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#2 UFC women's flyweight Lauren Murphy
On paper, Lauren Murphy seems like an extremely easy opponent for Valentina Shevchenko. But 'Lucky', who's on a five-fight win streak, has everything on the line at UFC 266.
At 38 years old, Murphy is reaching the end of her fighting career and seems to have peaked. She has used her explosive takedowns and solid top control to great effect in the recent past, and is a capable striker as well.
While it doesn't seem like Murphy is better than Shevchenko at anything, stranger things have happened in MMA. The momentum Murphy's riding, combined with the fact that even a fighter as great as 'Bullet' is bound to have a bad performance, could lead to a historic upset if 'Lucky' manages to formulate and stick to a solid gameplan.
It doesn't seem likely, but the overlooked Murphy could steal the show at UFC 266.
#1 UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski
UFC champions generally aren't underrated. In fact, it could even be argued that having the belt wrapped around their waist leads to fighters being looked upon in a different light.
However, Alexander Volkanovski doesn't get the recognition he deserves. This is largely due to his decision wins over Max Holloway, especially the second one, being controversial. Volkanovski's understated nature and lack of charisma don't work in his favor either.
'The Great' enters his UFC 266 fight against Brian Ortega as the favorite, but it could be argued that the majority of fans want 'T-City' to dethrone the champion. Not only would that set up an enticing rematch between Ortega and Holloway, but it would also ensure that a more entertaining champion would be at the top of the featherweight division.
Volkanovski has a point to prove at UFC 266, with a fascinating TUF season in his rearview mirrors. He hasn't been taken completely seriously so far, but a win over an extremely talented, well-rounded fighter in Ortega would go a long way in fetching him the respect he deserves.
