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: Diaz vs Lawler II
“You’re killing this guy,” Diaz’s corner tells him.
Lawler appears to hurt him with a digging left hook into the body early in the second round, though.
UFC 266: Diaz vs Lawler II
“Diaz” chants to more good body work from the returning icon.
What an ending to the round, too! The old rivals trade combinations against the fence. Lots of good counters from Diaz.
One round down, four to go...
UFC 266: Diaz vs Lawler II
The pair trade fierce body hooks in close.
Diaz is loosening up and, dare I say it, starting to look pretty sharp...
UFC 266: Diaz vs Lawler II
Finally Diaz returns fire. He looks slow and troubled by Lawler’s strikes, but he’s hanging in there.
UFC 266: Diaz vs Lawler II
Diaz opens up with a very slow spinning back kick, and immediately he is swarmed by Lawler.
Lawler with heavy body shots against the fence. Diaz is shelling up.
UFC 266: Diaz vs Lawler II
This fight was changed from a welterweight bout to a middleweight contest this week, per a request from Diaz’s team.
It is only the second bout in UFC history to be scheduled for five rounds despite not being a title fight or main event.
The other also took place this year, and featured Nick’s brother Nate.
UFC 266: Diaz vs Lawler II
A thunderous ovation for Nick Diaz in the T-Mobile Arena as he makes his way to the Octagon for the first time since January 2015.
UFC 266: Diaz vs Lawler II
Lawler is out first.
Since he last fought Diaz, Lawler has competed 34 times.
UFC 266: Diaz vs Lawler II
It’s time. After six years out, Nick Diaz makes his return to MMA. He takes on former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler in a rematch at middleweight, 17 years after knocking out ‘Ruthless’ in their first meeting.
Here’s why we should be wary about Diaz’s return, though:
Why we should be worried about Nick Diaz’s UFC return
There is cause for concern as the older Diaz brother returns after a six-year absence, for a rematch 17 years in the making
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