Alexander Volkanovski predicts third-round stoppage win over Brian Ortega at UFC 266
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is predicting that he earns a third-round stoppage win over Brian Ortega at UFC 266.
Volkanovski steps into the Octagon this Saturday night in the main event of UFC 266 when he takes on his TUF 29 coaching rival Ortega for the 145lbs belt. Ahead of this weekend’s big title fight, Volkanovski sat down with MMA reporter James Lynch and predicted how the fight with Ortega will play out. Although Volkanovski knows that Ortega is a quality opponent, he believes that he is going to win this fight via third-round stoppage.
“How’s it playing out? Everyone knows my style, I’ve got too much pressure. Obviously, he’s durable, so I’m expecting him to take some damage early. I expect a bit of a war early, but I feel like I’ll be too much and wear him down. I’m feeling third round. The thing is, you’re going to say that every time, right? You’re going to say, ‘Get the finish, get the finish.’ But these guys are durable, so you can’t just look for big knockouts. But there’s one thing that I can do. I can pressure cook him. I can really put that pressure on him, cook him that way, and give him no choice but to look for a way out,” Volkanovski said.
“Obviously, you’ve got guys like Max Holloway and Ortega that I’ve fought that are durable and fit, so they’re tough to finish. But I really want this finish this time. Obviously, that’s what we’re always looking for, but if it goes to a five-round war, then I’m ready. I’m always ready. But I feel like I’m going to have him down and dusted by the third round and I’m going to see the finish. Whether it’s ground and pound or whether it’s a submission because he’s that tired or if it’s a TKO ref stoppage. I know he’s got a good chin, he’s definitely got a good chin. But when your body can’t hold up mate, you’ll be looking for a way out, and that’s what I feel.”
How do you see the UFC 266 main event between Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega playing out?
