The UFC 333 fight card features two major championship matchups as the promotion brings its October event to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Alexander Volkanovski is scheduled to defend his featherweight title against undefeated contender Movsar Evloev in the main event, while Petr Yan faces Merab Dvalishvili in a highly anticipated bantamweight championship rematch.
The event takes place on October 24, 2026, at Etihad Arena. The card also features several important matchups across the flyweight, featherweight, heavyweight, and light heavyweight divisions.
According to the UFC’s official event listing, the main card is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, with preliminary fights starting earlier in the day. Fans can check the official UFC 333 event page for the latest schedule and viewing information.
UFC 333 Main Event: Alexander Volkanovski vs Movsar Evloev
The featherweight championship bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev headlines UFC 333. It brings together an experienced champion and an undefeated challenger who hopes to reach the top of the division.
Volkanovski has built his reputation through precise striking, tactical awareness and strong defensive wrestling. His ability to control distance and adjust during a fight has helped him remain competitive against elite opponents.
However, Evloev presents a difficult challenge. The undefeated contender has established himself as a dangerous matchup through his wrestling, physical pressure, and ability to maintain a demanding pace over several rounds.
What could decide Volkanovski vs. Evloev?
The key question is whether Evloev can consistently take Volkanovski down and control the action on the ground. Sustained wrestling pressure could limit the champion’s striking opportunities and make the later rounds physically demanding.
Volkanovski, meanwhile, will look to defend takedowns, create space, and land accurate combinations. His experience in championship fights could also prove important if the contest remains close.
The matchup is difficult to predict because both fighters have clear strengths. Evloev’s undefeated record makes him a serious challenger, while Volkanovski’s experience and well-rounded skill set give him a credible path to retaining the belt.
UFC 333 Co-Main Event: Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili
The second championship fight features Petr Yan against Merab Dvalishvili in a trilogy bout for the bantamweight title.
Their rivalry has added significance because both fighters have previously defeated the other. Yan’s victory in their December rematch changed the direction of the rivalry and set up another meeting between the two elite bantamweights.
Yan is known for technical boxing, sharp combinations, and the ability to identify openings during extended exchanges. His defensive wrestling and counterstriking will be important against an opponent who rarely allows his rivals much time to settle into a rhythm.
Dvalishvili brings a contrasting style. His relentless movement, repeated takedown attempts, and high work rate can force opponents to defend throughout the fight.
Can Yan handle Dvalishvili’s pressure again?
Yan’s route to victory likely depends on controlling the distance and making his striking more effective than Dvalishvili’s wrestling offense. If he can defend takedowns and land damaging shots, he could build an advantage on the scorecards.
Dvalishvili will aim to disrupt that plan by maintaining pressure, attacking the legs and mixing wrestling attempts with striking.
The outcome could depend on conditioning, defensive adjustments, and how effectively each fighter executes their game plan over five rounds.
UFC 333 Main Card: Full Fight Lineup
Beyond the two title fights, the UFC 333 main card includes three additional matchups featuring established contenders and emerging talent.
Lone’er Kavanagh vs. Ramazan Temirov
Kavanagh and Temirov meet in a flyweight contest that could have implications for their standing in a competitive division. Both fighters will have an opportunity to make a statement against a ranked-level opponent.
The matchup adds variety to a card dominated by championship fights and gives fans another contest to watch closely.
Alexander Volkov vs Rizvan Kuniev
Heavyweights Alexander Volkov and Rizvan Kuniev meet in a bout that could influence the division’s contender picture.
Volkov brings considerable experience and a striking style built around his height, reach, and ability to work from a distance. Kuniev will look to disrupt that advantage and make the contest more difficult for the established heavyweight.
A convincing performance could strengthen either fighter’s position in a division where strong wins can quickly change the title conversation.
Aaron Pico vs Losene Keita
Aaron Pico faces Losene Keita in a featherweight matchup that promises an intriguing test of technique and power.
Pico has developed a reputation for explosive offense and athletic ability. Keita also presents a dangerous challenge because of his ability to produce powerful strikes.
The contest may come down to who establishes control early and avoids giving the other fighter clean opportunities to attack.
UFC 333 Fight Card and Reported Odds
The following odds are the pre-event figures supplied in the original report, dated October 22, 2026. Sportsbook prices can change, and these figures should not be treated as current live odds.
| Fight | Reported odds |
|---|---|
| Alexander Volkanovski vs Movsar Evloev | -110 / -110 |
| Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili | -135 / +114 |
| Lone’er Kavanagh vs. Ramazan Temirov | -118 / -102 |
| Alexander Volkov vs Rizvan Kuniev | -125 / +105 |
| Aaron Pico vs Losene Keita | -155 / +130 |
| Azamat Murzakanov vs Dominick Reyes | -205 / +170 |
| Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev vs Nikita Krylov | -550 / +410 |
| Abus Magomedov vs Cam Rowston | -125 / +105 |
| Grant Dawson vs Nurullo Aliev | -115 / -105 |
Odds are listed in the same fighter order shown in each matchup. They are historical snapshots, not guarantees of the prices available at publication.
Betting odds reflect market expectations rather than certainty. They can move as more money enters the market, and they do not guarantee the outcome of a fight.
UFC 333 Prelims and Early Prelims
The preliminary schedule adds several more bouts across multiple weight classes. The official card lists the following matchups:
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 Thicke 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
Fight cards can change, so readers should consult the official UFC schedule for the latest bout information.
UFC 333 Expert Predictions: What to Watch
The pre-event predictions in the supplied report show a general preference for Volkanovski and Yan, although the analysts do not agree on every matchup.
Volkanovski vs Evloev prediction
The championship main event presents a classic contrast between experienced striking and sustained wrestling pressure.
Volkanovski’s supporters point to his distance management, defensive grappling, and championship experience. Those backing Evloev see his undefeated record, wrestling ability, and ability to maintain a high pace as potential advantages.
A close decision is a plausible outcome if both fighters successfully limit their opponent’s strongest weapons. However, neither fighter’s victory is guaranteed, and the result will depend on their performance inside the Octagon.
Yan vs. Dvalishvili prediction
The bantamweight championship rematch is another difficult contest to call.
Yan’s striking accuracy and defensive adjustments could help him repeat his success from their previous meeting. Dvalishvili, on the other hand, has the tools to change the fight through pressure, wrestling, and conditioning.
The deciding factors could include takedown defense, control time, and the damage produced during striking exchanges.
Volkov vs. Kuniev prediction
Volkov’s experience and long-range striking make him an interesting option in the heavyweight contest. Kuniev could make the fight more competitive by closing the distance and disrupting Volkov’s preferred range.
The bout is worth watching because a strong performance could help clarify the next steps for both fighters in the heavyweight division.
Pico vs Keita prediction
Pico vs Keita could be one of the most explosive matchups on the main card. Both fighters have the potential to make a difference with their offense, but the contest may depend on composure, defensive awareness, and the ability to capitalize on openings.
Fans should be cautious about treating knockout potential as a prediction of an early finish. Featherweight fights can develop in several ways, depending on how each competitor manages distance and exchanges.
How to Watch UFC 333
UFC 333 takes place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
According to the UFC’s published schedule, the event’s U.S. broadcast times are:
- Early prelims: 10 a.m. ET
- Prelims: 12 p.m. ET
- Main card: 2 p.m. ET
The event is listed on Paramount+ in the United States, with early prelims also available through UFC Fight Pass. Availability and broadcast arrangements may differ by country.
For viewers in other regions, the official UFC viewing guide provides additional information.
Final Thoughts on UFC 333
The UFC 333 fight card brings together two championship matchups with contrasting styles and meaningful stakes for the featherweight and bantamweight divisions.
Volkanovski must contend with Evloev’s wrestling and undefeated record, while Yan faces the challenge of dealing with Dvalishvili’s relentless pressure for a third time. The supporting lineup also includes important heavyweight and featherweight contests.
For fans following the event, the biggest questions concern whether the champions can impose their preferred styles and whether the challengers can make the most of their opportunities.
Readers should check official UFC updates for confirmed results, schedule changes and post-fight coverage.
