Alexander Volkanovski (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Alexander Volkanovski battered and bloodied Brian Ortega during their thrilling fight at UFC 266, before receiving the unanimous decision win. But, after the bout, the featherweight champ admitted his reign nearly came to an end in round three.

Volkanovski defended his title in Saturday’s headliner, by outscoring Ortega by a 229 t0 101 margin. In round three, however, Ortega sunk in a guillotine choke that the champion struggled mightily to escape.

After the instant classic, Volkanovski admitted that Ortega came quite close to finishing the fight (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“It was deep. It was, ‘Oh, f*ck, I’m about to lose the belt deep.’ But the type of human being I am, we talk about me going through adversity, always being prepared and busting my ass, never give up attitude and all that sh*t, that’s what you seen.

“I was deep. That was as deep as it can get. No sh*t. I remember I was making f*cking weird noises. I don’t remember what noise I made, but it was a weird, ‘Oh, f*ck, I hope I don’t lose this belt.’”

The Australian fighter also had to work his way through a triangle-choke attempt by Ortega, not long after.

“T-City, he’s known for his jiu-jitsu,” Volkanovski said. “I thought that he wouldn’t get me that deep. Credit to him.”

With Saturday’s win, Volkanovski (23-1) extended his winning streak to an awe-inspiring 20. Ortega (15-2), meanwhile, is now 3-2 in his last 5 bouts.

UFC 266 took place in Las Vegas, Nevada.