Brief Introduction of Colby Thicknesse
Colby “Slickness” Thicknesse is an Australian professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known for his formidable grappling and ever-improving striking, Thicknesse has quickly become a notable prospect in the Australian MMA scene. Training out of Freestyle MMA, he is a longtime protégé and primary sparring partner of former UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski, learning firsthand what it takes to compete at the highest level of the sport. His journey into professional fighting was paved with a successful amateur career, where he secured multiple championships. Thicknesse’s professional career has seen him capture titles in regional promotions, such as the Hex Fight Series Bantamweight Championship, before earning his call-up to the UFC. His story is one of dedication, resilience in the face of injuries, and the relentless pursuit of a childhood dream to become a world champion.
Colby Thicknesse Overview
| Full Name | Colby Thicknesse |
| Date of Birth | June 23, 1999 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 26 |
| Birthplace | Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia |
| Profession | Professional Mixed Martial Artist |
| Husband/Wife | Not Publicly Available |
| Family | Father, Twin Brother |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Not Publicly Available |
| Net Worth | Not Publicly Available |
Early Life and Education of Colby Thicknesse
Colby Thicknesse was born in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia, along with a twin brother. From a young age, the two brothers were energetic and would often fight, which prompted their father to enroll them in combat sports to provide a structured outlet. At the age of six, Thicknesse began his journey into the world of martial arts through wrestling and also played rugby league. This early introduction to grappling laid a strong foundation for his future career in mixed martial arts. He demonstrated a natural aptitude for wrestling, winning state and national titles during his formative years.
At thirteen, Thicknesse made a pivotal decision to transition his focus to mixed martial arts, joining the Freestyle MMA gym under the tutelage of esteemed coach Joe Lopez. It was here that he would begin to train alongside a future UFC champion, Alexander Volkanovski, an experience that would profoundly shape his development as a fighter. During this period, he also delved deep into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, recognizing its importance in becoming a well-rounded martial artist. His dedication to the grappling arts culminated in him earning a BJJ black belt in 2022. Before committing to a full-time fighting career, Thicknesse balanced his training with work as a security guard and also gave back to his gym community by coaching kids’ classes from the age of fifteen. This period of his life was characterized by a relentless work ethic and a clear vision of his future in professional fighting.
Colby Thicknesse’s Career
Amateur Foundations
Colby Thicknesse built an impressive resume as an amateur fighter, showcasing the skills that would later define his professional career. He had a reported amateur record of 7-1, gaining valuable experience and honing his craft against regional competition. His success in the amateur ranks was highlighted by several significant achievements. He became a National BJJ Champion and a WKBF Bantamweight Champion, demonstrating his proficiency in both grappling and striking disciplines. A crowning achievement of his amateur career came in 2020 when he won the IMMAF Oceania Open Championships in the featherweight division. This victory on a major international platform signaled his readiness to transition to the professional level.
Professional Ascent
Thicknesse made his professional MMA debut in November 2020 at Eternal MMA 55, securing a first-round submission victory over Shaun Johnson via rear-naked choke. He continued to build his record with a unanimous decision win against Semakadde Kakembo in a challenging fight where he had to overcome being dropped twice in The first round. This demonstrated his resilience and heart, qualities that would become hallmarks of his fighting style.
His career gained significant momentum in the Hex Fight Series promotion. After a lengthy 13-month layoff, he returned to defeat Michael Barber by unanimous decision in February 2023. He followed this up with another unanimous decision victory over Michael Mannu in a title contender fight in March 2024. This victory earned him a shot at the coveted Hex Bantamweight Championship. In November 2024, at Hex Fight Series 33, Thicknesse realized his goal by defeating Marvin Malunes via KO with elbows in the first round to become the new champion.
The UFC Journey
With a perfect professional record and a regional title to his name, Colby Thicknesse received the call to the world’s premier MMA organization, the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He was offered a debut fight on short notice at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia, against another highly touted prospect, Aleksandre Topuria, the brother of UFC champion Ilia Topuria. The opportunity was a dream come true, allowing him to debut on a major pay-per-view card in his home country. Despite a valiant effort, Thicknesse lost a hard-fought unanimous decision, marking the first loss of his professional career.
Undeterred by the setback, Thicknesse returned to the Octagon for his sophomore appearance at UFC Fight Night in Perth. With the benefit of a full training camp, he faced Josias Musasa. The fight was a grueling affair, with Thicknesse showcasing his dominant grappling in the first round, nearly securing a rear-naked choke. Musasa rallied in the second, but Thicknesse dug deep in the third to secure a unanimous decision victory, earning his first win inside the UFC.
Colby Thicknesse Personal Life & Family
Colby Thicknesse maintains a relatively private personal life, with much of his public focus centered on his fighting career. He was born in Wollongong, Australia, and has a twin brother. Their energetic and often combative relationship as children was the catalyst for their father introducing them to wrestling, which set Colby on his path in martial arts. He has a close relationship with his team at Freestyle MMA, particularly with his coach Joe Lopez and his mentor Alexander Volkanovski, whom he considers a significant influence on his career and life. Outside of the gym, Thicknesse enjoys spending time in nature, with hiking being one of his preferred activities. He is also an avid reader. Information regarding his romantic relationships is not publicly available.
Awards and Achievements of Colby Thicknesse
- Hex Bantamweight Champion
- IMMAF Champion (2020 Oceania Open)
- WKBF Bantamweight Champion (Amateur)
- National BJJ Champion (Amateur)
- BJJ Black Belt (Awarded in 2022)
Colby Thicknesse Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, a definitive net worth for Colby Thicknesse is not publicly available. As a rising star in the UFC, his earnings are primarily derived from his fight purses, which include show money, win bonuses, and potential performance bonuses. For his UFC debut at UFC 312, it was reported that he earned a guaranteed purse of $12,000, with the potential to earn more through a win bonus and sponsorships. His income will likely see a significant increase as he continues to compete and establish himself within the highly competitive bantamweight division. His earnings from his time as a regional champion in promotions like Hex Fight Series also contribute to his overall financial standing. As his profile grows, opportunities for more lucrative sponsorships and endorsements are expected to increase.
Legacy and Influence
Though still in the early stages of his UFC career, Colby Thicknesse is already building a legacy as a determined and skilled fighter who embodies the spirit of perseverance. His journey from a young wrestler to a UFC competitor serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in Australia. His close association with Alexander Volkanovski provides a compelling narrative of mentorship and the passing of knowledge from one generation of fighters to the next. Thicknesse’s willingness to face tough challenges, such as taking a UFC debut on short notice and overcoming adversity in his fights, has earned him respect from fans and peers alike. He is seen as a fighter who is not just chasing victories, but also seeking to test himself against the best in the world. His influence is particularly felt within the Australian MMA community, where he is viewed as one of the next top prospects to emerge from the region.
Interesting Facts about Colby Thicknesse
- He has a twin brother, and their childhood fights were the reason their father enrolled them in wrestling.
- Before becoming a full-time fighter, he worked as a security guard.
- He started coaching kids’ MMA classes at his gym when he was just 15 years old.
- He is an active member of the MMA community on Reddit.
- He is an avid hiker and reader in his spare time.
- He was a part of Alexander Volkanovski’s team on The Ultimate Fighter 29.
Controversies
There are no widely reported major controversies involving Colby Thicknesse.
Social Media Presence
- YouTube
Final Words about Colby Thicknesse
Colby Thicknesse’s career is a testament to the power of dedication and a strong support system. Having navigated the challenges of the regional circuit and overcome significant injuries, he has proven his mettle and earned his place on the global stage of the UFC. With his first promotional victory secured, he is now poised to make his mark on the bantamweight division. His combination of a high-level grappling pedigree, thanks to his BJJ black belt and wrestling background, and his ever-improving striking make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. Guided by the experience of his world-class team at Freestyle MMA, Thicknesse has all the tools to ascend the ranks. His future in the sport looks bright, and he remains a fighter to watch as he continues to chase his ultimate goal of UFC championship gold.
