Weights down, it's time for the traditional facing ceremony for the UFC 266, which takes place this Saturday (25), in Las Vegas (USA). After fulfilling their commitments on the scale, the athletes scheduled for the show will come face to face for the last time before exchanging forces in the Octagon. From 20pm (Brasília time), this Friday (24), the athletes will be 'eye to eye' with their respective rivals.
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The main fight will mark the meeting between Alexander Volkanovsky e Brian ortega. Coaches from the last edition of 'The Ultimate Fighter', the athletes will compete for the featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg.) which is currently held by the Australian.
The duel between Ortega and Volkanovski will not be the only title fight of the night. Female MMA legend, Valentina Shevchenko will seek his sixth title defense in the flyweight division (up to 56,7kg.). After passing Jessica Andrade this season, the Kyrgyzstani now faces the veteran Lauren Murphy.
The show will also have a special flavor for older Ultimate fans. Former challenger for the welterweight belt (under 77kg.), Nick Diaz returns to MMA after more than six years of inactivity. The athlete will have a rematch against Robbie Lawler, whom he defeated by knockout in 2004. At the request of 'bad boy', the duel will be contested at middleweight (up to 83,9kg.).
Former strawweight champion (up to 52,1kg), Jessica 'Bate-Estaca' is also highlighted. In a new moment in the up to 56,7kg category, the woman from Paraná seeks to regain her status as a challenger for the category title. To do this, the fighter will need to overcome Cynthia calvillo.
In a complicated moment in the UFC, Marlon moraes is another Brazilian star at the event. Former challenger to the bantamweight title (up to 61,2kg), the Friborg native faces the dangerous Merab Dvalishvili, with an eye on his return to the top 5 of the group led by aljamain sterling.
First Tupiniquim to step into the Octagon over the weekend, Taila Santos wants to expand the good phase in the company. A promising flyweight, the athlete faces the experienced Roxanne Modafferi. If she wins, the Santa Catarina native could reach the top 10 of Shevchenko's group.
UFC 266 fight list
MAIN CARD
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Alexander Volkanovsky x Brian ortega – Fight for the belt
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Valentina Shevchenko x Lauren Murphy – Fight for the belt
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Nick Diaz x Robbie Lawler
Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Curtis blaydes x Jairzinho Rozenstruik
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Jessica Stacker x Cynthia calvillo
PRELIMINARY CARD
Bantamweight (up to 61.kg): Marlon moraes x Merab Dvalishvili
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Dan Hooker x Nasrat Haqparast
Heavyweight (up to 120,2kg): Shamil Abdurakhimov x Chris Daukas
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Roxanne Modafferi x Taila Santos
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Uros Medic x jalin turner
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Cody Brundage x Nick Maximov
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Matthew Semelsberger x Martin Sano Jr.
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Omar Morales x Jonathan Pearce
