UFC 333: Abu Dhabi Set for Championship Doubleheader on October 24
The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi on October 24 with a championship doubleheader that could have major implications across the featherweight and bantamweight divisions.
UFC 333 will take place at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, bringing two of the sport’s most compelling rivalries and title stories together on one card. The main event will see UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defend his title against undefeated contender Movsar Evloev, while Petr Yan puts the bantamweight championship on the line against former champion Merab Dvalishvili in a highly anticipated trilogy fight.
Volkanovski Faces His Next Undefeated Challenger
Alexander Volkanovski will enter the main event looking to continue his second reign as UFC featherweight champion.
The former longtime champion reclaimed the 145-pound title and has since continued to establish himself among the division’s all-time greats. Now, he faces one of the toughest challenges available in Movsar Evloev.
Evloev enters the championship fight with an unblemished 20-0 professional record. The Russian contender has steadily climbed the featherweight rankings through a combination of elite wrestling, control and an increasingly dangerous striking game.
A victory over Volkanovski would represent the biggest win of Evloev’s career and would finally give the undefeated contender the championship that has eluded him throughout his UFC run.
For Volkanovski, the fight represents another opportunity to strengthen his legacy at 145 pounds. A victory would give him his second successful defense of his current reign, while also putting another elite contender on his résumé.
The stylistic matchup is particularly intriguing. Volkanovski’s experience, movement and ability to make adjustments will be tested against Evloev’s relentless grappling and unbeaten confidence.
Yan and Dvalishvili Settle the Score
The co-main event may have just as much intrigue as the championship headliner.
Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili will meet for the third time with Yan’s UFC bantamweight championship at stake.
Their first meeting saw Dvalishvili establish himself as one of the division’s most dominant wrestlers, while their second encounter saw Yan reclaim the title and snap Dvalishvili’s remarkable 14-fight winning streak.
Now, the rivalry is tied at one victory apiece, making the October 24 meeting a true rubber match.
Yan enters the trilogy bout looking to prove that his victory over Dvalishvili was no fluke and establish himself as the definitive winner of one of the UFC’s most competitive rivalries.
Dvalishvili, meanwhile, has the opportunity to reclaim the championship and avenge his most recent loss. Before falling to Yan, “The Machine” had built one of the most impressive winning streaks in UFC bantamweight history, collecting victories over elite competition including Sean O’Malley, Henry Cejudo and Umar Nurmagomedov.
With both fighters already knowing exactly what the other brings to the Octagon, the third meeting could come down to adjustments, conditioning and who can impose their preferred style first.
A Deep Card Behind the Champions
The championship doubleheader is supported by a strong collection of contenders and established veterans.
Lone’er Kavanagh meets Ramazan Temirov in a highly intriguing flyweight matchup, while heavyweight veterans Alexander Volkov and rising contender Rizvan Kuniev collide.
The featherweight division also receives a major matchup as Arnold Allen takes on Aaron Pico. Both men are looking to move closer to the championship picture, making the bout particularly important with Volkanovski and Evloev headlining the division.
Former light heavyweight title challenger Dominick Reyes is also scheduled to face Azamat Murzakanov, while Abus Magomedov meets Cam Rowston at middleweight.
The preliminary portion of the card features additional notable matchups, including Nikita Krylov against unbeaten Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev and an intriguing lightweight fight between Grant Dawson and undefeated Nurullo Aliev.
With two UFC championships on the line and several fighters positioned within striking distance of title contention, UFC 333 has the potential to be one of the most consequential cards of the fall.
UFC 333 Full Fight Card
Main Event — Featherweight Championship
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev
Co-Main Event — Bantamweight Championship
Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili 3
Flyweight
Lone’er Kavanagh vs. Ramazan Temirov
Heavyweight
Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev
Featherweight
Arnold Allen vs. Aaron Pico
Light Heavyweight
Dominick Reyes vs. Azamat Murzakanov
Middleweight
Abus Magomedov vs. Cam Rowston
Light Heavyweight
Nikita Krylov vs. Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev
Lightweight
Grant Dawson vs. Nurullo Aliev
The UFC 333 lineup and bout order remain subject to change.
UFC 333 is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The event is scheduled to stream on Paramount+.
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