The featherweight title is on the line in the main event of UFC 266 this Saturday, as Alexander Volkanovski defends his belt against Brian Ortega in Las Vegas.
Ortega (15-1) came up short in December 2018 as he first attempted to win the gold, suffering his first career loss as he was dominated on the feet by then-champion Max Holloway for four rounds. A year later, it was Australian Volkanovski (22-1) who ended Holloway’s reign by outpointing the fan favourite, before doing so again in July 2020 – though many fans disagreed with the judges’ scorecards.
Ortega recovered from his devastating defeat by Holloway to beat Chan Sung Jung via decision last December, with the jiu jitsu expert producing a striking masterclass over 25 minutes. Now, the 30-year-old Californian goes for UFC gold again, with Volkanovski defending his belt for the first time since his rematch with Holloway, following the headliners’ time spent as opposing coaches on the Ultimate Fighter TV show.
In the co-main event at the T-Mobile Arena, Valentina Shevchenko (21-3) defends her women’s flyweight belt against Lauren Murphy (15-4), while, elsewhere on the card, Nick Diaz – older brother of Nate – returns after six years out to fightRobbie Lawler in a middleweight bout.
The pair squared off 17 years ago, with Diaz (26-9) knocking out fellow American Lawler (28-15) in the second round.
Here’s everything you need to know about UFC 266.
When is it?
The early prelims will begin at 11pm BST on Saturday 25 September. The prelims follow at 1am BST on Sunday, with the main card then beginning at 3am BST.
How can I watch it?
In the UK, the action will air live on BT Sport 1 HD, as well as the broadcaster’s website and app. In the US, ESPN+ will show the bouts, which are also available on the UFC Fight Pass.
What are the odds?
Volkanovski – 4/7; Ortega – 6/4
Shevchenko – 1/12; Murphy – 7/1
Diaz – 10/11; Lawler – 10/11
Full card
Main card
Alexander Volkanovski (C) vs Brian Ortega (featherweight title)
Valentina Shevchenko (C) vs Lauren Murphy (women’s flyweight title)
Nick Diaz vs Robbie Lawler (middleweight)
Curtis Blaydes vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik (heavyweight)
Jessica Andrade vs Cynthia Calvillo (women’s flyweight)
Prelims
Marlon Moraes vs Merab Dvalishvili (bantamweight)
Dan Hooker vs Nasrat Haqparast (lightweight)
Shamil Abdurakhimov vs Chris Daukaus (heavyweight)
Early prelims
Manon Fiorot vs Mayra Bueno Silva (women’s flyweight)
Karl Roberson vs Nick Maximov (middleweight)
Matthew Semelsberger vs Martin Sano (welterweight)
