UFC 333 Preview: Volkanovski Defends Against Undefeated Evloev as Yan and Dvalishvili Settle Trilogy

The Etihad Arena doors lock on October 24, and the stakes for UFC 333 could not be mathematically higher. Two undisputed champions, two belts, and a combined 68 professional victories between the four men at the top of the marquee. Featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski puts his second title reign on the line against the 20-0 Movsar Evloev, a grappling machine who has yet to taste defeat in mixed martial arts. Just before them, bantamweight champion Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili will break a 1-1 deadlock in a trilogy bout dripping with genuine animosity.[1][2][6]

Volkanovski, who turns 38 this month, is defying the usual aging curve of the lighter weight classes. After losing his crown to Ilia Topuria in early 2024, the Australian reclaimed the vacant belt in April 2025 and has already defended it against Diego Lopes. But Evloev presents a stylistic nightmare. The 32-year-old Russian has systematically dismantled the 145-pound ranks, most recently securing a majority decision over Lerone Murphy in March and a unanimous nod over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 last December.[1][6]

The whisper around the division is whether Volkanovski's legendary gas tank can hold up against Evloev's relentless pressure. Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who fought Volkanovski twice, voiced that exact doubt to Russian outlet Ushatayka this week. "Volkanovski already, to be honest, not at that peak he had a couple of years ago," Makhachev noted. "Although, he is still one of the best fighters. I think it'll be a very competitive fight, but Movsar I hope will get his result."[7]

If there is a knock on Evloev, it is his finishing rate. The undefeated challenger has not stopped an opponent inside the distance since 2018, relying entirely on suffocating control and cardio to sweep the scorecards. Volkanovski's path to victory lies in his footwork and striking volume—keeping his back off the fence and forcing Evloev into a kickboxing match in the center of the Octagon.[6]

The co-main event might carry even more heat. Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili are tied at one win apiece, and their history is defined by statistical extremes. In their first meeting in March 2023, Dvalishvili set a staggering UFC record with 49 takedown attempts to win a unanimous decision. Yan flipped the script entirely in their December 2025 rematch at UFC 323, outclassing Dvalishvili over 25 minutes to reclaim the 135-pound title and snap the Georgian's 14-fight win streak.[4][6]

The bad blood spilled over at Friday's press conference in Los Angeles. Yan advised his challenger to invest in medical insurance for his nose, while Dvalishvili bluntly promised to break the champion's face. Dvalishvili also admitted his faults in the rematch, telling reporters, "We can all talk now, but we're going to fight. Last time he beat me. Yes, he beat the shit out of me."[3]

Yan is preparing for Dvalishvili's chaotic energy, which often includes talking to the commentary desk or taunting opponents mid-grapple. "You know all we can expect is all of his antics, grabbing the shorts, or kissing his opponents on the back like he kissed Sean O'Malley, and all of this weird stuff," Yan said. "But what we'll expect is a fiery, exciting fight."[4]

Beyond the title fights, the Abu Dhabi main card has seen a late shuffle. Arnold Allen withdrew from his featherweight bout against Aaron Pico due to injury. In his place steps Losene "Black Panther" Keita, who gets a massive opportunity against the #13-ranked Pico. The card also features a heavy-hitting heavyweight clash between Alexander Volkov and Rizvan Kuniev, where the winner could easily demand a title eliminator.[5]

**PROJECTION:** Volkanovski vs. Evloev is a coin flip, but Evloev's youth and wrestling pace might finally crack the Australian's armor; expect Evloev by unanimous decision. For the co-main, Yan figured out the timing on Dvalishvili's takedown entries in their second fight and has the boxing advantage. Look for Yan to retain the bantamweight strap via a late fourth-round TKO, closing the book on their rivalry.