If UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski had a difficult time leading up to his title defense against Brian Ortega this weekend, he’s not showing it. The first episode of UFC 266 Embedded showed Volkanovski arriving in Las Vegas, training with Dan Hooker, and recounting his journey to UFC 266.
It’s rare that two fighters going head to head have any affection for one another. It’s perhaps even rarer to expect them to spend hours together leading up to a title bout as Volkanovski and Ortega did on the most recent season of The Ultimate Fighter. Did all the time spent with his opponent change how Volkanovski felt about Ortega?
Volkanovski Beat Covid, Says He’ll Beat “Sensitive Little Pansy” Ortega Next
“I’ve been watching that show since I was a pup. I remember going to Blockbuster and renting the DVDs, and to be a part of it was incredible. And, you know, obviously got to know a bit more about Ortega.
You know, obviously, spending so much time with someone you’re gonna compete with. Certain things are probably gonna… I don’t want to say they get under your skin, but they’re gonna annoy you.
You know, what I first thought of the bloke has completely changed. Do I think he’s the worst human being? Probably not. Do I think he’s a sensitive little pansy?
Yeah, I do. That’s what I think of him. I’ll fix him up.”
Alexander Volkanovski’s most recent title defense came against Max Holloway, but his road to UFC 266 has been anything but smooth. Australia’s strict COVID-19 regulations and a bout with the disease itself waylaid “The Great” and his plans for competition.
“It’s good to be here, good to be back outta lockdown. I just wanna get back in there and f*ckin’ do my thing.
I was here for three months last time. Had COVID, had to do quarantine, cancelled fight, a few weeks later we had The Ultimate Fighter. That’s when it started, so we just stayed here and knocked that over.”
For the moment, however, Volkanovski is totally focused on this weekend’s main event. He has made no secret of his disdain for Brian Ortega, and their time on The Ultimate Fighter did nothing to remedy their relationship. Both men want Max Holloway as soon as possible after the fight, with Holloway perhaps seeming like a greater prize than the featherweight title itself.
Do you think Brian Ortega is a pansy, or will Volkanovski eat his words in the UFC 266 main event? Let us know in the comments.
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