UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev Main Card Timings and Details for Abu Dhabi Showdown

Abu Dhabi is set to host its 24th UFC event this Saturday, October 24, with Alexander Volkanovski defending his featherweight title against Movsar Evloev in the main event of UFC 333. The stacked card also features a highly anticipated trilogy bout between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili, where Yan will put his bantamweight title on the line. Here’s everything fight fans need to know.

What is it? UFC 333 is a mixed martial arts event presented by the UFC. The event's main attraction is the UFC featherweight champion Volkanovski defending his belt against Evloev. The entire card will showcase a total of 14 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 begin at approximately 10pm.

Who are the headline fighters? Alexander Volkanovski is widely recognized as one of the greatest featherweights in the sport's history. The Australian fighter secured the vacant title in April 2025 with a dominant performance over Diego Lopes, 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. Top-ranked contender Movsar Evloev earned his championship opportunity after securing a contentious decision victory over Lerone Murphy in March. The Russian fighter remains undefeated in his 20 professional MMA bouts. Volkanovski's record stands at 28 wins against four losses, with defeats coming against Islam Makhachev (twice), Ilia Topuria, and an earlier career loss to Corey Nelson.

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

What else is happening during fight week? Throughout the week, two UFC Fan Experiences will be available: one at Yas Mall (Monday-Saturday) and another at Yas Bay Plaza (Wednesday-Sunday). These events are free and open to the public, offering immersive experiences and opportunities to purchase UFC merchandise. Yas Mall timings are Monday to Thursday from 10am to 10pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10am to midnight. Yas Bay Plaza 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 the public workout on Wednesday at Yas Mall's Town Centre from 5pm to 7pm, where the headline and co-main event fighters will showcase their skills. Press conferences are scheduled for Thursday at Etihad Arena from 4pm to 5:30pm, also open to the public. The official weigh-ins will take place on Friday, with closed weigh-ins at 8am and ceremonial weigh-ins open to the public at Etihad Arena from 4pm to 6:30pm.

Tickets Tickets can be purchased at [Link to ticket sales].

How to watch UFC 333 on TV The event will be broadcast live in the UAE on Starzplay.