UFC 333: Complete Fight Card, Previews and Predictions

UFC 333 is set to deliver a major night of championship MMA when the promotion returns to Abu Dhabi on Saturday.  Headlined by Alexander Volkanovski defending his featherweight title against undefeated contender Movsar Evloev, the event also features a bantamweight championship trilogy between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili.

The card brings together established champions, experienced contenders, and fighters looking to make a significant move up their respective divisions. With two title fights at the top of the lineup, UFC 333 could have major implications for the featherweight and bantamweight championship pictures.

The event takes place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with the main card scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. ET. The preliminary fights begin earlier in the day.

Here is the complete announced fight card, along with previews and predictions for the major matchups.

UFC 333: Event Details

• Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026

• Venue: Etihad Arena

• Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Main event: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev

• Co-main event: Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili

• Broadcast: Paramount+ in the United States

Main Event: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev

Featherweight Championship

Alexander Volkanovski faces one of the most difficult challenges of his current championship reign when he welcomes undefeated contender Movsar Evloev to the Octagon.

Volkanovski has established himself as one of the defining featherweights of his generation. His combination of footwork, defensive awareness, striking variety, and tactical adjustments has allowed him to compete successfully against a wide range of opponents.

Evloev presents a different kind of challenge. The undefeated Russian contender has built his reputation on disciplined wrestling, positional control, and the ability to neutralize opponents over extended periods.

The central question is whether Evloev can consistently impose his grappling against a champion who has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to solve difficult tactical problems.

Volkanovski will likely look to maintain distance, attack with combinations, and prevent Evloev from establishing prolonged control. Evloev's clearest path to victory is to secure takedowns, maintain top position, and limit the champion's opportunities to build momentum on the feet.

Prediction: Alexander Volkanovski by decision.

Volkanovski's experience in championship fights and ability to make adjustments give him the edge. However, Evloev's undefeated record and wrestling make this a particularly dangerous matchup for the champion.

Co-Main Event: Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili

Bantamweight Championship

Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili meet again in a trilogy fight with the bantamweight championship at stake.

Their contrasting styles make this one of the most compelling matchups on the card. Yan is a technically polished striker who excels at reading opponents, countering attacks, and gradually increasing his offensive output. Dvalishvili is known for relentless wrestling pressure, exceptional cardio, and the ability to force opponents into exhausting exchanges.

Yan will need to defend takedowns without sacrificing his striking rhythm. Dvalishvili, meanwhile, must continue creating opportunities to wrestle while avoiding the clean counters that make Yan dangerous.

The championship stakes add another layer of intrigue, particularly given the history between the two fighters.

Prediction: Merab Dvalishvili by decision.

Dvalishvili's sustained pressure and wrestling volume could make the difference over five rounds. Yan has the sharper technical striking, but the challenger-style pressure associated with Dvalishvili's approach can be difficult to manage across an entire championship contest.

Other Main Card Fights

Lone'er Kavanagh vs. Ramazan Temirov

Flyweight

Lone'er Kavanagh meets Ramazan Temirov in a matchup featuring two ranked flyweights. Kavanagh will look to use his speed and striking variety, while Temirov brings an aggressive approach and experience competing against tough opposition.

The fighter who establishes control of the exchanges early could gain a significant advantage.

Prediction: Lone'er Kavanagh by decision.

Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev

Heavyweight

Alexander Volkov faces Rizvan Kuniev in a heavyweight contest with implications for the division's contender picture. Volkov's size, reach, and experience make him a difficult opponent to outstrike at range. Kuniev will need to disrupt that rhythm and avoid allowing Volkov to dictate the distance.

Prediction: Alexander Volkov by decision.

Volkov's experience against elite heavyweights gives him the advantage, provided he can keep the fight in his preferred range.

Aaron Pico vs. Losene Keita

Featherweight

Aaron Pico takes on Losene Keita in a matchup that could produce fireworks. Pico combines explosive wrestling with powerful boxing, while Keita has demonstrated dangerous finishing ability and athleticism.

Pico's best route may involve mixing takedowns with striking rather than engaging in prolonged exchanges. Keita will look to keep the fight standing and capitalize on openings.

Prediction: Losene Keita by knockout.

Keita's striking threat makes him a dangerous opponent, particularly if he can prevent Pico from establishing consistent wrestling control.

UFC 333 Preliminary Card: Complete Fight List

The following bouts are listed on the announced UFC 333 lineup. Fight order and bout status should be checked against official event updates before publication.

• Azamat Murzakanov vs. Dominick Reyes — Light Heavyweight

• Nikita Krylov vs. Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev — Light Heavyweight

• Abus Magomedov vs. Cam Rowston — Middleweight

• Grant Dawson vs. Nurullo Aliev — Lightweight

• Colby Thicknesse vs. Asaf Chopurov — Bantamweight

• Abubakar Vagaev vs. Jacob Malkoun — Middleweight

• Bolaji Oki vs. Daniel Santos — Lightweight

• Kody Steele vs. Noah Gugnon — Lightweight

• Iasmin Lucindo vs. Nicolle Caliari — Women's Strawweight

The preliminary lineup features a mix of experienced UFC competitors and fighters looking to establish themselves in their divisions. The Murzakanov-Reyes matchup is particularly noteworthy because of its potential impact on the light heavyweight contender picture, while Dawson and Aliev offer an interesting lightweight clash.

What to Watch at UFC 333

The two championship fights will naturally attract the most attention, but the supporting lineup provides several opportunities for contenders to strengthen their positions.

Volkanovski's ability to defend against Evloev's wrestling could determine the direction of the featherweight division. Meanwhile, Yan and Dvalishvili have the opportunity to settle their rivalry in a fight with championship consequences.

Volkov's heavyweight contest and Pico's matchup against Keita also deserve attention, as both could influence future matchmaking in their divisions.

Final Predictions

• Alexander Volkanovski defeats Movsar Evloev by decision.

• Merab Dvalishvili defeats Petr Yan by decision.

• Lone'er Kavanagh defeats Ramazan Temirov by decision.

• Alexander Volkov defeats Rizvan Kuniev by decision.

• Losene Keita defeats Aaron Pico by knockout.

UFC 333 has the ingredients for a memorable event: two major championship matchups, contrasting fighting styles, and several consequential contests throughout the card.

These predictions are analytical picks rather than confirmed outcomes. Fight-night results, late replacements, and official bout changes may alter the final lineup, so the event details should be verified against the UFC's latest announcement before publication.