Valentina Shevchenko vs. Lauren Murphy was exactly what fans thought it would be – a one-sided fight. The showdown served as the main event of the UFC 266 pay-per-view event on Saturday night (Saturday, 25, 2021) from Las Vegas, Nevada at the T-Mobile Arena. As seen in the fight, Shevchenko outshined her in every way […]
Valentina Shevchenko vs. Lauren Murphy was exactly what fans thought it would be – a one-sided fight.
The showdown served as the main event of the UFC 266 pay-per-view event on Saturday night (Saturday, 25, 2021) from Las Vegas, Nevada at the T-Mobile Arena.
As seen in the fight, Shevchenko outshined her in every way possible whether it was speed, landing shots and even on the ground. Murphy was gunshy and rightfully so as Shevchenko was throwing missiles. Shevchenko landed a takedown to end the first round. Murphy had nothing with her striking. Shevchenko landed a takedown in the second round. By the third round, Shevchenko was already being heavily praised by the commentators. Murphy tried her best to land strikes, but wasn’t doing much damage. Instead, she stood there like a punching bag. In the fourth round, Shevchenko finished her with strikes on the ground to retain the women’s flyweight title.
Since moving back to the flyweight division, the champ was riding a seven-fight winning streak coming into the event. She recently beat the likes of Jessica Andrade via TKO at the UFC 261 pay-per-view event Jennifer Maia at UFC 255, and got a TKO win over Katlyn Chookagian at UFC 247. On the flip side, Murphy has complied
Let’s see how the fighters reacted to the outcome of this fight:
What I can advice everyone in this world is : Keep your faith and always stay patient and strong with every test in this life. This is just the beginning……….
Valentina Shevchenko made her latest title defense as UFC women’s flyweight champion against Lauren Murphy. The two fighters met in a bout on Saturday night (Saturday, 25, 2021) at the UFC 266 pay-per-view event from Las Vegas, Nevada at the T-Mobile Arena. Shevchenko had superior speed when throwing strikes. A slow start, but Shevchenko started […]
Valentina Shevchenko made her latest title defense as UFC women’s flyweight champion against Lauren Murphy.
The two fighters met in a bout on Saturday night (Saturday, 25, 2021) at the UFC 266 pay-per-view event from Las Vegas, Nevada at the T-Mobile Arena. Shevchenko had superior speed when throwing strikes. A slow start, but Shevchenko started to land more shots including a spinning back fist in the first round. Shevchenko scored a takedown with seconds left in the round.
Moving along to the second round, Shevchenko landed a takedown. In the fourth round, Shevchenko finished her with strikes on the ground. The fans didn’t love this fight, but Shevchenko stayed with what she does best and that was enough to easily get past Murphy.
Peep the highlights of the fight courtesy of the UFC’s official Twitter account:
Shevchenko was coming off a decision win over Jessica Andrade via TKO at the UFC 261 pay-per-view event from Jacksonville, Florida. Before that, she beat Jennifer Maia at UFC 255, scored a TKO win over Katlyn Chookagian at the UFC 247 pay-per-view event, got a decision win over Liz Carmouche at the UFC Uruguay event, and picked up a knockout win over Jessica Eye at the UFC 238 pay-per-view. Since moving back to the flyweight division, the champ was riding a seven-fight winning streak coming into the event.
Murphy went on a 5-fight winning streak to get this title shot. She TKO’d Mara Romero Borella before getting back-to-back decision wins over Andrea Lee and Roxanne Modafferi. Murphy choked out Liliya Shakirova then decisioned Joanne Calderwood.
LowKick MMA will be bringing you UFC 266: Volkanovski vs. Ortega results throughout the night (Sat. 25th. September 2021) from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Taking main event status at UFC 266; an undisputed featherweight championship fight between reigning division best, Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski and the #2 ranked contender, Brian ‘T-City’ Ortega. Undefeated throughout his […]
Taking main event status at UFC 266; an undisputed featherweight championship fight between reigning division best, Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski and the #2 ranked contender, Brian ‘T-City’ Ortega.
Undefeated throughout his tenure under the UFC’s banner, City Kickboxing mainstay, Volkanovski lodged his first successful defense of the featherweight title at UFC 251 in July of last year, defeating former champion and two-time opponent, Max Holloway with a close, split decision victory.
For Ortega, the Los Angeles native returned to the Octagon in the main event of UFC Fight Island 6 last October where he rebounded to the winner’s enclosure with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Chan Sung Jung.
In the night’s co-headlining bout, as part of a championship doubleheader — reigning flyweight champion, Valentina ‘Bullet’ Shevchenko looks to tie former bantamweight champion, Ronda Rousey for most successful title defenses, when she clashes with the surging challenger, ‘Lucky’ Lauren Murphy.
Featuring as part of a title tripleheader at UFC 261 in April, Shevchenko managed a dominant second round knockout win over former strawweight champion, Jessica Andrade.
Undefeated in her last five outings, Alaska native, Murphy met with Joanne Calderwood at UFC 263 in June, where she edged out a close split judging win to set up her premier title challenge under the UFC’s banner.
In a featured main card bout, former welterweight title challenger, Nick Diaz makes his first Octagon appearance in six and a half years as he draws former opponent and one-time welterweight champion, ‘Ruthless’ Robbie Lawler in a middleweight rematch, 17-years in the making.
Diaz’s last outing came against former middleweight titleholder, Anderson Silva in the main event of UFC 183 in January 2015, in an eventual official ‘No Contest’ ruling.
For San Diego knockout artist, Lawler, he suffered a unanimous decision loss against Neil Magny in August of last year in a relatively short-notice bout. Initially meeting in April 2004 at UFC 47, Diaz, who made his Octagon bow that night, scored a massive one-punch second round knockout.
UFC 266 Results: Volkanovski vs. Ortega
Main Card: (ESPN+/Pay-Per-View 10 pm E.T.)
Featherweight: Alexander Volkanovski (c) vs. Brian Ortega
Flyweight: Valentina Shevchenko (c) vs. Lauren Murphy
Middleweight: Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler
Heavyweight: Curtis Blaydes vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
Flyweight: Jessica Andrade vs. Cynthia Calvillo
Preliminary Card: (ESPNews/ESPN+ 8 pm E.T)
Bantamweight: Marlon Moraes vs. Merab Dvalishvili
Lightweight: Dan Hooker vs. Nasrat Haqparast
Heavyweight: Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Chris Daukaus
Flyweight: Roxanne Modafferi vs. Taila Santos
Early Preliminary Card:(ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass 6 pm E.T.)
Lightweight: Uros Medic vs. Jalin Turner
Middleweight: Cody Brundage vs. Nick Maximov
Welterweight: Matthew Semelsberger vs. Martin Sano Jr.
If you missed the UFC 266 pre-fight press conference, don’t fret because we’ve got the highlights for you right here! Tomorrow night, UFC 266 will take place from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. There will be a triple header of five-rounders when Alexander Volkanovski defends his featherweight title against Brian Ortega, Valentina Shevchenko […]
If you missed the UFC 266 pre-fight press conference, don’t fret because we’ve got the highlights for you right here!
Tomorrow night, UFC 266 will take place from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. There will be a triple header of five-rounders when Alexander Volkanovski defends his featherweight title against Brian Ortega, Valentina Shevchenko puts her flyweight title on the line against Lauren Murphy, and Nick Diaz makes his long-awaited return against past foe Robbie Lawler.
All six names took the stage for the press conference yesterday, and you can find the highlights below! (h/t ESPN MMA)
Later today will be both the official and ceremonial UFC 266 weigh-ins. So keep it locked on MMA News throughout the day for additional updates. We will also be bringing you all the results and highlights from the pay-per-view come fight night!
Here is the full lineup for tomorrow’s pay-per-view:
MAIN CARD (10:00 PM ET)
UFC Featherweight Championship Bout: Alexander Volkanovski (c) vs. Brain Ortega
UFC Flyweight Championship Bout: Valentina Shevchenko (c) vs. Lauren Murphy
Five-Round Feature Bout: Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler
Valentina Shevchenko has claimed that it will take something superhuman from Lauren Murphy to beat her on Saturday night. On April 24, 2021, Valentina Shevchenko scored a dominant TKO victory over the Brazilian powerhouse, Jéssica Andrade, to make her fifth successful defense of the flyweight title. Just five months on from UFC 261, Shevchenko looks […]
Valentina Shevchenko has claimed that it will take something superhuman from Lauren Murphy to beat her on Saturday night.
On April 24, 2021, Valentina Shevchenko scored a dominant TKO victory over the Brazilian powerhouse, Jéssica Andrade, to make her fifth successful defense of the flyweight title.
Just five months on from UFC 261, Shevchenko looks to tie the all-time women’s UFC record of six title defenses when she steps in the Octagon against Lauren Murphy this weekend.
Despite recently extending her winning streak to five wins when she earned a hard-fought decision over Joanne Calderwood, Shevchenko believes Lauren Murphy must show something extraordinary to beat her—something Valentina doesn’t imagine the 38-year-old having.
Valentina Shevchenko (Photo: Josh Hedges for Zuffa LLC)
When questioned what she thinks of her upcoming opponent during a UFC media day, Shevchenko gave her honest analysis.
“More durable athlete than I’ve ever seen? I doubt. More technical? I doubt. More well-rounded? I doubt. So I know for all the years what I (fought). It’s kind of hard to surprise with something special if you’re not a superhuman,” claimed Valentina. “And I know she’s well-rounded, I know she’s strong, I know she’s dangerous. This is everything that I have to know about her. But something special that I put pressure on my shoulders? No.”
Serving as the co-main event at UFC 266 on September 25, Shevchenko will once again be hoping for a dominant performance and to make short work of yet another #1 contender.
While she arguably faces the toughest test of her career, Lauren Murphy comes into her 20th professional bout without a single stoppage loss, which could serve her well when standing across the Octagon from a killer like Shevchenko.
Who do you see walking away with the women’s flyweight title after Valentina Shevchenko faces Lauren Murphy this weekend?
We are two days away from UFC 266: Volkanovski vs. Ortega, which comes to you live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. And it’s not a UFC PPV without some MMA News staff picks, and we’ve got you well covered on that front. In the main event of the card, Alexander Volkanovski will […]
We are two days away from UFC 266: Volkanovski vs. Ortega, which comes to you live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. And it’s not a UFC PPV without some MMA News staff picks, and we’ve got you well covered on that front.
In the main event of the card, Alexander Volkanovski will defend his featherweight championship against Brian Ortega. After months of tension between the two developed on The Ultimate Fighter, both competitors will look to stake their claim as the world’s best featherweight within the five rounds they are allotted.
The co-main event will feature another world title fight when the seemingly unstoppable Valentina Shevchenko looks to make another effortless defense of her flyweight strap. Lauren Murphy will obviously look to spoil the expectations of the champion as well as all those counting her out.
And who can forget the return of Nick Diaz after a six-year absence? Diaz will attempt to defeat Robbie Lawler for the second time in his career in what will be a special five-round attraction bout.
You can check out the full UFC 266 main card below!
UFC 266: Volkanovski vs. Ortaga Main Card
UFC Featherweight Championship Bout: Alexander Volkanovski (c) vs. Brain Ortega
UFC Flyweight Championship Bout: Valentina Shevchenko (c) vs. Lauren Murphy
Five-Round Feature Bout: Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler
Curtis Blaydes vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
Jéssica Andrade vs. Cynthia Calvillo
UFC 266: Volkanovski vs. Ortega Staff Predictions
MMA News is the place to be for all the latest UFC 266 updates. Staff members Andrew Ravens, Ed Carbajal, Doug Murray, and Harvey Leonard have provided predictions for the card, which you can find below.
Jéssica Andrade vs. Cynthia Calvillo
Cynthia Calvillo, Jessica Andrade
Andrew Ravens: Both fighters are top tier, and this should be a close matchup. I’m interested in seeing how Andrade bounces back after dropping her previous fight to Valentina Shevchenko. Calvillo is no easy task, but I think the fire inside of Andrade will lead her to a decision win. (Prediction: Jéssica Andrade)
Ed Carbajal: This matchup is a good opener for the pay-per-view since both women possess the skills to end the fight early. However, Andrade seems to have a significant power advantage in this one, and if Calvillo risks grappling with her or even trading strikes, it’s hard not to see Andrade coming out on top. (Prediction: Jéssica Andrade)
Doug Murray: This might be the toughest fight on the main card to call. Both are coming off losses, but Andrade is coming off a brutal defeat to Shevchenko. While Calvillo has looked solid in the new weight class, I believe she has a long way to go before catching up to Andrade’s striking. I anticipate her looking uncomfortable during heated exchanges, and see Andrade running away with the fight. Calvillo is sturdy, and I think she makes it to the judge’s scorecards. (Prediction: Jéssica Andrade)
Harvey Leonard: This should be an interesting bout to open the main card. Calvillo is extremely talented on the mat, but she’s had a tendency to stand and strike with opposition more than she needs to. That’s not a mistake she can make against a hard hitter like Andrade. With a likely higher volume, as well as a power advantage, the Brazilian will be happy to keep the fight on the feet and in the clinch.
Calvillo’s road to victory will involve dragging the fight to the ground. But whether it’s because Calvillo doesn’t fight to her strengths or because she’s not allowed to by Andrade, I think the former strawweight champ gets it done. (Prediction: Jéssica Andrade)
Consensus: 4-0 Andrade
Curtis Blaydes vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
Curtis Blaydes, Jairzinho Rozenstruik
Andrew Ravens: A very close fight and an intriguing one of who can implement their game plan on the other. I think Blaydes is such a great wrestler and will be able to hold down Rozenstruik en route to yet another lackluster but effective decision win. (Prediction: Curtis Blaydes)
Ed Carbajal: Folks might not see it, but this is a striker versus grappler match. Blaydes likely has the edge in wrestling and Rozenstruik in striking. One has to nullify the other, unless someone goes off script like Neiman Gracie did at Bellator 266. Something tells me Rozenstruik will fire off something that could end this early. (Prediction: Jairzinho Rozenstruik)
Doug Murray: This is a big chance for Blaydes to get back into the running at heavyweight. After suffering a setback to the former title challenger Derrick Lewis, the heavyweight’s four-fight win streak since 2019 shattered. This looks like a classic grappler vs. striker matchup. The timidity Rozenstruick showed in his fight in Feb. against Ciryl Gane is enough reason for me to stay away from picking him. The workman-like style of Blaydes is more reliable in terms of showing up to the big nights. (Prediction: Curtis Blaydes)
Harvey Leonard: I hope I’m wrong, but I sense a Blaydes vs. Volkov 2.0 on Saturday night. With any luck, the atmosphere and the stage of a sold-out T-Mobile Arena will prevent that from happening. But given the devastating fashion in which he lost to Derrick Lewis last time out, I’m not sure Blaydes will mind 15 minutes of control and a comfortable decision. If Rozenstruik connects clean, it’s over. But will Blaydes change levels as carelessly as he did last time out and get caught? I don’t think so. (Prediction: Curtis Blaydes)
Consensus: 3-1 Blaydes
Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler
Nick Diaz, Robbie Lawler
Andrew Ravens: A perfect fight for Diaz to make his return as Lawler is an aging gunfighter who has lost his last four fights. However, I think this is a pick-’em. Lawler has been more active while Diaz hasn’t fought in 2015. I have Lawler edging out Diaz via unanimous decision. (Prediction: Robbie Lawler)
Ed Carbajal: Whether it be middleweight or welterweight, do we honestly care? These two men have been revered by MMA fans longer than the UFC has been popular to casuals. Although time has passed, neither Lawler nor Diaz are the same since their first bout in 2004. Time off could either help or hinder Diaz, Lawler could be carrying wear and tear into this fight. Oddsmakers have them at even money at the time of writing this so, flip a coin. (Prediction: Robbie Lawler (via TKO due to cuts)
Doug Murray: A rematch seventeen years in the making. This fight could easily sell as a PPV headliner. The last time I remember seeing vintage “Ruthless” show up was against Ben Askren, though he admits this fight got him motivated. I think the time off will favor Nick Diaz, and not taking damage while Lawler has will only benefit the cult favorite. I don’t see him scoring the knockout, but playing it smart in a five-round stand-up fight seems realistic. And it’s not as if Lawler will be shooting in for takedowns. (Prediction: Nick Diaz)
Harvey Leonard: I see this being a slower and older version of Leon Edwards’ victory over Nate Diaz at UFC 263. Even with Lawler’s current losing streak, I can’t pick against someone facing a Nick Diaz who’s been out of action since 2015, hasn’t won since 2011, and has forced a late weight class change. Across five rounds, I expect we’ll see “Ruthless” outstrike Diaz, while the Stockton native maintains his reputation in defeat by bringing back the entertainment that made him a fan favorite. (Prediction: Robbie Lawler)
Consensus: 3-1 Lawler
Valentina Shevchenko vs. Lauren Murphy
Lauren Murphy (Image: Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire), Valentina Shevchenko (Image: Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
Andrew Ravens: Shevchenko will win this fight and do it with ease. Somehow, though, she will make it memorable like she always does. Props to Murphy for the winning streak to get to this point, but I find it hard to think anyone gives her a real chance. Shevchenko gets it done with a TKO win. (Prediction: Valentina Shevchenko)
Ed Carbajal: Murphy’s rise to this moment has been something that has been fun to watch. From being bullied by Eddie Alvarez on The Ultimate Fighter, she fought her way up to this moment at UFC 266. It would be really great if she won, I kind of hope she does, but Shevchenko has been so dominant as champion, it does not seem she will be toppled anytime soon. (Prediction: Valentina Shevchenko)
Doug Murray: The first title fight on the PPV and Shevchenko will be looking for her sixth title defense. She has held the belt since Dec. of 2018 and I don’t see that changing. “The Bullet” continues to make vast improvements each fight out. It is beginning to become difficult to decipher which offensive route she will take. Nonetheless, her ability to adapt in live situations will earn her the dominant victory against an opponent five years her elder in Murphy. Murphy is on a solid five-fight winning streak, but the speed and intensity of Shevchenko is a difficult puzzle to prepare for. (Prediction: Valentina Shevchenko)
Harvey Leonard: No fighter should ever be written off completely. However, if there was ever a fight I’d bet my house, car, and prized possessions on, it’s probably this one. Shevchenko’s dominance at flyweight has been as brutal as it’s been impressive. It’s hard to see what Murphy will bring that “Bullet” won’t be ready to deal with swiftly and destructively. The challenger is well-rounded and solid across the board, but Shevchenko is well-rounded and immaculate across the board. (Prediction: Valentina Shevchenko)
Consensus: 4-0 Shevchenko
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Brain Ortega
Alexander Volkanovski, Brian Ortega
Andrew Ravens: We’ve waited long enough to see this fight play out, and now it’s time. I find it hard to pick against Volkanovski in nearly any fight thinkable right now as he is truly in his prime. Ortega brings an intriguing challenge that will keep it close. However, I see Volkanovski pulling away down the stretch and walking away with the decision win. (Prediction: Alexander Volkanovski)
Ed Carbajal: The build-up to this match, I suppose, was their coaching stint on The Ultimate Fighter. None of that will play into what happens in this fight. It’s hard to call, like many matches on this card. Ortega’s submissions could surprise Volkanovski in the early rounds, but if the fight goes longer, Volkanovski will likely dish out more damage. I see this going the distance. (Prediction: Alexander Volkanovski)
Doug Murray: The two coaches finally meet, and Vokanovski faces a different opponent after fighting/preparing for Max Holloway twice in a two-year timespan. The time away from the cage is a reason to pause, but Volkanovski’s skill inside the pocket has shown itself in his previous fights. “The Great” has only lost once, and it came by decision in 2013. If the champ was able to handle coronavirus restrictions a year ago, I trust he will come adequately prepared this weekend. However, after he admitted to coughing up blood and being hospitalized with COVID-19, I’ll be on the edge of my seat. (Prediction: Alexander Volkanovski)
Harvey Leonard: As many people have said, picking Volkanovski for this one would be a lot easier had we not seen Ortega’s performance against The Korean Zombie last year. His striking looked like it had progressed massively, and we know how talented he is on the ground. However, against Volkanovski’s relentless pace, power, and volume, I think the fight will run away from “T-City” as he slows in the later rounds. There’s a chance Ortega gets the better of the opening frames and utilizes his jiu-jitsu. But I can’t see him getting the finish. From there, I believe the Australian will grind out a decision like he did twice against Max Holloway. (Prediction: Alexander Volkanovski)
#UFC266
LowKick MMA will be bringing you UFC 266: Volkanovski vs. Ortega results throughout the night (Sat. 25th. September 2021) from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Taking main event status at UFC 266; an undisputed featherweight championship fight between reigning division best, Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski and the #2 ranked contender, Brian ‘T-City’ Ortega. Undefeated throughout his […]
