Table of Contents
UFC 333 is set to deliver a blockbuster night of mixed martial arts as Alexander Volkanovski defends his featherweight championship against undefeated contender Movsar Evloev, while Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili meet for the third time in a bantamweight title showdown.
The main event brings together one of the most accomplished featherweights in UFC history and a contender who has built an unbeaten record through consistent performances against elite opposition. Meanwhile, the co-main event offers a decisive chapter in one of the bantamweight division’s most compelling rivalries.
Beyond the title fights, Aaron Pico faces Losene Keita in a significant featherweight contest, Alexander Volkov takes on Rizvan Kuniev in a heavyweight matchup, and Lone’er Kavanagh meets Ramazan Temirov in a flyweight clash.
With championship implications and opportunities for several fighters to move closer to the top of their divisions, UFC 333 has plenty at stake.
Alexander Volkanovski vs Movsar Evloev: Featherweight Championship
The main event sees Alexander Volkanovski put his featherweight title on the line against the undefeated Movsar Evloev in a fascinating contest between elite striking and relentless wrestling.
Volkanovski enters the matchup seeking another successful title defence and another opportunity to strengthen his legacy at 145 pounds. The Australian has established himself as one of the division’s most accomplished champions through his technical striking, intelligent movement, defensive wrestling and ability to adjust his strategy during a fight.
His experience in championship contests could prove particularly important against an opponent who has never lost a professional MMA fight.
However, Evloev represents a serious challenge. The Russian contender arrives with a reported professional record of 20-0, including 10 consecutive victories inside the UFC. His consistent performances against high-level opposition have finally earned him an opportunity to compete for championship gold.
Can Evloev’s wrestling trouble the champion?
Evloev’s wrestling is expected to be one of the central themes of the contest. He has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to take opponents down, control their movements and accumulate points through positional dominance.
His approach could force Volkanovski to spend considerable energy defending takedowns and working back to his feet. If Evloev can maintain pressure across five rounds, he could limit the champion’s opportunities to establish his striking rhythm.
Nevertheless, Volkanovski has already demonstrated that he can compete effectively against elite grapplers. His footwork, balance, takedown defence and ability to create space make him a difficult opponent to control for extended periods.
The champion has also dismissed the suggestion that Evloev’s wrestling will be enough to dethrone him, expressing confidence in his ability to neutralise the challenger’s strongest weapon.
Evloev cannot afford to rely exclusively on takedowns, however. His striking will need to be effective enough to keep Volkanovski guessing and create openings for his grappling.
The key question is whether Evloev can impose his preferred style without allowing the champion to dictate the pace and distance.
A victory would give Volkanovski another significant championship achievement, while Evloev could become a UFC champion for the first time and establish himself as the leading featherweight in the division.
Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili 3: Bantamweight Championship
The co-main event features the third meeting between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili, with the bantamweight championship at stake.
Their rivalry has produced contrasting results, making the trilogy particularly intriguing. Dvalishvili won their first encounter in March 2023, using his relentless wrestling and extraordinary work rate to secure a dominant decision victory. Yan responded in their subsequent meeting at UFC 323 in December 2025, reclaiming the championship after five rounds of disciplined striking and effective takedown defence.
With one victory apiece, the third contest offers both fighters an opportunity to settle the rivalry.
Yan looks to repeat his championship performance
Yan’s victory in their previous fight demonstrated the importance of managing Dvalishvili’s pressure. Rather than allowing the Georgian to dictate every exchange, Yan used his boxing, combinations and defensive wrestling to make the contest more competitive on the feet.
His ability to defend takedowns and punish entries with strikes could again prove decisive. Yan is particularly dangerous when he can establish his distance and build combinations without constantly having to defend against wrestling attacks.
However, Dvalishvili’s work rate remains one of his greatest strengths. His ability to chain together takedown attempts, maintain pressure and force opponents to work continuously can change the complexion of a fight.
The Georgian will need to make adjustments after his previous defeat. Better timing on his entries, improved positional control and a sustainable pace could help him reclaim the championship.
Yan, meanwhile, must demonstrate that his previous performance was not an isolated success against a difficult stylistic opponent.
The result will determine who leaves Abu Dhabi as bantamweight champion and could have major implications for the division’s title picture heading into 2027.
Aaron Pico vs Losene Keita: A high-stakes featherweight clash
Aaron Pico and Losene Keita meet in one of the most intriguing non-title fights on the main card.
Both fighters entered the UFC with considerable expectations, and both have experienced setbacks while attempting to establish themselves at the highest level. Their matchup offers an opportunity to build momentum and move closer to the featherweight rankings.
Pico brings an extensive wrestling background alongside increasingly developed striking. His explosive athleticism and ability to mix takedowns with punches make him a difficult opponent when he can dictate the terms of an exchange.
However, Pico has previously been vulnerable when opponents have found openings in his defence. Against a dangerous striker such as Keita, defensive discipline will be essential.
Keita arrives with a reputation for aggressive striking and finishing ability. After suffering an early setback in his UFC career, he rebounded with a first-round knockout victory over Muhammad Naimov in Paris.
That performance demonstrated the threat he poses when he can establish his range and unleash combinations.
The challenge for Keita will be defending Pico’s wrestling while creating enough space to use his striking. If Pico can secure takedowns and maintain top control, he could limit Keita’s opportunities to produce damage. If Keita keeps the contest standing, his power and speed could make the matchup considerably more dangerous for the American.
Alexander Volkov vs Rizvan Kuniev: Heavyweight test
Alexander Volkov faces Rizvan Kuniev in a heavyweight contest that could influence the division’s next wave of contenders.
Volkov is an experienced UFC heavyweight known for his height, reach and technical kickboxing. His ability to manage distance and land straight punches and kicks from range has made him a difficult opponent for fighters who struggle to close the gap. At heavyweight, his striking accuracy and ability to punish opponents as they enter range can be particularly effective.
Kuniev presents a different challenge. The Russian heavyweight has experience competing at a high level and will look to establish his own rhythm against Volkov. His ability to close distance, apply pressure and make the contest physically demanding could be important.
For Volkov, the objective will be to use his reach advantage and avoid unnecessary exchanges at close range. Kuniev, meanwhile, will need to find ways to disrupt the veteran’s timing and prevent him from controlling the fight from distance.
A strong performance would be valuable for both men as they look to improve their standing in a heavyweight division where a single impressive victory can quickly create new opportunities.
Lone’er Kavanagh vs Ramazan Temirov: Flyweight action
Lone’er Kavanagh faces Ramazan Temirov in another important matchup on the main card.
Kavanagh will look to use his movement and striking combinations to build momentum, while Temirov enters with a reputation for dangerous offensive striking and finishing ability.
The challenge for Kavanagh will be managing Temirov’s power without sacrificing the pace that can make flyweight contests difficult for opponents to control. Temirov, meanwhile, will need to create openings without allowing Kavanagh to establish a consistent rhythm.
The bout offers both fighters an opportunity to make a statement in a competitive division. A convincing victory could help the winner move closer to more prominent matchups and, potentially, the flyweight rankings.
UFC 333 preliminary card: Fights to watch
The preliminary card features several matchups with implications for the light-heavyweight, middleweight and lightweight divisions.
Azamat Murzakanov vs Dominick Reyes
Murzakanov meets Reyes in one of the most notable preliminary contests. Murzakanov had built an impressive UFC run before suffering the first loss of his professional career against Paulo Costa. He now faces a former title challenger in Reyes, who has experienced a difficult stretch but remains a dangerous opponent.
Murzakanov’s power and ability to finish fights make him a threat, while Reyes will look to use his striking and experience to secure an important victory.
Nikita Krylov vs Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev
Krylov takes on Yakhyaev in a light-heavyweight matchup that pits an established UFC veteran against a rising prospect.
Krylov has experience against high-level opposition and a versatile skill set that includes striking and submissions. Yakhyaev will have an opportunity to establish himself against a recognised name if he can produce a convincing performance.
Abus Magomedov vs Cam Rowston
Magomedov faces Rowston in a middleweight contest. Magomedov’s experience against established UFC opposition gives him a valuable foundation, while Rowston will look to capitalise on the opportunity to secure a notable victory.
The contest could be determined by who establishes control early and manages the exchanges most effectively.
Grant Dawson vs Nurullo Aliev
Dawson and Aliev meet in a lightweight fight featuring two fighters with grappling-based approaches.
Dawson has demonstrated strong wrestling and positional control throughout his UFC career. Aliev will aim to counter those strengths and establish his own offence. The battle for takedowns and top position could be central to the outcome.
UFC 333 early prelims
The early preliminary card provides opportunities for several fighters to make an impression before the main event begins.
Colby Thicknesse faces Asaf Chopurov in a bantamweight matchup, while Abubakar Vagaev meets Jacob Malkoun at middleweight. Bolaji Oki takes on Daniel Santos in a featherweight contest, and Kody Steele faces Noah Gugnon in a lightweight bout.
The card opens with a women’s strawweight matchup between Iasmin Lucindo and Nicolle Caliari. Lucindo will look to use her experience and striking, while Caliari aims to build on her previous submission victory and secure another important result.
These contests may not carry championship implications, but they provide valuable opportunities for fighters looking to establish themselves within the promotion.
UFC 333 full fight card
Event: UFC 333: Volkanovski vs Evloev
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Venue: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Main card
- Alexander Volkanovski vs Movsar Evloev — Featherweight title fight
- Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili — Bantamweight title fight
- Lone’er Kavanagh vs Ramazan Temirov — Flyweight
- Alexander Volkov vs Rizvan Kuniev — Heavyweight
- Aaron Pico vs Losene Keita — Featherweight
Preliminary card
- Azamat Murzakanov vs Dominick Reyes — Light heavyweight
- Nikita Krylov vs Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev — Light heavyweight
- Abus Magomedov vs Cam Rowston — Middleweight
- Grant Dawson vs Nurullo Aliev — Lightweight
Early preliminary card
- Colby Thicknesse vs Asaf Chopurov — Bantamweight
- Abubakar Vagaev vs Jacob Malkoun — Middleweight
- Bolaji Oki vs Daniel Santos — Featherweight
- Kody Steele vs Noah Gugnon — Lightweight
- Iasmin Lucindo vs Nicolle Caliari — Women’s strawweight
Follow HanPunch for the latest Korean MMA news, exclusive fighter interviews, event coverage, and the stories shaping combat sports across Asia.
About The Author
Join the Conversation