5 most intriguing storylines to watch ahead of UFC 266

Alexander Volkanovski (left) and Brian Ortega (right) [Photo via @alexandervolkanovski on IG]
Alexander Volkanovski (left) and Brian Ortega (right) [Photo via @alexandervolkanovski on IG]

UFC 266 is shaping up to be one of the most stacked events in recent months. With several marquee matchups lined up and two title fights, UFC 266 is definitely a must-see pay-per-view.

The featherweight title clash between Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega will headline the star-studded event. Women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko will also defend her throne against in-form veteran Lauren Murphy in the co-main event of UFC 266.

On top of that, the long wait for Nick Diaz's return will finally be over. He'll take on Robbie Lawler in a rematch 17 years in the making. Top contenders Dan Hooker, Curtis Blaydes, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Jessica Andrade and Marlon Moraes will all be in action too.

Needless to say, there are several reasons to tune into Saturday night's blockbuster event. If those aren't enough to convince you, here are five of the most intriguing storylines to watch ahead of UFC 266.


#5. Dan Hooker's journey back to relevance starts at UFC 266

UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker
UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker

Dan Hooker has fallen on hard times in his most recent outings. Despite being one of the most promising lightweights on the UFC roster, Hooker is currently on a slippery slope after back-to-back losses to Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler.

Losing to Poirier and Chandler should be nothing to be ashamed of. After all, those guys belong in the upper echelon of the most talent-rich division in the promotion. However, Hooker is in dire need of a rebound win if he wants to keep his place among the elite.

That's especially true come Saturday night when he squares off against German prospect Nasrat Haqparast. It's unquestionable that Hooker's desire to compete is still there. After all, he went to great lengths to fix his U.S. visa troubles and subsequently save his UFC 266 fight.

The question, however, is whether the Kiwi fighter can still withstand the physically demanding nature of the sport. At 31, Hooker is relatively young and should still be in his athletic prime.

However, it's no secret that a fighter's shelf life is usually determined by their in-cage wear and tear and not necessarily their chronological age. In that respect, Hooker has been fighting professionally for 12 years. At UFC 266, 'The Hangman' will have the opportunity to prove that he's still a force to be reckoned with.

#4. Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler 2 might disappoint

Nick Diaz and Robbie Lawler will fight again at UFC 266 [Photo via @UFConBTSport on Twitter]
Nick Diaz and Robbie Lawler will fight again at UFC 266 [Photo via @UFConBTSport on Twitter]

Nick Diaz will return to action for the first time in over six years when he goes head-to-head with former welterweight champ Robbie Lawler at UFC 266. As soon as the matchup was announced, fans were reminded of the first time the two crossed paths at UFC 47.

There's no denying that Diaz vs. Lawler was a special moment in MMA history. The first fight was a classic that had everything every fight fan could ask for; Diaz talking an obscene amount of trash to his opponent, Lawler courageously firing back after getting tagged, Joe Rogan losing his mind and, of course, a picture-perfect knockout.

But before we get too carried away, logic dictates that Diaz vs. Lawler 2 won't live up to the hype of the initial matchup. The most glaring issue, of course, is the competitors' ages. With both fighters in the twilight of their careers, it's unreasonable to expect an all-out slugfest out of two men in their late-30s.

Diaz has also matured and mellowed out significantly at this stage of his career. The Stockton native vowed to keep his actions gentlemanly and refrain from talking smack. If you're tuning in to see Diaz and Lawler engage in an intense dog fight, that, unfortunately, is unlikely.


#3. Will Valentina Shevchenko stop Lauren Murphy at UFC 266?

Women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko will defend her title at UFC 266
Women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko will defend her title at UFC 266

There's no question in anyone's mind that Valentina Shevchenko will likely have her hand raised at the end of UFC 266. Shevchenko, who is one of the most dominant champions in the UFC today, is gunning for her tenth victory in the octagon and fifth successful title defense.

All signs point to another Shevchenko victory. Despite being with the UFC since 2014, Murphy hasn't beaten or faced anyone at Shevchenko's level. What she proved during her long tenure, though, is that she's exceedingly durable.

All four losses in Murphy's pro career have come by way of decision. She's also enjoying a successful run of five consecutive victories. 'Lucky' might be Murphy's monicker, but it's definitely her hard work that earned her the opportunity of a lifetime.

That said, Shevchenko has been absolutely steamrolling the women's flyweight division and hasn't been in any real trouble. 'Bullet' has also finished her last three opponents as she continues to showcase her wide-ranging arsenal.

Will Murphy be able to withstand Shevchenko's brutal offense? That's the big mystery heading into UFC 266.

#2. Where does Max Holloway fit into the title picture after UFC 266?

Former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway
Former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway

Max Holloway's specter is looming large over the UFC 266 title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega. The former UFC featherweight champ has proven himself to be a top dog in the division after putting on a masterclass against Calvin Kattar at UFC Fight Island 7.

'Blessed' went into battle against the reigning champ twice and lost both times via decision. However, a significant segment of fans believe Holloway was robbed during those two outings.

Holloway has also faced Ortega once before at UFC 231. The Hawaii native thoroughly dominated 'T-City' and exposed his glaring deficiencies in the striking department.

That said, the best-case scenario for Holloway is probably for Ortega to capture the crown at UFC 266. If Volkanovski retains, Holloway might have to earn another victory to justify a trilogy, especially as Giga Chikadze has been hot on his trail.


#1. Will Alexander Volkanovski finally earn the respect he deserves at UFC 266?

Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will defend his crown at UFC 266
Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will defend his crown at UFC 266

As mentioned above, a number of fans believe Alexander Volkanovski does not deserve to be the champion. Some observers are in the camp that Holloway should've gotten the decision over Volkanovski at UFC 245 and at UFC 251.

However, the stats clearly indicate that the Australian fighter landed more strikes (157 to 134) and did so at a more efficient clip (51% to 44%) in the first fight. The rematch was a slightly different. Volkanovski still connected with more strikes (137 to 102), but Holloway had the better landing rate (50% to 38%).

Volkanovski was able to do to Holloway what no other fighter in the promotion had done. 'The Great' kept up with the Hawaiian's absurd output and pace and beat Holloway in his own game.

If Volkanovski loses at UFC 266, it's inevitable that his detractors will brand him a transitional champ and an underserving titleholder. If he wins, he might have to beat Holloway a third time to shut his doubters up. Of course, none of those are fair, but Volkanovksi might have to put on a tremendous performance just to get the respect that he truly deserves.

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Edited by Harvey Leonard