“Giving Quality Fights” – UFC 333 With Alexander Volkanovski, Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili Sparks Joy Among MMA Fans

The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi with Alexander Volkanovski and Petr Yan set to defend their respective titles at UFC 333.

“Giving Quality Fights” – UFC 333 With Alexander Volkanovski, Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili Sparks Joy Among MMA Fans

Alexander Volkanovski, Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan returning at UFC 333 (via UFC , MMA Fighting)

The UFC is set to return to Abu Dhabi for the second time in 2026, with UFC 333 scheduled for Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The October 24 event will feature two title fights, with Alexander Volkanovski defending his featherweight belt against Movsar Evloev. The co-main event will see Petr Yan face Merab Dvalishvili in their trilogy bout.

Further adding to the UFC 333 undercard, Lone’er Kavanagh will return after suffering a submission defeat at UFC 329. He is set to face Uzbek star Ramzan Temirov, who recently knocked out former title challenger Steve Erceg at UFC Abu Dhabi.

The card will also feature Alexander Volkov, who returns after defeating rising heavyweight Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 328. Volkov will face fellow countryman Rizvan Kuniev as he looks to build on winning momentum.

Former Bellator star Aaron Pico will also return at UFC 333 after earning his first UFC victory against Patricio Pitbull at UFC 327. He will face Arnold Allen, who enters the matchup after securing his first win since 2024 by defeating Melquizael Costa.

However, the main event remains the biggest attraction, with Volkanovski preparing for the second title defense of his second reign as the featherweight champion.

He defeated Diego Lopes at UFC 314 before beating the Brazilian star again at UFC 325. It also marks Evloev’s first UFC title opportunity, with the Russian contender entering without a professional loss.

Volkanovski backed Evloev receiving the next title shot and did not want a second fight with Lopes. However, the champion believed the UFC booked the Lopes rematch to attract fan reaction. Evloev then earned his opportunity by defeating Lerone Murphy at UFC London, securing his first UFC title shot.

The co-main event is also shaping up as a grudge match, with Yan having stopped Dvalishvili’s bid for the most title defenses in one year at UFC 323.

However, their rivalry is tied 1-1, with the Georgian superstar defeating Yan at UFC Vegas in 2023. Their trilogy bout now gives both fighters a chance to settle the rivalry.

Interestingly, the trilogy also marks both fighters returning from major injuries. Yan has been sidelined since December 2025 due to a lumbar injury, keeping him out of competition for months.

Dvalishvili has once again broken his nose but has refused surgery because the extended recovery timeline would have hindered the trilogy fight.

UFC 333 will also feature veteran Dominick Reyes, who looks to continue his winning momentum against Azamat Murzakanov. Murzakanov enters after suffering his first UFC loss at UFC 327.

With an exciting undercard and two title fights, UFC 333 is shaping up as one of the promotion’s most stacked and anticipated cards of 2026.

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Fans react to UFC 333’s stacked Abu Dhabi card

The UFC 333 announcement immediately caught fans’ attention, with the promotion revealing the stacked card during the UFC 330 broadcast. The two title fights provided the biggest talking points, while the overall lineup added further excitement around the October event.

Alexander Volkanovski remains one of the UFC’s biggest fan favorites because of his performances and demeanor outside the Octagon. However, many now doubt his chances against Movsar Evloev, who presents a younger, dangerous challenge while remaining undefeated.

Petr Yan and Alexander Volkanovski return at UFC 333
Petr Yan and Alexander Volkanovski return at UFC 333 (via MMA Fighting)

Many fans believe Merab Dvalishvili vs. Petr Yan deserved the main event spot because of the stakes surrounding their trilogy. Some want Dvalishvili to reclaim the title, while others believe Yan exposed his weakness at UFC 323 and can repeat it on October 24th at the Etihad Arena at UFC 333.

The UFC’s relationship with Abu Dhabi dates back to 2010, with UFC 333 marking its 24th event in the UAE capital. It follows July’s UFC Abu Dhabi event at Etihad Arena, making it the UFC’s second Abu Dhabi visit of 2026. With two title fights and a stacked lineup, UFC 333 ranks among the promotion’s biggest cards there.

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