Two Title Fights To Headline UFC 266: Volkanovski vs Ortega, Shevchenko vs Murphy
UFC has revealed the main event and co-main event Flyweight Title fights for UFC 266 PPV.
Alexander Volkanovski(22-1) was rumored to defend UFC Flyweight Championship against Brian Ortega(15-1) at UFC 266. With Jan Blanchowicz vs Glover Teixeira moving to UFC 267, Volkanovski vs Ortega will be the main event match at UFC 266.
The information was shared by UFC President Dana White via their broadcast partner ESPN on Instagram. White has also revealed that Valentina Shevchenko(21-3) will also defend the Women’s Flyweight Championship in the co-main event against Lauren Murphy(15-4).
Volkanovski vs Ortega was earlier booked for UFC 260 on 27 March 2021. But, the bout had to be postponed after Volkanovski contracted COVID-19. The Flyweights then worked for The Ultimate Fighter season 29. With Volkanovski ready for the fight again, his second title defense is now booked for UFC 266 main event.
Volkanovski has been undefeated in his UFC career so far, and won the title from Max Holloway at UFC 245 back in December 2019. Volkanovski later faced Holloway in a rematch at UFC 251 at UFC Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, where he was able to retain the title with a split decision in his favor.
For Ortega, this will be the second Flyweight title fight. He lost to Max Holloway in December 2018 at UFC 231 by doctor stoppage in the fourth round. After recovering from injuries, he has defeated Chan Sung Jung at a fight night event on 18 October 2020.
For the co-main event, Shevchenko will defend the title for the sixth time. Her opponent, Murphy, is also coming in hot with a five-fight winning streak.
Nick Diaz vs Robbie Fowler II is also scheduled for UFC 266 in a 5 rounds non-title fight. Keep tuned in for updates on UFC 266.
