Abu Dhabi is preparing for a major night of mixed martial arts on October 24 as the Etihad Arena on Yas Island hosts UFC 333. The event, which will be broadcast live across the Middle East and North Africa via the official streaming platform STARZPLAY, features two championship bouts alongside a deep undercard of high-profile athletes. Beyond the two title fights, UFC 333 features a compelling line-up across several weight classes. UFC 333 marks another major chapter in Abu Dhabi’s longstanding association with world-class mixed martial arts, reinforcing the capital’s position as a leading destination for UFC events.
In the main event, Australian champion Alexander Volkanovski makes his return to the Octagon to defend his featherweight title against the undefeated Russian challenger, Movsar Evloev. The contest serves as a classic encounter between a seasoned champion and an emerging contender looking to secure the belt in his first major title attempt. The answers will be decided inside the Octagon.
The co-main event promises another intense clash, as bantamweight champion Petr Yan faces off against former titleholder and top-ranked contender Merab Dvalishvili. This meeting marks the third time the two rivals have crossed paths in the professional circuit. The card also features a heavyweight bout between Alexander Volkov and Rizvan Kuniev, a featherweight match between Arnold Allen and Aaron Pico, and a flyweight contest featuring Lone’er Kavanagh against Ramazan Temirov. 1 contender Merab Dvalishvili, as the rivals meet for a third time.
UFC 333 serves as the latest milestone in Abu Dhabi’s long-term partnership with the sport, solidifying its reputation as a global hub for championship-level MMA events. By bringing together established champions and rising talent, the event continues to grow the sport’s presence within the region. Fans across the world are eager to see if Volkanovski can withstand the pressure of his undefeated challenger and to determine who will claim the bantamweight title once the cage doors lock in Abu Dhabi. The bout pits the experience of a proven champion against a challenger who has yet to taste defeat and arrives in Abu Dhabi determined to leave with the title. Over the years, Abu Dhabi has welcomed some of the sport’s biggest names while building an increasingly engaged regional fan base.
