UFC 333: Volkanovski Defends Featherweight Title in Abu Dhabi Amidst Packed Fight Week

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to host its 24th event in Abu Dhabi next week, with Alexander Volkanovski defending his featherweight title against Movsar Evloev in the main event of UFC 333. The event promises a stacked fight card and a variety of activities throughout fight week. Here's a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know.

What is UFC 333?

UFC 333 is a mixed martial arts event organized by the UFC. The headline bout will feature UFC featherweight champion Volkanovski putting his championship belt on the line against challenger Evloev. The event will feature a total of 10 fights.

Where is it?

The fight night will take place at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. This marks the 12th UFC event to be held at this venue.

When is it?

UFC 333 is scheduled for Saturday, October 24. The preliminary card is expected to commence around 6pm UAE time, with the main card anticipated to start at approximately 10pm.

Who are the headline fighters?

Alexander Volkanovski is widely recognized as one of the greatest featherweights in the sport's history. He secured the vacant title with a dominant performance against Diego Lopes in April 2025, followed by a similar display in their rematch in February, winning both bouts by unanimous decision. This marks Volkanovski's second reign as UFC featherweight champion, his sixth title defense, and his 11th consecutive title fight. His opponent, the top-ranked Movsar Evloev, earned his championship opportunity after a controversial split decision victory over Lerone Murphy in March. Evloev remains undefeated in his 20 professional mixed martial arts bouts. Volkanovski's professional record stands at 28 wins against four losses, with defeats coming against Islam Makhachev (twice), Ilia Topuria, and earlier in his career against Corey Nelson.

Who else is on the card?

The co-main event will feature a trilogy bout between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili. Yan (20-5) enters the UAE as the UFC bantamweight champion, having defeated Dvalishvili in their last encounter in December 2025. Yan's superior boxing and takedown defense proved decisive against Dvalishvili, who was defending his title for the fourth time that year. Dvalishvili (21-5) won their initial meeting and has expressed his determination to exact revenge and definitively settle their rivalry. Following Losene Keita's impressive first-round knockout of Muhammas Naimov, Keita will step in as a short-notice replacement for Arnold Allen to face American featherweight Aaron Pico. English flyweight Lone'er Kavanagh will compete against Ramazan Temirov of Uzbekistan. The main card will conclude with a heavyweight clash between Alexander Volkov and fellow Russian Rizvan Kuniev. On the preliminary card, Azamat Murzakanov aims to return to winning ways after his 12-fight win streak was broken by Paulo Costa in his previous bout. Murzakanov will face former light heavyweight title contender Dominick Reyes.

What else is happening during fight week?

Two UFC Fan Experiences will be held throughout the week. The first is at Yas Mall, running from Monday to Saturday, and the second is at Yas Bay Plaza, from Wednesday to Sunday. These events are free and open to the public, offering immersive experiences and UFC merchandise. Yas Mall's Fan Experience operates Monday to Thursday from 10am to 10pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10am to midnight. Yas Bay Plaza's hours are Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 4pm to 10pm, Friday from 4pm to midnight, and Saturday from 4pm to 2am. Fans can also attend a public workout on Wednesday at Yas Mall's Town Centre from 5pm to 7pm, featuring the headline and co-main event fighters. Press conferences are scheduled for Thursday at Etihad Arena from 4pm to 5:30pm, and fans are welcome to attend. The official weigh-ins will take place on Friday, with closed weigh-ins at 8am, followed by ceremonial weigh-ins open to the public at Etihad Arena from 4pm to 6:30pm.

Tickets and Viewing Information

Tickets can be purchased through the provided link. The event will be broadcast live in the UAE on Starzplay.