Australian icon Alexander Volkanovski has stunned UFC fans ahead of his fight with Russian Movsar Evloev on Sunday morning.
As the pair prepare for battle for Volkanovski’s featherweight crown, the famous bald Aussie looked like something out of a movie as he stepped out for a UFC press conference wearing a blond wig and fancy red pants.
Of course, the Hollywood vibe was exactly his intention, as he promotes his recently released Street Fighter movie, where the 38-year-old plays the character Joe.
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Nonetheless, unaware fans were stunned when they first caught a glimpse of the Aussie legend.
High-profile social media account Mixing Martial Arts said. “Why did Volkanovski do that with his hair?”
And Tactical Aggression MMA said: “Wtf … Alexander Volkanovski had hair all along?!?”
A fan said: “Wth is that hair from Volk??”
While another remarked: “That hair is glorious.”
And another: “Wait when did he get hair again?”
And another: “haha, Volk with hair looks like a street fighter villain lol. Love it.” Ummm … yes, nice observation, fan.
Meanwhile, Volkanovski was able to have a laugh about it all before getting serious about the championship double-header at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
“It’s good to have a nice hairline again,” he said.
And while he believes Movsar Evloev is the full package, he still doesn’t think that will be enough to take his UFC crown.
“I believe I’ve seen that (wrestling) puzzle before,” the champ said, referring to Evloev’s style.
Evloev (20-0 MMA) has won 10 in a row in the UFC and earned the title shot with a close decision over England’s Lerone Murphy in London last March.
Volkanovski (28-4 MMA) is attempting to defend the title for the second time since his second title reign began in April 2025, and is unfazed by both the momentum Evloev brings into the fight and the age difference.
“But he’s undefeated — he knows how to win — but I just don’t think that’s enough.
“He’s got all the skills. He can take it anywhere. He’s the most well-rounded (fighter), but I just don’t believe that’s enough for me. I’m gonna go get my hand raised. ‘And still (champion),’ once again.”
Evloev brushed off the 145-pound titleholder’s comments.
“He’s the best featherweight in (UFC) history, and everybody knows that, right?” Evloev said.
“I’m here to check for myself and do all I can to get to this point this Saturday.”
In the co-headliner, a bantamweight title trilogy will be settled when Russia’s champion Petr Yan (20-5 MMA) tries to make it two in a row against former champion Merab Dvalishvili of Georgia, 10 months after their matchup at UFC 323.
Injuries to both fighters kept them from facing each other again until now.
– With Reuters
