UFC 266 LIVE: Volkanovski vs Ortega latest updates and result tonight
Re-live all the action from Las Vegas
Alexander Volkanovski retained his featherweight title against Brian Ortega in the main event of UFC 266 on Satuurday Night, as the pair produced arguably the greatest championship bout in the history of the division.
After 25 engrossing minutes of mixed martial arts, Australian Volkanovski (23-1) defeated American Ortega (15-2, 1 no contest) via unanimous decision, with the judges in Las Vegas revealing 49-46, 40-45 and 45-44 scorecards in the champion’s favour.
Over the course of five rounds, Volkanovski got the better of his challenger in the majority of the striking exchanges, but the champion was forced to escape four submission attempts that all seemed certain to spell the end of the 32-year-old’s title reign. Three of those holds were applied in a stunning third round. Ultimately, Volkanovski fought free and re-established his superiority to win over the judges and keep his belt.
In the co-main event of UFC 266, Valentina Shevchenko (22-3) made a sixth successful defence of her flyweight title by stopping Lauren Murphy (15-5) with ground and pound in the fourth round. Prior to that, MMA icon Nick Diaz – older brother of Nate – had made his return to the sport after six years away. seventeen years after his welterweight bout against Robbie Lawler, Diaz took on his fellow Californian in a middleweight rematch. Lawler, 39, the fight via third-round TKO, with the 38-year-old Diaz deciding against continuing after he was floored by a right hook.
Re-live updates from UFC 266 below.
UFC 266: Volkanovski vs Ortega
Ortega’s corner with an honest appraisal, telling their fighter that he’s falling behind on points here.
The crowd roars as the third round begins.
UFC 266: Volkanovski vs Ortega
Volkanovski rolls under a punch and gets a body lock, but only for a second.
The champion’s head is bloodied now – it seems a cauliflower ear might have popped...
Volkanovski with some fine combos to end the second round, before these rivals stare each other down at the buzzer. Wow.
UFC 266: Volkanovski vs Ortega
Big elbow by Volkanovski – Ortega’s face is very much reddened now!
The champion is still utilising his leg kicks well, too.
Ortega with a couple more clean right hands, though.
UFC 266: Volkanovski vs Ortega
The crowds greet the start of the second round with respectful applause.
Soon there are whistles, however, as both men remain patient.
Heavy leg kick by Ortega. Clean body kick from Volkanovski.
UFC 266: Volkanovski vs Ortega
Ortega staying patient. Intelligent pressure by Volkanovski.
Ortega catches a kick but can’t do anything with it – the same thing happens again soon after.
A couple of nice punches land for Ortega as the first round comes to an end.
UFC 266: Volkanovski vs Ortega
A couple of stiff right hands land for Volkanovski, who then peppers Ortega with more low kicks.
The champion is taking a strategic approach as ever. Each man has a small cut around one of their eyes.
UFC 266: Volkanovski vs Ortega
A lot of feints early on. Volkanovski misses with a head kick attempt but lands low.
“Ortega” chants in Vegas.
UFC 266: Volkanovski vs Ortega
This is Ortega’s second title shot, following his fourth-round stoppage defeat by then-champion Max Holloway in December 2018.
One year later, Volkanovski outpointed Holloway to claim the gold, before achieving another (controversial) decision win against the Hawaiian last summer.
Now, Volkanovski and Ortega square off.
And here... we... go!
UFC 266: Volkanovski vs Ortega
Bruce Buffer makes the introductions. Herb Dean will officiate this one.
We’re moments away.
UFC 266: Volkanovski vs Ortega
It’s time for the main event.
Alexander Volkanovski makes the second defence of his featherweight belt, taking on Brian Ortega after the pair’s slow-burn rivalry heated up significantly at this week’s pre-fight press conference.
Volkanovski called his challenger a “drugs cheat”, referencing a failed drugs test by Ortega after the American’s UFC debut.
Australian Volkanovski (22-1) and Ortega (15-1) were opposing coaches on the most recent season of the Ultimate Fighter TV show, and their respective styles should make for an intriguing match-up.
Volkanovski is a well-rounded athlete with an answer for most foes, while Ortega is a jiu-jitsu specialist who has significantly enhanced his striking skills in recent years.
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