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Let's face it, every single round in the bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega was box office, edge-of-your-seat entertainment - but one five-minute segment stood out from the rest.
The third round in their featherweight title fight at UFC 266 has now been called "the greatest round of all-time" - and it's hard to argue that it wouldn't at least be in the conversation.
Australian fan favourite Volkanovski successfully defended his 145-pound belt against Ortega, walking away with a unanimous decision victory.
But while the champion did dominate for much of the fight, there were a number of big moments which could have seen Ortega capture the strap had they of gone his way.
And those title-deciding moments where Volkanovski survived not one but two submissions happened to all fall in the same round: the third.
HE ESCAPED AGAIN :flushed:@alexvolkanovski is fending off submissions left and right! #UFC266 pic.twitter.com/dI2ftTmr3d
- ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 26, 2021
HE GETS OUT @alexvolkanovski escapes Ortega's choke! #UFC266 pic.twitter.com/4a6PWGxZSA
- ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 26, 2021
With the championship rounds looming, Volkanovski ramped up the pressure even more and entered into another gear.
Dictating the tempo of the fight, he continued to pepper his rival with a flurry of strikes while also successfully avoiding the takedown.
His octagon control and sheer volume meant his was definitely winning on the judges' scorecards, but things quickly changed when Ortega got the upper hand in the third.
Catching Volkanovski with a quick shot out of nowhere, the title challenger managed to drop the champ and quickly dived on top to lock in a guillotine choke.
Ortega, a master on the ground, locked in the choke tight and looked set to end the fight there and then.
But incredibly, Volkanovski remained composed and somehow wriggled his way out of it and ended up on top.
Once in an advanced position, the Aussie then started raining down on Ortega with some brutal ground and pound.
But Volkanovski was far from safe.
Alex Volkanovski describes his level of concern on Brian Ortega's two submission attempts in Round 3
The champ admits the guillotine was:
"f-ing tight"@espnmma '' @ESPNAusNZ
:tv: Full #UFC266 interview:https://t.co/vx5NwXPMru pic.twitter.com/Xo3T8Gz6yR
- Phil Murphy (@Phil_Sports) September 26, 2021
As he poured on the hammer fists, jiu-jitsu specialist Ortega pulled guard and managed to sink in a triangle choke.
With one minute still remaining in the round, Volkanovski either had to hold on and risk being choked unconscious or find a way to slip out of the choke.
He decided the latter.
Twisting and turning, he miraculously managed to roll his way out of the triangle and ended up on top once again.
The claxon then sounded to bring an end to the chaotic round and while Volkanovski picked himself up and returned to his corner, Ortega remained on the canvas absolutely exhausted from the back-and-forth round that had just played out.
Unsurprisingly, spectators went nuts inside the T-Mobile Arena when the third round finally ended.
As for the MMA fans watching from home, they were quick to heap praise on Volkanovski after footage of his double escape act emerged online with some people calling him 'terminator'.
HOLY SHIT!!! ADD VOLKANOVSKI VS. ORTEGA ROUND 3 TO YOUR LIST FOR ROUND OF THE YEAR!! MADNESS!! #UFC266
- Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) September 26, 2021
When ESPN posted the clips on social media, UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya perhaps summed up the collective feeling best with his analysis.
The Kiwi commented: "Escaped his best subs!!"
While fellow UFC star Lando Vannata also chimed in, adding: "Broke him by beating him in his best positions."
But while some people instantly congratulated Volkanovski, others simply sat back in awe of the entire round which had just took place before their eyes.
BT Sport reporter Chamatkar Sandhu tweeted: "HOLY S**T!!! ADD VOLKANOVSKI VS ORTEGA ROUND 3 TO YOUR LIST FOR ROUND OF THE YEAR!! MADNESS!!"
As another added: "Ortega Volkanovski Round 3 might be the greatest round of all time wtfffff."
Ortega Volkanovski Round 3 might be the greatest round of all time wtfffff #UFC266
- GothamChess (@GothamChess) September 26, 2021
I've watched the submission/escape/GnP sequence in Round 3 of Volkanovski-Ortega several times today. Still insane.
- Nick Baldwin (@NickBaldwinMMA) September 26, 2021
ROUND OF THE CENTURY
What a comeback moment from Ortega, two deep sub attempts, incredible sub defense from Volkanovski. Volk is up 3-0 but the fight just got a lot more interesting.
Docs just gave Ortega an extra minute to recover there...
- John Martian MMA (@UFO_UFC) September 26, 2021
Nobody has mentioned it....but I wish Joe Rogan were there for Round 3 of Alexander Volkanovski vs Brian Ortega and that alone. #UFC266 pic.twitter.com/X4cuh0lxEH
- Think 1st :fish_cake::flag_ci: :flag_us: (@DaKontradiction) September 26, 2021
Nobody has mentioned it....but I wish Joe Rogan were there for Round 3 of Alexander Volkanovski vs Brian Ortega and that alone. #UFC266 pic.twitter.com/X4cuh0lxEH
- Think 1st :fish_cake::flag_ci: :flag_us: (@DaKontradiction) September 26, 2021
Insane 3rd round but gave it to Volkanovski.
One of the fastest guillotines ver and Volk survived 3 attempts against Ortega #UFC266
- Weasle (@ThaWeasle) September 26, 2021
HOLY DUCKING SHIT VOLKANOVSKI ORTEGA ROUND 3!!! pic.twitter.com/PbBlX0atRZ
- Brendan Zhang (@bzanger3) September 26, 2021
I've rewatched Round 3 of Volkanovski vs Ortega 49 times and I can confirm it is a banger
- TheSugaBible:maple_leaf: (@SugaBible) September 26, 2021
Volkanovski v Ortega round 3 is one of the craziest rounds I've ever seen. Incredible heart from both fighters. I need to lay horizontal for a good 10 minutes after watching that main event. Incredible! #UFC266
- Ryan Evans (@RyanEvans87) September 26, 2021
Volkanovski Ortega round 3 one of the great rounds in UFC history
- Matt (@mtwallack3) September 26, 2021
Volkanovski vs Ortega will be considered for fight of the year. Round 3 was insane.
- Shane (@Shane_A41) September 26, 2021
I have no idea how Volkanovski didn't tap to those chokes in round 3 or how Ortega managed to survive all the way to the end, so much respect to both guys for the title fight they put on!!#UFC266
- Brian Ciano (@OnAirMafia) September 26, 2021
Still can't believe how good yesterdays fights were. Round 3 of Volkanovski vs. Ortega still gives me goosebumps.
- Goonsack Steve (@GoonsackSteve) September 26, 2021
Volkanovski V Ortega round 3 may be the greatest round of the year !!! MY EMOTIONS MAN
- MrButterMan (@Skybutter95) September 26, 2021
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@espnmma/PA
Topics: Brian Ortega, UFC, Australia, MMA