The Octagon returned to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 24, 2026, delivering a spectacular night of championship action at UFC 333. As anticipated in our UFC 333 preview, the event featured a massive double-header that ended with both defending champions retaining their belts in highly contrasting fashions.
Alexander Volkanovski Stops Movsar Evloev to Retain Title
In the main event, Alexander Volkanovski successfully defended his UFC Featherweight Championship for the sixth time, handing undefeated challenger Movsar Evloev the first loss of his professional career. Volkanovski closed the show late in the second round, landing a devastating left hook that dropped the Russian contender, followed by ground strikes to secure the TKO victory at the 4:54 mark.
Despite Evloev’s grappling pedigree, Volkanovski managed the distance masterfully and found his timing in the second frame, proving once again why he is considered one of the greatest featherweights in MMA history.
Petr Yan Edges Merab Dvalishvili in Bantamweight Trilogy
The co-main event saw Petr Yan retain his UFC Bantamweight Championship in an exhausting, high-paced five-round war against Merab Dvalishvili. The bout served as the highly anticipated trilogy match between the two rivals.
Dvalishvili pushed a relentless pace early, utilizing his signature chain wrestling. However, Yan demonstrated elite takedown defense and superior boxing as the fight progressed, overcoming an early deficit to sweep the later rounds. All three judges scored the contest 48-47 in favor of the Russian champion, cementing his place at the top of the 135-pound division.
Dominick Reyes and Aaron Pico Deliver Highlight-Reel Knockouts
The undercard featured several explosive finishes, led by former light heavyweight title challenger Dominick Reyes. Reyes turned back the clock with a spectacular headkick knockout over the previously undefeated Azamat Murzakanov just 2:40 into the first round.
In featherweight action, Aaron Pico made a massive statement by stopping the highly touted Losene Keita. Pico overwhelmed Keita early, securing a TKO victory with a barrage of punches at just 1:14 of the opening round.
Heavyweight and Flyweight Action
Further down the card, veteran heavyweight Alexander Volkov utilized his reach and technical striking to outpoint Rizvan Kuniev. Volkov swept the scorecards for a unanimous decision victory (30-27, 29-28, 30-27).
In the flyweight division, rising prospect Lone’er Kavanagh continued his impressive run by stopping Ramazan Temirov via TKO late in the first round, showcasing crisp boxing combinations to force the referee’s intervention at 4:28.
Post-Fight Highlights and Bonus Winners
During his post-fight interview, Alexander Volkanovski shocked the Abu Dhabi crowd by revealing he had battled a severe illness during fight week. Despite the adversity, the featherweight king delivered a flawless finish. Looking ahead, Volkanovski used his microphone time to call out former BMF champion Justin Gaethje for a potential blockbuster matchup.
Unsurprisingly, the grueling five-round co-main event between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili earned “Fight of the Night” honors, with media members and fans immediately placing the bout in the “Fight of the Year” conversation.
UFC 333 Official Results
- Featherweight Championship: Alexander Volkanovski def. Movsar Evloev by TKO (punches) at 4:54 of Round 2
- Bantamweight Championship: Petr Yan def. Merab Dvalishvili by Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
- Heavyweight: Alexander Volkov def. Rizvan Kuniev by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
- Light Heavyweight: Dominick Reyes def. Azamat Murzakanov by KO (headkick) at 2:40 of Round 1
- Featherweight: Aaron Pico def. Losene Keita by TKO (punches) at 1:14 of Round 1
- Flyweight: Lone’er Kavanagh def. Ramazan Temirov by TKO (punches) at 4:28 of Round 1
- Light Heavyweight: Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev def. Nikita Krylov by TKO (punches) at 2:38 of Round 1
- Middleweight: Cam Rowston def. Abus Magomedov by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 1:44 of Round 1
- Lightweight: Grant Dawson def. opponent by Unanimous Decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
