UFC Predictions - UFC 266: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Brian Ortega 

#3. UFC welterweight division: Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler

When the UFC announced that Nick Diaz would be returning to action after almost seven years away from the octagon, the immediate question became who his opponent would be.

Thankfully, rather than match him with one of the welterweight division’s current contenders, they’ve instead gone with former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler.

This is excellent matchmaking from several standpoints. Firstly, Diaz will suffer from ring rust given his layoff and his advanced age (38). Secondly, the two men have history in the form of a stone-cold classic that took place at UFC 47 way back in 2004.

Therefore, it doesn't matter that Lawler is past his best. The UFC can market the fight around Diaz and that initial meeting.

Will it live up to that first fight? It feels unlikely. But both men are responsible for some of the greatest UFC fights of all time, so you never know.

In terms of a winner, it's hard not to favor Diaz, even with the layoff considered. It's not like he's been injury-prone. His absence has basically been self-inflicted. He's also renowned for keeping himself in tremendous shape even when he isn't competing.

Lawler, on the other hand, is still in good physical shape. However, he's also taken a scary amount of damage over the years. Recently, that damage has appeared to be adding up.

'Ruthless' doesn't have a glass chin at this stage, but almost as worryingly, he looks painfully gun-shy. He seems more focused on protecting his chin rather than taking risks as he would've done previously.

A Robbie Lawler who doesn't carry the same threat offensively is far easier to beat. Colby Covington outstruck him with sheer volume, as did Rafael dos Anjos. He also looked thoroughly listless against Neil Magny in his most recent outing.

There's a chance Lawler will turn back the clock here and manage to show glimpses of his former self. Even then, though, his power-punching style is not a good match for Diaz. 'Diablo' is more than capable of using his volume and range to pick at Lawler before looking to land heavier blows when the time comes.

Overall then, Diaz ought to be favored here. But even if he looks in vintage form, it might be risky to match him any higher right away. This, however, is a fight he ought to win.

The Pick: Diaz via third round TKO

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#4. UFC 266: The Main Card

Picks in bold

UFC heavyweight division: Curtis Blaydes vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik

UFC flyweight division: Jessica Andrade vs. Cynthia Calvillo

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#5: UFC 266: The Prelims

Picks in bold

UFC bantamweight division: Marlon Moraes vs. Merab Dvalishvili

UFC lightweight division: Dan Hooker vs. Nasrat Haqparast

UFC heavyweight division: Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Chris Daukaus

UFC flyweight division: Manon Fiorot vs. Mayra Bueno Silva

UFC middleweight division: Karl Roberson vs. Nick Maximov

UFC welterweight division: Matthew Semelsberger vs. Martin Sano Jr.

UFC lightweight division: Jalin Turner vs. Uros Medic