According to the UFC event page, UFC 333 is scheduled for 24 October 2026 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, where champion Alexander Volkanovski will defend the featherweight title against Movsar Evloev.
Evloev puts a finish prediction on the main event
In an interview published by UFC on 21 October, Evloev described the title opportunity as long-awaited and said he felt stronger than ever. He also said he had worked harder in preparation than before. His confidence then became a specific prediction about how the championship fight would end.
Movsar Evloev, the title challenger, told UFC.com: “I’m about to finish him in the third or fourth round.” The line stands out because the promotion’s preview says he has yet to record a finish inside the Octagon. A stoppage over Volkanovski would be his first in the UFC, as well as the biggest victory of his career. The preview also identifies him as undefeated, making this his first chance to convert that record into a championship.
Volkanovski has framed the fight differently. In his UFC interview, he said: “That’s what it’s all about for me; it’s not about the belt.” He described the challenge of facing an undefeated opponent as more meaningful than adding another title win to his record. That answer sets up a contrast: Evloev has promised a finish, while the champion has focused on what the fight will demand of him.
Yan and Dvalishvili bring a trilogy title fight
The co-main event pairs Petr Yan with Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight championship. UFC’s fight-week guide says the rivals will meet for a third time, making the matchup a trilogy as well as a title fight.
UFC’s recap of their last bout says Yan won by unanimous decision and reclaimed the bantamweight belt. SportsRivo checked that result against the UFC event listing: UFC 333 is scheduled for 24 October 2026, and the upcoming contest is again designated as a bantamweight title fight. That comparison confirms the co-main event has a clear title reversal at stake; Yan can defend the championship he regained, while Dvalishvili can take it back in the trilogy.
The outcomes that could change both divisions
- An Evloev victory would make him UFC featherweight champion; a Volkanovski win would keep the belt with its current holder.
- Yan can retain the bantamweight championship, while Dvalishvili can reclaim it in their third meeting.
- A finish by Evloev would deliver the first UFC stoppage highlighted in the promotion’s preview and match the outcome he has predicted.
Ceremonial weigh-ins are scheduled next
UFC’s fight-week guide lists the ceremonial weigh-ins for Friday, ahead of Saturday’s card at Etihad Arena. The schedule keeps the event in the pre-fight stage: both title bouts remain listed, and their outcomes are still to be decided when the fighters enter the Octagon.
Source: UFC interview