UFC has put on a stellar lineup for its numbered cards, and this card sees two excellent titles fights, plus the return of old fan-favorite fighter. UFC 266 is shaping up to be the card of the year.

Alexander Volkanovski puts his featherweight belt on the line against the BJJ specialist Brian Ortega. Can Volkanovski make it another third title win or do we have new king on the throne with Brian Ortega?

UFC 266: Volkanovski VS. Ortega

  • Date: Saturday, September 18
  • Main card: 7:00 p.m. PT/10:00 p.m. ET/3:00 a.m. BST
  • Main event (approx): 9:00 p.m. PT/12:00 a.m. ET/5:00 a.m. BST

Alexander Volkanovski vs Brian Ortega Betting Odds

Because of Alexander Volkanovski’s vast experience against high-caliber opponents, he is the favorite for this fight.
However, Brian Ortega is looking to get upset with his new striking skills and start his reign as the new king of the Featherweight division.

Alexander Volkanovski Winning Odds

Alexander Volkanovski wants to add another number one contender to his resume and keep his UFC win streak alive. Since joining the UFC, Volkanovski has won every fight and has been pretty dominant in his run-up to the title. Since his last loss in 2013, he has won most of his fights by KO/TKO. Measuring 5ft 6, he’s used to applying his smaller-man advantage with chopping low legs kicks and moving into the pocket. Look for Volkanovski to punish Ortega and possibly get the decision to win.

Brian Ortega Winning Odds

Brian Ortega is the underdog for this fight but is looking to get himself crowned as the new Featherweight king. Ortega has a brilliant record with 15-1-0 (W-L-D). Since joining the UFC he has won 7 of 9 fights, with his only loss coming against his last title fight against Max Holloway. He is well known for his Brazilian Ju-Jitsu background but has also improved in his standup and wrestling, which he demonstrated in his last fight against Chan Sung Jung. A smart move for Ortega would be to get this fight to the ground and aim for a win by submission.


Valentina Shevchenko Vs Lauren Murphy Betting Odds

The co-main event is another title fight, with Valentina Shevchenko putting her flyweight belt on the line against the tough Lauren Murphy. Both women are known to be strikers, so don’t expect this fight to go the full distance.

Valentina Shevchenko Odds

Valentina Shevchenko is a massive favorite for this fight and will look to put her striking display to work on Lauren Murphy. Since joining the UFC, Shevchenko has only lost twice to Amanda Nunes, but that was for the Bantamweight title. She has dominated the flyweight division, either winning by TKO/KO or submission. Because of her multiple titles in Muay Thai, Shevchenko has plenty of striking experience, so look for her to put on a striking clinic on Murphy and win by TKO/KO.

Bovada with -1500 fight odds.

Lauren Murphy Winning Odds

Lauren Murphy is the underdog for this fight and faces an uphill battle against Shevchenko. Murphy is on her second stint in the UFC and has been on a five-fight win streak. She has won the majority of her fights either by TKO/KO or Decision. However, she has four losses on her record, all of them being decisions. To win against Shevchenko, she must beat her to the punch and look for a potential KO/TKO finish.


Nick Diaz Vs Robbie Lawler Betting Odds

This fight has fight of the night written all over it. Nick Diaz makes his triumphant return to the UFC against a former foe Robbie Lawler. Both fighters will be looking to put on a pure display of violence. In terms of odds, this fight is dead even.

Nick Diaz Winning Odds

It’s been 6 years since Nick Diaz stepped into the Octagon, but he is still considered a massive star for the UFC. Diaz has fought most of his fights at Welterweight and is well known for his insane cardio and boxing style. This is the second time Diaz faces Lawler – the first meeting ended in an impressive KO for Diaz. So expect Diaz to pressure Lawler and push for a chance to either KO/TKO or submission.

Robbie Lawler Odds

Since losing his Welterweight title to Tyron Woodley in 2016, this is a do-or-die fight for Robbie Lawler. After that loss, he’s only won one fight out of six. All the fights he’s lost have been against ranked opponents. This weekend he has a chance to keep his UFC career alive against Nick Diaz. Look for Lawler to win by Decision.


Curtis Blaydes Vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik Odds

Two Heavyweights are up next, with Curtis Blaydes vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik, who are both looking for a chance to get up the Heavyweight ladder for the chance to be next in line for a title shot.

Curtis Blaydes Winning Odds

Curtis Blaydes is the favorite for this fight and is looking for redemption after losing to Derrick Lewis. Although he has won plenty of fights by TKO/KO, he’s well known for his wrestling pedigree. Blaydes will also have the size and reach advantage. Therefore, the best course of action for Blaydes is to rely on his wrestling and push for TKO or decision.

Jairzinho Rozenstruik Winning Odds

Despite his excellent record in the UFC, Jairzinho Rozenstruik is the underdog in this fight. Rozenstruik’s only losses have come against the champion Francis Ngannou and interim champion Ciryl Gane. The Surinamer is a striker through and through – he’s always on the hunt for the finish. Even though he’s smaller in reach and size, he does have knockout power. As a result, he can usually end the fight whenever he chooses.


Jessica Andrade Vs Cynthia Calvillo Betting Odds

Two flyweights clash to round out the main card. Jessica Andrade is looking to rebound after her last loss to Flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. She’s facing off against Cynthia Calvillo, who’s also looking to rebound from her last loss. Both fighters are looking to get back to their winning ways and move up the rankings.

Jessica Andrade Winning Odds

Jessica Andrade has had a tough couple of fights since winning the Strawweight title in 2019. She has moved up to flyweight since then and has mixed results with one win and one loss. Andrade is small for flyweight but does possess fight-ending power. She will look to end the fight either by KO/TKO.

Cynthia Calvillo Winning Odds

Cynthia Calvillo has struggled to make weight in the Strawweight division, hence why she moved up to Flyweight. She had only two losses in her UFC and is well known for her Submissions. She is bigger than Andrade and should force her to the ground and either go for submissions or ride out to a decision.



Dan Mendoza
Writer

Dan Mendoza is a Vegas native who learned martial arts from the age of 10 - starting with Judo & Karate - moving to amateur boxing and later becoming a MMA coach and trainer. Dan covers UFC, Bellator, Boxing and other contact sports at Vegas-Odds.com