The UFC is back in Abu Dhabi this Saturday for UFC 333, bringing a highly anticipated night of elite mixed martial arts to the Etihad Arena. The event features a significant championship doubleheader, topped by a featherweight title clash between reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski and his undefeated challenger, Movsar Evloev. The co-main event promises another major showdown as bantamweight champion Petr Yan squares off against top-ranked contender Merab Dvalishvili in a trilogy bout. Promising an action-packed night of world-class mixed martial arts as some of the sport’s biggest names step into the Octagon, the UFC returns to Abu Dhabi on Saturday for UFC 333. 1-ranked contender Merab Dvalishvili in a highly anticipated trilogy bout.
Volkanovski, 38, enters the contest with a record of 28-4. Despite his opponent’s momentum and the age gap between them, the Australian champion remains unperturbed. Reflecting on Evloev’s grappling-focused approach during Thursday’s press conference, Volkanovski stated, “I believe I’ve seen that (wrestling) puzzle before.” He acknowledged the 32-year-old challenger’s talent, noting that while Evloev is undefeated and well-rounded, he does not believe the challenger has enough to unseat him. “I’m gonna go get my hand raised. ‘And still (champion),’ once again,” the champion added. But I just don’t think that’s enough.
Evloev expressed respect for the veteran titleholder, acknowledging his status as the greatest featherweight in the history of the promotion. “He’s the best featherweight in (UFC) history, and everybody knows that, right? I’m here to check for myself and do all I can to get to this point this Saturday,” Evloev said. Evloev, 32, brushed off the 145-pound champion’s comments. “He’s the best featherweight in (UFC) history, and everybody knows that, right.
In the evening’s co-main event, the rivalry between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili reaches a climax.
The two have previously met, with the most recent bout occurring 10 months ago at UFC 323. Injuries to both fighters delayed the conclusion of this trilogy until now. Dvalishvili, who previously defeated Cory Sandhagen to defend his title, expressed confidence despite competing in a venue expected to favor his opponent. “This is my territory,” Dvalishvili claimed. “I love Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi loves me. Bro, I’m the king. Wherever I fight, people always support me. I will die in a fight for what I do.” A bantamweight title trilogy will reach its conclusion as reigning champion Yan (20-5 MMA) of Russia looks to make it two consecutive victories over former champion Merab Dvalishvili of Georgia, 10 months after their previous meeting at UFC 323, in the co-main event. According to yan, meanwhile,, He feels at home in Abu Dhabi and appreciates the support he has received from local fans.
Petr Yan, who considers the region a home away from home, is equally determined. Recalling his previous successes in the UAE—including his 2020 title win against Jose Aldo at UFC 251 and his 2021 title defense at UFC 267—Yan emphasized his comfort level. “Guys, Abu Dhabi is the best place,” he noted. “On Oct. 24, I will smash this guy one more time.”
UFC CEO Dana White headlined the official press conference at the Etihad Arena, welcoming the return to the region. “It’s good to be back here in Abu Dhabi,” White told the gathered crowd.
The event also featured light-hearted interactions, including an appearance by heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov, who will face compatriot Rizvan Kuniev on the main card. Volkov jokingly sought advice from Volkanovski on winning a title and questioned White on the path to a title shot. The session concluded with a humorous exchange between White and a fan who offered to shave his head in exchange for event tickets; White opted to provide the tickets without the haircut, before the main fighters gathered for their final face-offs.
