also see Volkanovski face a host of significant new challenges and the incredible potential of defending two belts simultaneously.
“So imagine the opportunities that come with a big knockout this weekend,” the Wollongong star said.
“High risk, high reward…I thrive in those situations.”
“And I can’t wait to take it all.”
Last February, GQ magazine published a list of Australia’s highest-paid athletes, based on total prize money won for the year or salaries.
At the top was NBA star Ben Simmons with $51 million, followed by F1 star Daniel Ricciardo ($36 million), golfer Cam Smith ($30 million), NFL monster Jordan Mailata ($21 million) and baseball player Liam Hendriks ($20 million).
NBA stars Patty Mills, Joe Ingles and Josh Giddey are next with $9 million.
Now, when the next list is released, Volkanovski will be there too – and should quickly rise if he can upset Makhachev, who beat him via a controversial decision in their first meeting in February.
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“So this new contract means everything to me,” said Volkanovski, who now has three daughters with his wife Emma.
“I want to succeed.
“And of course I want to leave a legacy.
“But if leaving an inheritance wouldn’t help my family, I wouldn’t care.
“I do all this for my family.
“And what awaits me are great opportunities.”
Elsewhere, Volkanovski stressed that with a win this weekend he then wants to defend the featherweight and lightweight titles in 2024.
“Let’s talk about it for a second,” the champion began.
“I have competed in every lightweight and featherweight fight for over a year.
“I either fought with them or showed up to get one to make weight.
“So the last five or six (title) fights at lightweight and featherweight, I’ve been there for everyone.
“So don’t tell me I can’t hold two divisions.
“I can keep them busy.
“I understand what they (the UFC) want.
“They don’t want to block two divisions.
“And I think I’ve proven that I won’t.”
“So obviously I want to do January (against Ilia Topuria, for the featherweight bracelet).
“I want to be a double champion and occupy both divisions.”
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When initially asked about the new deal, Belcastro said: “Alex has been compensated very well.
“We signed a great new deal – not just for this fight but beyond – and Volk is now at the highest level of UFC athletes (in terms of salary).
“It’s not just about money. There is a lot more to do and he has received very good guarantees.
“Typically in combat sports, the heavier you are, the more you get paid.
“But with Alex, as a featherweight… he’s doing really well.
“As far as featherweight goes, he was already the highest-paid fighter of all time outside of Conor McGregor.
“But this new deal puts him in a great position to care for his family and beyond.”
