UFC 266 Betting Preview
- UFC 266 on September 26 is being headlined by two world title bouts
- Alexander Volkanovski will be defending his featherweight title against Brian Ortega
- Champion Valentina Shevchenko is defending her women's flyweight title against Lauren Murphy
No one can complain that UFC 266 isn't going to be chock full of action, both inside the cage and in terms of wagering opportunities.
#UFCFightWeek is back w/ 2️⃣ title fights and 1️⃣ epic rematch to cap it off!
— UFC (@ufc) August 15, 2021
[ #UFC266 | Sept. 25 | For Tickets - https://t.co/3akQ9mI7ii ] pic.twitter.com/0ha2e7mxky
It starts with two world title belts being up for grabs. Champion Alexander Volkanovski is the -185 favorite against challenger Brian Ortega in what figures to be a very intriguing bout. Away from this challenge, both Volkanovski and Ortega are the opposing coaches for UFC's The Ultimate Fighter 29 television series.
Women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko is among the most efficient fighters in the promotion today. It's no surprise at all she's the overwhelming -1100 betting choice in the UFC 266 odds in her title bout against Lauren Murphy.
| Fighter |  | | Fighter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander Volkanovski | -185 | +145 | Brian Ortega |
| Valentina Shevchenko | -1100 | +650 | Lauren Murphy |
| Robbie Lawler | -125 | +145 | Nick Diaz |
| Curtis Blaydes | -320 | +240 | Jairzinho Rozenstruik |
However, it's entirely possible that the fight of the night, both inside the octagon and in the eyes of UFC fans, will be the long-awaited return to action of popular UFC star Nick Diaz. He'll face Robbie Lawlor in a welterweight bought that figures to attract plenty of UFC betting.
Remember to read our guide if you have any doubts about how to bet on the UFC.
Alexander Volkanovski (22-1) vs Brian Ortega (15-1)
It will be a contrast of styles in this fight. Volkanovski is all about the power. On average, he lands twice as many strikes as he absorbs. He might be the finest striker in all of the UFC.
Alexander Volkanovski isn't planning on letting Brian Ortega get comfortable when they enter the cage at UFC 266. #UFC266
— MMA On Point (@OnPointMMA) August 12, 2021
Source, ESPN MMA: https://t.co/ZB6g2gtpvK pic.twitter.com/1epkZAZbXc
In order for Ortega to come out on top in the UFC 266 Vegas odds, he'll need to take this fight to the mat and ground and pound the champ. Ortega must seek a submission victory.
However, the chances that he'll be able to avoid the Volkanovski onslaught for five rounds are minimal.
Valentina Shevchenko (21-3) vs Lauren Murphy (15-4)
In the UFC women's division, there is Amanda Nunes and Shevchenko and then there is everyone else. Nunes rules over the 135 and 145-pound weight classes with an iron fist, while Shevchenko dispatches all who stand in her way at 125 pounds.
Murphy is the kind of fighter who makes for entertaining bouts. She's as tough and nails and as courageous as they come. She has also won five in a row.
5️⃣ title defenses and counting...
— UFC (@ufc) August 11, 2021
The flyweight 𝓠𝓾𝓮𝓮𝓷 @BulletValentina returns in September 👑
[ #UFC266 | Sep. 25 🎟 Tickets: https://t.co/I1ZxQ5Fn6U ] pic.twitter.com/OO5FZeoRbg
However, don't go making the mistake that Murphy is in with a chance here. If you want to get action that leans Murphy's way in the UFC 266 picks, play Shevchenko to win via decision. That might not be the best bet but it Murphy's best hope for an outcome.
Nick Diaz (26-9) vs Robbie Lawler (28-15)
This is a rematch that was 17 years in the making. Diaz knocked out Lawler when they fought the first time in 2004. Their recent resumes aren't chock full of success.
Lawler, 39, has lost four fights in a row. But at least he's been active in the octagon.
"𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙚𝙩". @NickDiaz209 is BACK at #UFC266!
— UFC (@ufc) August 15, 2021
[ Tickets 🎟 https://t.co/I1ZxQ5WYvu ] pic.twitter.com/Ivhq7VPRW1
Diaz, 38, last fought in 2015. He hasn't won a UFC bout since 2011. To get a grasp of his legendary status in UFC circles, three of Diaz's last four bouts were against Anderson Silva, Georges St. Pierre and B.J. Penn.
Still, there's going to be rust. While this could be an epic bout, Lawler's activity figures to give him the slight edge in the UFC betting.
Where to Bet On The UFC?
There are a number of leading online betting sites that will provide bettors with the chance to place a wager on the UFC, whether it be a moneyline or spread wager, a future book bet, a parlay wager, or an exact round or type of stoppage prop wager. The best bet you can make is to shop around in advance and seek out the right deal before joining one of these sportsbooks. Check out MyBookie and Bet99 as examples.
The signup bonus offers that are in place at all of these recommended sites will prove advantageous to the bettor. And since you'll get a good deal wherever you go, why not check out several sites and find the ideal fit for your needs?
#UFC266 Newest episode is up…https://t.co/YfZvwlwRI3 pic.twitter.com/uUOoyBqBB2
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) August 14, 2021
Do you want a risk-free first bet as a signup bonus? Perhaps you find a no deposit bonus to be enticing. Or maybe you simply like the feel of cold, hard cash in your account and you want to go for a matching first deposit bonus. Whatever option you choose, you're already a winner.
Remember that new players and returning customers are eligible for better bonuses when they deposit using Bitcoin. As well, take advantage of the betting advice offered at these sites to help newcomers acclimatize to sports betting.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the right one for you:
