The current UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, will defend his title against the #2 UFC featherweight contender, Brian Ortega, at UFC 266. Ahead of this intriguing title clash, ‘The Great’ reveals his plans for UFC 266.
Volkanovski made it to the top and landed himself a title shot against then-UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway at UFC 245. ‘The Great’ put on a great show and defeated Holloway via unanimous decision to claim the title.
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Then Volkanovski had his first title defense at UFC 251 in a rematch against Holloway. Once again, ‘The Great’ repeated history by claiming a split decision victory over Holloway. Now, he aims to do the same for his second title defense against Ortega at UFC 266. However, this time the champ intends to secure a finish.
In a recent interview with Michael Eaves on ESPN MMA, Volkanovski said – “Just winning isn’t enough. I want to go out there and finish this fight and put on a real good show for the fans. I want everyone leaving that stadium, you know, ‘Wow! Man,’. I am just (x2) on another level right now, and I can’t wait to go and showcase my skills and put him away”.
Can Alexander Volkanovski stop Brian Ortega at UFC 266?
Volkanovski has a splendid professional MMA record of 22-1. As mentioned above, he is coming off two title fight victories and is certainly battle-tested. Moreover, ‘The Great’ is on a marvelous 19-fight win streak, proving that he’s a born winner.
The champ has an elite striking game and a good takedown defense of 72%. As far as claiming a stoppage, ‘The Great’ has won 14 fights via finishes (11 T/KO and 3 Submission) out of his 22 victories.
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Meanwhile, Ortega is 15-1 (1 NC) in his professional MMA career. Moreover, ‘T-City’ is an elite submission grappler having seven of his victories coming in this manner.
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If Volkanovski can keep the fight standing, the champ might have a chance to claim a spectacular T/KO victory at UFC 266. However, ‘T-City’ won’t make it easy for Volkanovski.
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What are your thoughts? Can Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski finish the fight?