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: Shevchenko vs Murphy
Murphy catches a kick and momentarily thinks about a takedown, but she’s put off by a series of strikes from Shevchenko, who fires off the combination while on one leg...
UFC 266: Shevchenko vs Murphy
Shevchenko is still seeking her first real challenge as champion.
Can American Murphy give the title-holder the test she desires?
UFC 266: Shevchenko vs Murphy
Next up, it’s the co-main event!
Valentina Shevchenko puts her flyweight gold on the line against Lauren Murphy.
UFC 266: Lawler def. Diaz
Diaz looked sharper than some of us thought he would, but there’s no doubting that he seemed off in certain moments – not least the finish.
Lawler, meanwhile, ends a four-fight losing streak by avenging his 2004 defeat by Diaz.
UFC 266: Lawler def. Diaz
“I knew I was leaking here,” Diaz says, pointing to his bleeding nose, “so I didn’t want to make too much of a mess.”
You can’t help but feel he’s speaking about something bigger than just a bloody nose...
UFC 266: Lawler def. Diaz
It’s all over!
Diaz hits the deck slowly after a clean right hook by Lawler, and it’s unclear for a moment whether Lawler will let his opponent back to his feet...
But there’s no option to! Referee Jason Herzog waves it off after Diaz tells him he doesn’t want to continue!
Robbie Lawler def. Nick Diaz via third-round TKO (punch, 0:44).
UFC 266: Diaz vs Lawler II
Lots of sneaky hooks and uppercuts landed for Lawler in the second round, getting around Diaz’s guard.
Third round begins.
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