UFC 333 is set to take place in Abu Dhabi with the sold-out event moving into fight-night action at Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Saturday, 24 October 2026, following ceremonial weigh-ins held in front of thousands of fans in the UAE capital.
According to the UFC, the face-off capped Abu Dhabi Showdown Week as featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and undefeated No. 1 contender Movsar Evloev stepped on stage after making weight earlier on Friday.
Volkanovski vs Evloev title fight spotlight
The bout will be contested for the featherweight title, with Volkanovski defending and Evloev entering his first UFC title opportunity. The UFC described Evloev’s professional record as 20-0.
Volkanovski said during the event, “Champion versus No. 1 contender. It’s how it should be,” adding, “Let’s put on a show for you. Enjoy.”
Evloev responded, “All the work has been done. Everything that needs to be said has been said. And now I need to do the things I’ve been working on for so long. Let’s go.”
Yan and Dvalishvili set for co-main billing
The ceremonial weigh-ins also featured bantamweight champion Petr Yan and No. 1 contender Merab Dvalishvili ahead of their co-main event. The UFC said Yan previously won the bantamweight title in Abu Dhabi in 2020.
Yan told the crowd, “I’m very happy to be here. At UFC 333, I’ll show you who is the best of the best.”
Dvalishvili, competing in Abu Dhabi for the first time, said he was looking forward to the atmosphere and life outside the arena, including restaurant stops and jet skiing.
Other fight-week moments and additional bout on the card
On the main card, the UFC said Alexander Volkov will face Rizvan Kuniev. The announcement noted that Volkov had a notable Fight Week moment during Thursday’s official press conference, when he surprised fans by taking the microphone to ask a question from the crowd.
Volkov said, “It was my first experience as a fan, as a guy who wanted to ask a question,” and added, “The atmosphere was very good. The fans were very excited to see me in the crowd.”
Looking ahead to his heavyweight bout, Volkov said, “In the fight, I’ll be a different guy. I’ll be focused on my opponent and focused on myself.”
Event timing in Abu Dhabi
The UFC stated that UFC 333: Volkanovski vs Evloev will begin on Saturday, 24 October at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The prelims are scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. GST, with the main card beginning at 10:00 p.m. GST.