The Ultimate Fighter 29 coaches Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega entered the octagon at UFC 266 as rivals, but left with great respect for the other.
After a five-round slugfest with several twists and turns, Volkanovski carried the day with a unanimous decision via 49-46, 50-45 and 50-44 scores for his second title defense as the featherweight champ. But the scorecards didn’t quite reflect a highly competitive fight where Ortega won over the crowd for his refusal to give up.
The UFC 266 main event, along with the return of Nick Diaz for a rematch with Robbie Lawler, got fighters talking. Here’s what they had to say.
Alexander Volkanovski def. Brian Ortega
Not a bad fight. Congrats shartsy
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 26, 2021
Foty candidate #supernecessary #UFC266
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) September 26, 2021
Holy shit! What an incredible fight. So impressed by @BrianTcity and the heart he showed. Of course the night belonged to @alexvolkanovski He truly is the champion of the world, but both men should take a bow! Congrats fellas!!! Inspired
— michael (@bisping) September 26, 2021
Hey @alexvolkanovski how did you escape that guillotine? Asking for a friend #ufc266
— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) September 26, 2021
@danawhite im gonna take Alexander the Average’s soul #ufc266
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) September 26, 2021
When underdogs almost win people go crazy. The people love to see it but the champ is ferocious. Great fight.
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) September 26, 2021
Ortega is one tough dude . That was a war & a lot of damage taken . Rest up warrior ! #UFC266
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) September 26, 2021
FW putting on a show! #FOTN
— Josh Emmett (@JoshEmmettUFC) September 26, 2021
Game of true warriors #UFC266 @ufc .
— Raphael Assuncao (@RaphaAssuncao) September 26, 2021
Shoutout to Ortega he’s a beast
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) September 26, 2021
Badass fite
— Bryce Mitchell (@ThugnastyMMA) September 26, 2021
That was a great fight!!!! #UFC266
— Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) September 26, 2021
He might not be leaving with the belt but Ortega showed a champions heart tonight. Congratulations to both guys on a great fight!
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) September 26, 2021
Beautiful fight! Ortega came on strong in that last round but Volkanovski’s pace and activity was great tonight! #UFC266
— Shane Burgos (@HurricaneShaneB) September 26, 2021
Great featherweight fight!!! #UFC266
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) September 26, 2021
Aussie Aussie Aussie!!!! Lets freaking go champ!!!
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) September 26, 2021
What an absolute banger of a fight!!! Volkanovski does.... not... quit!! #UFC266
What a fight! Display of heart and skill!! Congrats @alexvolkanovski
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) September 26, 2021
My boy @BrianTcity lost and STILL delivered a championship post fight interview. All positivity. Proud of you my guy! #backtothedrawingboard #theclimb #letsgo #neverquit #UFC266
— Corey 'Overtime' Anderson (@CoreyA_MMA) September 26, 2021
Valentina Shevchenko def. Lauren Murphy
Great night of fights. Valentina you are tremendous! @ufc #TheBullet
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 26, 2021
Dude Valentina is just a beast but Murphy somehow ATE those last shots before hitting the mat #UFC266 #AndStill
— Niko Price (@Nikohybridprice) September 26, 2021
is there a fighter who can with valentina in the 125 pounds? #UFC266
— Juan Espino El Guapo (@juan_espino_ofi) September 26, 2021
Damn! She’s a fast as a…bullet
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) September 26, 2021
Flawless performance by Shevchenko. Can’t imagine anyone that beats her in the future #UFC266
— Damien Brown (@beatdown155) September 26, 2021
Big congrats @BulletValentina Dammm #ufc266
— Diego Ferreira (@DiegoUFCTX) September 26, 2021
Bruh I can barely speak English I told you she’s the ! #ufc266
— Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) September 26, 2021
Got my photo, and if the champ wants to speak 3 languages then go ahead @BulletValentina congrats on another victory champion! #ufc266
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 26, 2021
Robbie Lawler def. Nick Diaz
Legends
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) September 26, 2021
Damn did Diaz just “no mas”
— Funky (@Benaskren) September 26, 2021
Diaz looked great for about 8 minutes but he is usually reliant on his cardio and it wasn’t there!
— Funky (@Benaskren) September 26, 2021
Nick Diaz my boy , you don’t have to explain yourself . G’s up #UFC266
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) September 26, 2021
NATE IS A GUY THAT ALWAYS PROVIDES GREAT FIGHTS. TIME AWAY FROM THE CAGE MAKES A MUCH DIFFERENCE, WHEN WE TALK ABOUT PERFORMANCE, EVERY DETAIL MAKES THE DIFFERENCE. NO MATTER WHETHER YOU ARE TALENTED OR NOT, CONSISTENT WORK ALWAYS WINS. #UFC266
— Dudu Dantas (@DuduDantasMMA) September 26, 2021
Jessica Andrade def. Cynthia Calvillo
What power from Andrade, and what pressure!! #ufc266
— Juan Espino El Guapo (@juan_espino_ofi) September 26, 2021
@jessicammapro is VICIOUS!!! #ufc266
— Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) September 26, 2021
Get the latest gear
