Volkanovski Submits Eagles' Jordan Mailata in Viral Challenge

Alexander Volkanovski choked out Philadelphia Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata during a lighthearted UFC-NFL crossover challenge that pitted the featherweight champion against a man nearly nine inches taller than him.

The two-time UFC featherweight titleholder and the Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman, both Australians, went through a series of physical tests together, and the size gap was obvious from the jump. Mailata stands 6-foot-8. Volkanovski walks around well under six feet. None of that mattered once the two got to grappling.

How Volkanovski Got the Better of a Much Bigger Man

The session opened with the pair testing punching power on a machine, then moved into Mailata volunteering to eat body shots from a former two-division UFC champion. That part went about how anyone would expect. The real drama came when Volkanovski took Mailata off his feet and worked his way to a fight-ending choke, despite giving up a huge amount of height and reach. Mailata got his own moment, hoisting Volkanovski off the ground at one point to remind everyone exactly how big he is, and he stayed a good sport about the whole ordeal even while wondering aloud why he signed up for it. The last test flipped the script and let Mailata use his NFL blocking skills to protect a dummy from Volkanovski, but the champion still found a way to get through.

Why This Matters Beyond the Highlight Reel

There is no fight here and nothing for sportsbooks to price up. This was a crossover content piece, not a bout announcement, and Volkanovski was never in jeopardy against a lineman with zero grappling background. But it is a reminder of why he has been so hard to beat at 145 pounds for years: the technique and timing that let him neutralize a 6-foot-8, 340-pound blocker translate directly to how he handles bigger, longer opponents inside the Octagon. For fans wondering whether this signals any move toward a Mailata combat-sports future, there is nothing here to suggest that. It was a fun exhibition between two prominent Australian athletes, nothing more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Alexander Volkanovski actually fight Jordan Mailata?

No, it was not a sanctioned fight. Alexander Volkanovski and Jordan Mailata took part in a series of lighthearted UFC-NFL crossover challenges that included punching power tests and grappling, which ended with Volkanovski submitting Mailata.

How tall is Jordan Mailata compared to Alexander Volkanovski?

Jordan Mailata stands 6-foot-8, giving him roughly a nine-inch height advantage over UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.

Is Jordan Mailata a professional fighter?

No, Jordan Mailata is a Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman and Super Bowl winner, not a professional MMA fighter or boxer.