Alexander Volkanovski pay, fight with Islam Makhachev, rematch, last fight highlights, fight date, time in Australia\u060c<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
As first revealed by Fox Sports Australia, Volkanovski has signed a huge new contract with UFC<\/a> president Dana White after agreeing to fight for the lightweight title on just 11 days’ notice .<\/p>\n UFC 294: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski<\/a> 2 | SUN 22 OCT 5am AEDT | Order now with the Main Event on Kayo Sports<\/b><\/p>\n Makhachev downplays ‘big drama’ over IV | 01:27<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The popular father-of-three is also set to earn significantly more if he beats Makhachev this Sunday – setting up a host of exciting<\/a> and lucrative fights at lightweight in 2024.<\/p>\n Volkanovski also pointed out that if he becomes a two-division champion against Makhachev, then he would want to defend both belts in 2024 \u2013 and points out that he has already proven he is capable of doing so.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> money.<\/p>\n Belcastro said the new contract allows his client to \u201ceasily\u201d build a roster with an entry point of $5 million per year.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n ULTIMATE GUIDE to UFC 294: Everything you need to know before the fight!<\/b><\/p>\n Short-term revenge is a boon for Volk | 01:34<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n Presenting the same list, Belcastro responded: \u201cVolk is there\u2026and easily.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n A victory on Sunday would also see Volkanovski face a host of significant new challenges and the incredible potential of defending two belts simultaneously. <\/p>\n \u201cSo imagine the opportunities that come with a big knockout this weekend,\u201d the Wollongong star said.<\/p>\n \u201cHigh risk, high reward\u2026I thrive in those situations.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I can\u2019t wait to take it all.\u201d<\/p>\n Last February, GQ magazine published a list of Australia’s highest-paid athletes, based on total prize money won for the year or salaries.<\/p>\n