Five reasons to watch UFC 266, with two title fights and three Brazilians

A. Volkanovski (left) and B. Ortega (right) face each other in the UFC 266. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The big moment has arrived. This Saturday (25), in Las Vegas (USA), Ultimate promotes the biggest show of the month of September. With two title fights, the company seeks to captivate fans with clashes that promise excitement. In addition to the duels for the title, three Brazilians will perform on the show.

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The main fight will mark the meeting between Alexander Volkanovsky e Brian ortega. At the weekend, the Australian will try to be successful in his second title defense. To do this, the athlete must overcome the North American, who is coming off a great victory over 'Korean zombie'.

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In the penultimate fight of the night, Valentina Shevchenko is back. Considered one of the best fighters of all time, the Kyrgyzstani wants to maintain her throne and confirm her sixth title defense. To continue with the crown, the Kyrgyzstani will need to overcome the veteran Lauren Murphy.

The show will have a special flavor for the most nostalgic fans. At the UFC 266, Nick Diaz returns to the octagon after more than six years of inactivity. The fighter will have a rematch against the former welterweight champion (up to 77kg), Robbie Lawler.

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Brazil will have three representatives at the show. Jessica Andrade, the 'Bate-Estaca', faces Cynthia calvillo; Marlon moraes face the dangerous Merab Dvalishvili e Taila Santos tries to nullify veteran Roxanne Modafferi.

To get in the mood, our team selected five reasons to follow 266. Check it out:

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1) Volkanovski x Ortega

A. Volkanovski (left) and B. Ortega (right) face each other before the UFC 266. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Featherweight champion since 2019, Alexander Volkanovsky will have another opportunity to maintain its hegemony in the division. Executioner of Max Holloway On two occasions, the Australian faces a duel against an opponent who is going through great form.

In the main fight, the group leader will share the octagon with Brian ortega, in a confrontation awaited by fans. If he overcomes the American, Volkanovski will reach his second belt defense and, once again, silence his critics.

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Coaches of the last edition of 'The Ultimate Fighter', Volkanovski and Brian should have faced each other a few months ago. The champion, however, ended up being prevented from competing after being diagnosed with Covid-19 and having problems recovering.

Nearing the end of the season, the athletes are now ready. The winner will take home the dream belt of the division that, for years, was led by José Aldo.

2) Will it be 'zebra'?

V. Shevchenko attempts his sixth title defense in UFC 266. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

One of the biggest favorites on the card at bookmakers, Valentina Shevchenko She will need, once again, to prove her qualities as a fighter. Legend of women's MMA, the Kyrgyzstani will make her second challenge of the season.

After passing through Jessica Andrade, the 'Bate-Estaca', in April, the champion now has a veteran ahead of her. This Saturday, the fighter will exchange forces against the experienced Lauren Murphy and has the opportunity to put on a new show for the company.

If she overcomes her rival, the Kyrgyzstani will reach her sixth title defense in the flyweight division. Today, the athlete is considered, by many, as the most dominant champion in Ultimate.

3) The return of Nick Diaz

N. Dias has not performed professionally since 2015. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

For the most nostalgic fans, it's a night of joy. Owner of a differentiated personality, Nick Diaz is back in MMA after more than six years of inactivity.

Former challenger for the welterweight belt, the 'bad boy' returns to the sport and will have an old acquaintance in front of him. At the UFC 266, the North American will exchange forces with the former champion of the under-77kg group., Robbie Lawler.

In a bad phase in his career, Lawler is trying to prove that he is still capable of performing at a high level. The athlete will also have the opportunity to erase the history written in 2004, when he ended up being knocked out by Diaz.

Out of action for so long, Nick hasn't performed since 2015. In his last challenge, the former Strikeforce champion made history when he was chosen to 'welcome' Anderson Silva, who returned to the sport after recovering from the serious injury suffered against Chris Weidman, in 2013. The duel in question ended in a 'no contest' after both fighters failed the anti-doping test.

4) Bate-Estaca: eye on the belt

J. Andrade in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Former strawweight champion, Jessica Stacker could get closer to a new title fight after this weekend. The Brazilian is featured on the main card of the show and faces Cynthia calvillo in one of the most important fights of the night.

Current number one in the flyweight rankings, behind only the champion, Shevchenko, Andrade returns to the Octagon after losing to Valentina herself in the group title fight.

Now, the combatant exchanges forces with Calvillo. If you beat your rival in the UFC 266, the woman from Paraná can qualify for a new fight for the title.

With a belt under her belt, Jéssica doesn't rule out returning to the straws after the challenge at the weekend. With morale in the company, the Brazilian, in an interview with 'Combate', admitted that she would like to face the winner of the confrontation between Rose namajunas e Weili Zhang. The athlete, however, admits that she could also get closer to a rematch against Valentina, to whom she lost in April.

5) Brazilians in the preliminary

M. Moraes (left) and T. Santos (right) perform at the UFC 266. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

Former challenger for the bantamweight belt (up to 61,2kg.), Marlon moraes is back. Going through a difficult time in the company, the Friborg native will face a tough challenge this Saturday.

Current number six in the category led by aljamain sterling, Moraes faces the dangerous Merab Dvalishvili. Willing to regain his prestigious position in the top 5 of the group, the athlete needs a victory to end a negative sequence of two stumbles

To shine, the Brazilian will need to beat the Georgian, who hasn't lost in six matches.

Brazilian promise in the flies, Taila Santos could reach the top 10 in the category this weekend. At the UFC 266, the Santa Catarina native will face the pragmatic and experienced Roxanne Modafferi.

Today, Tupiniquim is experiencing great momentum within the organization. Since her debut, there have been three appearances and, currently, the fighter has two consecutive victories.

If he overcomes the veteran, Santos could take ninth place in the group led by Valentina Shevchenko.