In the main event of UFC 266, the UFC featherweight championship will be on the line as champion Alexander Volkanovski takes on The Ultimate Fighter Season 29 coaching rival Brian Ortega in a grudge match for gold.

Volkanovski vs Ortega UFC 266 preview

Australia’s Volkanovski, 32, has defended his title once since capturing it in 2019 — both title fights came against long-time division king Max Holloway. Against Ortega, Volkanovski will look to silence doubters who claim his wins over Holloway were dubious decisions and extend his incredible winning streak to twenty straight victories.

The former 214-pound rugby star is perfect in his nine Octagon appearances, as his well-rounded game has seen him best Holloway, the legendary Jose Aldo, former title challenger Chad Mendes, and other notable contenders.

Ortega, 30, has also fought Holloway for the UFC championship but fell short to the Hawaiian fan-favorite by fourth-round technical knockout in a one-sided affair. After a nearly two-year layoff, Ortega returned to action with an impressive performance against perennial contender “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung last October.

The California native has added a legitimate striking arsenal to his already outstanding grappling abilities, making him a formidable foe for anyone in the featherweight division.

The fight was originally scheduled to take place in March, but a positive COVID-19 test for Volkanovski and the subsequent taping of the TUF delayed the fight until Saturday the 25th.

–Field Level Media