LAS VEGAS -- Alexander Volkanovski's status as the best featherweight in the world has been solidified.
After escaping several close submissions attempts, Volkanovski poured on the damaging blows to beat Brian Ortega via unanimous decision (49-46, 50-45, 50-44) Saturday night in the main event of UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena. Volkanovski retained his UFC featherweight title with the victory in one of the best championship MMA fights of 2021.
"All them doubters," Volkanovski said in his postfight interview. "I'm gonna keep proving you wrong time and time again."
The ringside physician had to check the cuts on a bloody Ortega's face prior to both the fourth and fifth rounds before letting the bout go on.