The eyes of the world may be on Anthony Joshua's clash against Oleksandr Usyk - but the UFC is back with a massive bill stacked from top to bottom including the return of Nick Diaz.
Alexander Volkanovski is set to defend his featherweight title in the main event against Brian Ortega as the UFC returns to Sin City.
The packed card also boasts plenty of other fights for fight fans to enjoy tonight, with the prelims featuring Dan Hooker vs Nasrat Haqparast, before the main card kicks off with Jessica Andrade vs Cynthia Calvillo.
UFC 266 LIVE RESULTS:
MAIN CARD
- Alexander Volkanovski (c) def. Brian Ortega by unanimous decision (56-49, 50-45, 50-44) - featherweight
- Valentina Shevchenko (c) def. Lauren Murphy by technical knockout (TKO R4) - flyweight
- Robbie Lawler def. Nick Diaz by technical knockout (TKO R3) - middleweight
- Curtis Blaydes def. Jairzinho Rozenstruik by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) - heavyweight
- Jéssica Andrade def. Cynthia Calvillo by technical knockout (TKO R1) - flyweight
PRELIMS
- Merab Dvalishvili def. Marlon Moraes by technical knockout (TKO R2) - bantamweight
- Dan Hooker def. Nasrat Haqparast by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 20-26) - lightweight
- Chris Daukaus def. Shamil Abdurakhimov by knockout (KO R2) - heavyweight
- Taila Santos def. Roxanne Modafferi by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27,30-27) - flyweight
EARLY PRELIMS
- Jalin Turner def. Uroš Medić via submission (Rear-naked choke R2) - lightweight
- Nick Maximov def. Cody Brundage by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) - middleweight
- Matthew Semelsberger def. Martin Sano Jr by knockout (KO R1) - welterweight
- Jonathan Pearce def. Omar Morales via submission (Rear-naked choke R2) - featherweight
Follow ALL of the latest updates from Las Vegas with our live blog below...
26th Sep. 2021, 06:07
UFC 266 - Main event
Alexander Volkanovski vs Brian Ortega - featherweight title
Judges score the bout 56-49 50-45 50-44 for the winner by unanimous decision AND STILL! UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski!
That is one of the best UFC fights I've ever seen.
"Keep doubting me, I love it!" Volkanvoski said in his post-fight interview.
"I'll be an underdog 'till the day I die. Australia, I did that for you."
26th Sep. 2021, 06:07
UFC 266 - Main event
Alexander Volkanovski vs Brian Ortega - featherweight title
ROUND 5
Ortega's face is a sea of blood, as is Volkanovski's to be honest.
What a championship fight.
26th Sep. 2021, 06:02
UFC 266 - Main event
Alexander Volkanovski vs Brian Ortega - featherweight title
ROUND 4
SCRAMBLES. BLOOD. SUBMISSION ATTEMPTS. AGAIN.
26th Sep. 2021, 05:55
UFC 266 - Main event
Alexander Volkanovski vs Brian Ortega - featherweight title
ROUND 3
Volkanovski somehow survives a guillotine choke, then dishes out some brutal punishment in return. Ortega lies on the floor at the end of the round in sheer exhaustion.
26th Sep. 2021, 05:42
UFC 266 - Main event
Alexander Volkanovski vs Brian Ortega - featherweight title
ROUND 2
The Australian goes back to chopping the lead leg of Ortega.
Ortega is bleeding from a cut to the right side of his head.
Nice elbow from Volkanovski. Both men leaking blood and there's a bit of afters after the bell.
26th Sep. 2021, 05:42
UFC 266 - Main event
Alexander Volkanovski vs Brian Ortega - featherweight title
ROUND 1
Volkanovski putting the pressure on Ortega immediately with jabs and leg kicks.
The champion closing distance well in the opening round.
26th Sep. 2021, 05:20
UP NEXT: Alexander Volkanovski vs Brian Ortega - featherweight title
26th Sep. 2021, 05:14
UFC 266
Valentina Shevchenko vs Lauren Murphy - women's flyweight title
ROUND 4
GROUND AND POUND FROM SHEVCHENKO
AND STILL!
Shevchenko said: "It feels amazing, it's the best feeling. People say martial arts doesn't mean something but martial arts is everything.
"I'm ready for everyone. I always say it, I'm ready for everyone, no matter weight class, no matter anything, I am here, I am the champion."
26th Sep. 2021, 05:09
UFC 266
Valentina Shevchenko vs Lauren Murphy - women's flyweight title
ROUND 3
More of the same really, just fewer spinning back kicks.
26th Sep. 2021, 05:03
UFC 266
Valentina Shevchenko vs Lauren Murphy - women's flyweight title
ROUND 2
Shevchenko taking an early lead on the scorecards as the champion starts to stamp her authority.
26th Sep. 2021, 04:56
UFC 266
Valentina Shevchenko vs Lauren Murphy - women's flyweight title
ROUND 1
Buffer is back again...
And we're off!
26th Sep. 2021, 04:42
UP NEXT: Valentina Shevchenko vs Lauren Murphy - women's flyweight title
26th Sep. 2021, 04:38
Conor McGregor voices his approval!
The Notorious liked what he saw from Diaz and Lawler.
26th Sep. 2021, 04:36
UFC 266
Lawler reveals he has always respected Diaz
Lawler says: "He's tough as hell. I've always had respect for Diaz, he brings it every f------ time he steps in the cage, he's a legend. He really got me going in this camp."
26th Sep. 2021, 04:32
UFC 266
Nick Diaz loses comeback fight against Robbie Lawler
ROUND 3
THE FIGHT IS OVER! ROBBIE LAWLER GETS THE VICTORY!
26th Sep. 2021, 04:28
UFC 266
Nick Diaz vs Robbie Lawler - middleweight
ROUND 2
More of the same, please.
Lawler doing some good work giving Diaz very little space to move on the fence.
26th Sep. 2021, 04:21
UFC 266
Nick Diaz vs Robbie Lawler - middleweight
ROUND 1
Bruce Buffer back on the mic...
And HERE. WE. GO.
Lawler comes out the blocks really fast, but Diaz is firing back...
This is fantastic, dirty boxing in the phonebooth, both just biting down on their gumshields and really going for it.
26th Sep. 2021, 04:06
UFC 266
UP NEXT: Nick Diaz vs Robbie Lawler - middleweight
I literally don't know what to expect. I don't think anyone does to be fair.
26th Sep. 2021, 04:01
UFC 266
Curtis Blaydes vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik - heavyweight
All three judges score the bout 30-27 (x3) for the winner by unanimous decision - Curtis Blaydes.
26th Sep. 2021, 03:58
UFC 266
Curtis Blaydes vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik - heavyweight
ROUND 3
Blaydes lands a nice jab, switches stances, then throws a nice right hand.
26th Sep. 2021, 03:53
UFC 266
Curtis Blaydes vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik - heavyweight
ROUND 2
Blaydes starts pushing Rozenstruik back but neither is committing to an attack.
Flying knee from Rozenstruik! Blaydes' right eye is busted up pretty bad.
26th Sep. 2021, 03:48
UFC 266
Curtis Blaydes vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik - heavyweight
ROUND 1
Rozenstruik is looking to counter as Blaydes goes one for two on takedown attempts.
26th Sep. 2021, 03:33
UP NEXT: Curtis Blaydes vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik - heavyweight
26th Sep. 2021, 03:30
UFC 266
Jessica Andrade vs Cynthia Calvillo - flyweight
ONE AND DONE! Andrade gets it done in the first round.
26th Sep. 2021, 02:56
UP NEXT: Jessica Andrade vs Cynthia Calvillo - flyweight
The main card kicks off with a top flyweight contender facing off against a former champion, with one of them moving closer to a title shot against Valentina Shevchenko.
26th Sep. 2021, 02:52
UFC 266
Featured prelim: Marlon Moraes vs Merab Dvalishvili - bantamweight
Merab Dvalishvili wins by second round stoppage.
26th Sep. 2021, 02:48
UFC 266
Featured prelim: Marlon Moraes vs Merab Dvalishvili - bantamweight
ROUND 2
Daniel Cormier: "Marlon Moraes is showing his toughness as a fighter. He is getting destroyed right now."
What a fight!
26th Sep. 2021, 02:46
UFC 266
Featured prelim: Marlon Moraes vs Merab Dvalishvili - bantamweight
ROUND 1
WAS THAT THE ROUND OF THE YEAR?!
Dvalishvili gets wobbled badly but finishes strongly on the mat.
26th Sep. 2021, 02:31
UFC 266
Old friends reunite for the first time in a while.
26th Sep. 2021, 02:28
UFC 266
Dan Hooker vs Nasrat Haqparast - lightweight
All three judges score the bout 30-27, 30-27 and 30-26 for the winner by unanimous decision - Dan Hooker.
26th Sep. 2021, 02:27
UFC 266
Dan Hooker vs Nasrat Haqparast - lightweight
ROUND 3
Hooker largely controlling the fight on the ground with some added ground and pound for good measure.
We go to the judges for the decision...
26th Sep. 2021, 02:21
UFC 266
Dan Hooker vs Nasrat Haqparast - lightweight
ROUND 2
Dominant performance from Dan Hooker in the second round.
26th Sep. 2021, 02:16
UFC 266
Dan Hooker vs Nasrat Haqparast - lightweight
ROUND 1
A relatively cagey affair so far.
26th Sep. 2021, 01:58
UFC 266
UP NEXT: Dan Hooker vs Nasrat Haqparast - lightweight
26th Sep. 2021, 01:50
UFC 266
Shamil Abdurakhimov vs Chris Daukaus - heavyweight
Both fighters are sporting great beards I must say.
GROUND AND POUND FROM DAUKAUS
Daukaus scores a stunning second-round KO.
A right hand as Abdurakhimov leaves his chin wide open flattens the heavyweight.
26th Sep. 2021, 01:31
UFC 266
Roxanne Modafferi vs Taila Santos - flyweight
All three judges scored the bout 30-27 (x3) for the winner by unanimous decision - Taila Santos
26th Sep. 2021, 00:54
UFC 266
Alexander Volkanovski has arrived at the T-Mobile Arena ahead of his UFC featherweight title clash against Brian Ortega.
26th Sep. 2021, 00:48
UFC 266
Nick Diaz Army out in full force tonight (and a familiar face).
26th Sep. 2021, 00:46
UFC 266
Featured early prelim: Uros Medic vs Jalin Turner
Turner submits Medic in the first round with a rear-naked choke!
26th Sep. 2021, 00:25
UFC 266
Early prelims results: Nick Maximov defeats Cody Brundage by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) - middleweight
26th Sep. 2021, 00:01
Dana White reacts to news of Jon Jones' arrest
UFC president Dana White insists Jon Jones has got 'a lot of demons' but admits it has become a bit of a problem following his arrest for alleged misdemeanor battery domestic violence and felony injuring or tampering with a vehicle.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion was taken into custody in Las Vegas, Nevada on Friday, with the American facing multiple charges according to documents obtained by ESPN.
And UFC president White has now responded to the latest scandal involving 'Bones'.
“It’s hard to bring this guy to Las Vegas for any reason,” White told a press conference on Friday.
“This city is not good for Jon Jones. And here we are again.
“It’s like it’s not even shocking anymore.
“When we bring him here, it’s almost expected.
"Can’t even get him into Las Vegas for less than 12 hours to induct him into the Hall of Fame.
"It’s a problem. This guy’s got a lot of demons, man – a lot of demons.”
He added: “Is it really shocking anymore? It’s really not.
"It’s become not shocking. It’s almost become, ‘Uh oh, he’s in Vegas again. What’s going to happen today?’
"You want to hope the guy is better, and that won’t be the case, but he proves every time he comes to this town that he can’t handle this place.”
25th Sep. 2021, 23:40
UFC 266 - AND WE'RE BACK
Sorry for the delay.
Early Prelims:
- Matthew Semelsberger beat Martin Sano Jr by knockout (KO R1)
- Jonathan Pearce beat Omar Morales by submission (Rear-naked choke R2)
25th Sep. 2021, 16:37
NO EXCUSES
Nothing, not even New Zealand’s extremely tight travel restrictions, was going to stop Dan Hooker from making weight for his fight with Nasrat Haqparast on Saturday night.
“I made the agreement when I signed the fight to make the weight,” Hooker told reporters at a press conference in Las Vegas.
“It’s just no question to it when it comes to me: Show up on weight.
"I agreed to come on this date, I agreed to be on this weight, I don’t see why changing the travel time would change that.”
25th Sep. 2021, 15:51
NICK DIAZ CHANGED THE GAME
Joe Rogan is a UFC commentator and perhaps best known as the host of the hugely successful 'Joe Rogan Experience' podcast and speaking recently during a recording of his brand new series, Rogan revealed he has a lot of respect for Nick Diaz.
“Nick Diaz changed the game in terms of his elite cardio," Rogan said.
“He did something that was a new thing and that new thing was, he’s not gonna hit you with a hundred percent power, he’s gonna hit you with 50 percent.
"But he’s gonna hit you twice as much, and you’re never going to get to breathe, and he’s gonna stay on top of you, and he’s gonna talk to you the whole time.
"Psychologically he’s going to disrupt your breathing by constantly hitting you and once he realizes you’re hurt, then he’s digging to the body, then he’s putting it on you.
"On top of that, black belt jiu-jitsu skills, really good wrestling takedown defense, chin made of iron, and unstoppable will.”
25th Sep. 2021, 15:30
'Put some respect on my man's name'
UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has staunchly defended Alexander Volkanovski from criticism as he claims his City Kickboxing teammate is constantly disrespected by fans and the media.
Alexander 'The Great' is 22-1 in MMA with his most recent 9-0 in the UFC.
Adesanya said: "Alex Volkanovski, we need to put some respect on his name because, let's see, you know, the damage, yep.
"I was there actually, I was there - I can't remember what city - but I was there for that fight.
"Chad Mendes, a beast, he took him out, he was probably the underdog in that fight, I can't remember.
"Jose Aldo, he was probably the underdog in that fight, took him out.
"Max Holloway, he was definitely the underdog in that fight, took him out.
"Second time, I can't remember, but he took him out.
"We need to put his name up there with the featherweights."
25th Sep. 2021, 15:20
IT'S ABOUT TO GO DOWN
Alexander Volkanovski (L) and Brian Ortega (R) face off following the UFC 266 ceremonial weigh-ins
25th Sep. 2021, 15:07
GOOD AFTERNOON
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski faces top contender Brian Ortega at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The rivalry has been brewing for some time ever since they butted heads repeatedly on the 29th season of 'The Ultimate Fighter' reality series.
Volkanovski has not fought since July 2020 defeating Max Holloway - while Ortega put in a career-best performance against Chan Sung Jung last time out.
The champion said: "He reckons he's gonna bring it? I want him coming, guns blazing.
"Everyone back home in Australia, stay strong, I'm bringing that belt back to Australia."
On the main card welterweight veteran Nick Diaz returns against Robbie Lawler.
Read More: Revisiting UFC 245: The night Alexander Volkanovski won the featherweight title