Revealed: The incredible donation to Dragons' NRLW squad from UFC star Alex Volkanovski - 'something that I wanted to do'
Aussie UFC legend Alex Volkanovski has warmed the hearts of many footy fans after generously donating $10,000 towards St George Illawarra's NRLW program.
Volkanovski, 36, has also pledged to assist the club's wrestling program under new women's coach Nathan Cross.
'It's just something that I wanted to do. The sport is growing so much in this region,' Volkanovski told News Corp.
'If you can invest in the sport's growth, and create more opportunities, that's how it's going to get better.
'If there's a bit of money I can donate to help them be professional athletes, and maybe give those opportunities – whether it's strength and conditioning, physios, doctors....whatever they need to help that process.'
Volkanovski - a father of three girls - pointed to the success of the Matildas as proof women's sport can thrive in Australia if appropriate funding follows.
His five-figure sum will go towards better equipment, camps, facilities, diet and nutrition support.
Born in Wollongong on the NSW south coast, 'Volk' was never going to pass on his hard earned to anyone else but the Red V.
Having himself waited years for mixed martial arts to be properly resourced, he understands the struggles semi-professional athletes face.
'I know that when I was able to go professional and fulltime, I (soon) went to a new level,' he said.
'I'm not expecting that money will be able to fix everything, but if we can point it in the right direction, we can watch the sport grow.'
Volkanovski first entered the Octagon as a professional in 2016, and almost a decade later is one of the most respected figures in the sport globally.
Boasting a career record of 27-4, with 13 wins via knockout, 'The Great' is a two-time UFC World Featherweight Champion.
Previously, Volkanovski was a standout for Warilla Gorillas in the Group 7 Rugby League competition.
In 2010 he was awarded the prestigious Mick Cronin Medal after being judged the league's best player.
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