The best and worst from UFC 266: Alexander Volkanovski vs Brian Ortega

#2 Worst: Nick Diaz looked like he didn't want to be there

UFC 266: Diaz v Lawler

Coming into this fight, Nick Diaz seemed disinterested and anxious, and he was quick to admit the same. But the eccentricity of the Diaz brothers led to a false hope that that's just how he is, and that he'd become the relentless warrior he usually is after the opening ball.

But Nick Diaz was a beaten man even before he entered the octagon. The concerning picture of him shadowboxing during the pre-fight promos became a reality as Diaz tried to survive right from the first minute. What he lacked in speed he made up for with crazy volume, but he just didn't have anything in him by the time the fight reached the third round.

A right hook from Robbie Lawler sent Diaz plummeting to the canvas, and after 'Ruthless' asked his opponent to get up, the Stockton native decided he didn't want to. This performance would've been severely criticized had it been turned in by any fighter not named Nick Diaz.

While the 38-year-old will always have fans tune into his fights, it's clear that it's not a question of rust. Diaz is way past his fighting prime and, more importantly, doesn't seem to have the desire to compete anymore. His interviews have suggested that he's going through a tough phase in his life, and in an ideal world, he should never fight in the UFC again because he'll only accumulate more damage.

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#1 Best: Alexander Volkanovski comes up with a career-defining performance

UFC 266: Volkanovski v Ortega

Alexander Volkanovski is finally going to get the respect he deserves. That shouldn't be hard for a man riding a 20-fight win streak, but 'The Great' has been overlooked by several UFC fans.

Everything changed at UFC 266 as a side of Volkanovski that hadn't been seen before made itself known. Caught in two dangerous submission attempts midway through the fight, the featherweight champion showed immense toughness and heart to lay a beating on Brian Ortega.

Volkanovski's blinding speed, immense cardio and pristine usage of angles were on display against Ortega as he fought a smart fight against one of the most dangerous featherweights right now. Although 'T-City' had his moments in the striking exchanges as well, the Australian's pressure and timing were simply too much.

Now with 10 UFC wins, Volkanovski could rule over the featherweight division for years to come, just as he says he will.