UFC 333 arrives at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 24, 2026, delivering a stacked pay-per-view card headlined by two major championship bouts. Two-time featherweight titleholder Alexander Volkanovski puts his belt on the line against undefeated Russian challenger Movsar Evloev, while bantamweight champion Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili square off in a high-stakes trilogy fight. Fans in the United States can catch all the action live on Paramount+, with early prelims beginning at 10 a.m. ET, preliminary matches at 12 p.m. ET, and the main card kicking off at 2 p.m. ET.
What the Tournament or Event Is
The annual October trip to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi brings an elite mix of championship bouts and contender showcases to the Octagon. UFC 333 closes out the month with high-profile matchups across multiple weight classes, establishing crucial rankings movement heading into 2027. The venue has a history of producing electric cards, and this year's lineup stands out as one of the deepest events on the calendar.
The Main Contenders
At the top of the bill, 38-year-old champion Alexander Volkanovski enters the Octagon weighing 144.5 pounds as he seeks a record ninth win in UFC featherweight title fights. Victory would allow the Australian veteran to surpass Brazilian icon Jose Aldo for the most successful title fights in division history. Standing across from him is 32-year-old Movsar Evloev, who weighed in at 145 pounds on the dot. The undefeated Russian holds a 20-0 professional record with 10 wins inside the UFC, relying on relentless wrestling and cardio to suffocate opponents.
In the co-main event, bantamweight titleholder Petr Yan squares off against Merab Dvalishvili for the third consecutive time. Yan claimed the 135-pound belt last year at UFC 323, stopping Dvalishvili's 14-fight winning streak. Both fighters weighed in successfully at 135 pounds, setting the stage to settle their heated rivalry once and for all.
The Key Storylines to Watch
Legacy and records dominate the narrative surrounding Volkanovski's title defense, as overcoming Evloev cements his status at the pinnacle of featherweight history. Meanwhile, the bantamweight trilogy offers a fascinating tactical puzzle after both champions split their prior encounters with contrasting styles of elite striking versus relentless takedown volume. Outside of the championship fights, the card features heavyweight standouts Alexander Volkov and Rizvan Kuniev meeting in a pivotal title eliminator bout.
On the scale, nearly every competitor made weight smoothly, with one exception. Strawweight fighter Nicolle Caliari missed weight by 4.5 pounds ahead of her bout against Iasmin Lucindo, tipping the scale at 120.5 pounds instead of the 115-pound limit. The fight will proceed with Caliari facing a financial penalty from her purse.
Schedule and Format
UFC 333 takes place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The broadcast is structured into three distinct windows streamed live on Paramount+ in the United States. Early preliminary matches start at 10 a.m. ET (7 a.m. PT), followed by the preliminary card at 12 p.m. ET (9 a.m. PT), and the main pay-per-view card commencing at 2 p.m. ET (11 a.m. PT).
What to Expect
Fans can anticipate an intense clash of styles in the main event between Volkanovski's world-class distance management, boxing, and footwork against Evloev's suffocating grappling and chain wrestling. The bantamweight co-main event promises another high-tempo tactical battle as Yan defends against Dvalishvili's relentless forward pressure. Across the entire card, elite contenders look to stake their claims for title opportunities as the promotion wraps up its annual autumn visit to the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is UFC 333 taking place?
UFC 333 is hosted at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Who is headlining UFC 333?
The main event features UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defending his title against undefeated challenger Movsar Evloev.
How can fans in the US watch UFC 333?
Viewers in the United States can watch the entire event live on Paramount+, with broadcasts starting at 10 a.m. ET for early prelims.
What other championship fight is on the card?
The co-main event features a bantamweight championship trilogy bout between titleholder Petr Yan and challenger Merab Dvalishvili.
Did all fighters make weight for the event?
Almost every athlete made weight successfully, except for strawweight Nicolle Caliari, who missed weight by 4.5 pounds and will be fined a percentage of her purse.