Jordan Mailata makes a living protecting Jalen Hurts from some of the NFL's biggest and most explosive pass rushers, but the Philadelphia Eagles’
All-Pro left tackle was no match for Alexander Volkanovski inside a cage. The two Australian stars took part in a lighthearted crossover competition, with the 300-plus-pound Mailata accepting the challenge of briefly grappling with one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history.It did not last long.
Volkanovski forced Mailata to submit in less than 20 seconds, overcoming a dramatic size and strength mismatch with superior positioning and technique. Mailata lifted Volkanovski off the ground, but the UFC star maintained his grip and secured a choke that forced the Eagles tackle to tap out. The mismatch reminded
everyone that experience and technique can neutralize a significant weight advantage on the mat. The challenge was part of a longer competition between the two men. They tested their punching power; Mailata absorbed several body shots, and Volkanovski attempted to get around the Eagles star as he protected a tackling dummy.
.@jordan_mailata gave it his best try 😅 pic.twitter.com/aepsN7lRGo
— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2026
Mailata was born in Bankstown, Australia, and played rugby league before the Eagles selected him in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL draft. He has since developed into one of football’s premier left tackles.
😭 Alexander Volkanovski accidentally punched 360-lbs NFL player Mailata in the sternum and dropped him.
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 16, 2026
🎥 @ufc pic.twitter.com/imbdToFbw1
Still, none of Mailata’s football experience prepared him for Volkanovski. The Eagles star may dominate defensive linemen on Sundays, but stepping into the UFC veteran’s world produced a predictable and entertaining result.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Alexander Volkanovski forces Jordan Mailata to tap out in seconds
