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
Valentina Shevchenko def. Lauren Murphy via fourth-round TKO (ground and pound, 4:00)
UFC 266: Shevchenko def. Murphy
It’s all over! Shevchenko finishes Murphy in the fourth round with elbows from above!
That’s a sixth successful defence of her flyweight title for ‘Bullet’.
UFC 266: Shevchenko vs Murphy
A right hook stuns Murphy! She then leans down into a left high kick!
Shevchenko pours on punches as Murphy retreats to the fence, where the champion takes her down!
UFC 266: Shevchenko vs Murphy
Round 4. Shevchenko slips and the crowd gasps, momentarily wondering whether the champion had been dropped!
UFC 266: Shevchenko vs Murphy
Shevchenko barely misses with a high kick.
She’s comfortable here, and some boos ring out in the T-Mobile Arena due to a slight lull in activity.
The champion is using sensible pressure, though, while Murphy is tentative as her entries are seeing her get caught with sharp counters.
UFC 266: Shevchenko vs Murphy
“You’ve taken her best and you’re doing just fine. We’re gonna catch this girl,” is the message from Murphy’s team.
Anyone agree?
UFC 266: Shevchenko vs Murphy
Shevchenko is in half-guard and lands some harsh elbow to end the second round.
UFC 266: Shevchenko vs Murphy
Shevchenko looks for a trip, but Murphy counters, reversing the position and pushing the champion to the fence.
She can’t keep her there for long, though. Out in the open, Shevchenko flicks out a venomous teep kick to the body, then counters a Superman punch attempt with a right hook.
Before long, she has another body lock and once again takes down Murphy easily.
UFC 266: Shevchenko vs Murphy
Shevchenko uses a combination of punches to get close to Murphy, before grabbing a body lock and dragging her challenger to the canvas with ease.
The champion ends the first round on top, in control.
UFC 266: Shevchenko vs Murphy
Murphy looks a little erratic as she anticipates Shevchenko’s strikes.
The champion, in contrast, looks relaxed and confident. She lands a spinning back kick to the body.
Murphy’s left eye is starting to swell and a fierce left hook by ‘Bullet’ won’t help matters.
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