Alexander Volkanovski kept the UFC featherweight title at UFC 333, stopping previously unbeaten Movsar Evloev by TKO (punches) at 4:54 of the second round on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. In the co-main event, bantamweight champion Petr Yan beat Merab Dvalishvili by unanimous decision, 48-47 on all three scorecards.
UFC 333 results: main card
- Featherweight title: Alexander Volkanovski (c) def. Movsar Evloev by TKO (punches), round 2, 4:54
- Bantamweight title: Petr Yan (c) def. Merab Dvalishvili by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
- Lone'er Kavanagh def. Ramazan Temirov by TKO (punches), round 1, 4:28
- Alexander Volkov def. Rizvan Kuniev by unanimous decision
- Aaron Pico def. Losene Keita by TKO (punches), round 1, 1:14
Volkanovski vs Evloev: a late finish against an unbeaten wrestler
Evloev came into Abu Dhabi without a loss, known for a steady, grinding style that wins rounds. Volkanovski, the veteran champion, got the finish with punches just six seconds before the end of the second round. Ending a perfect record in a title fight is one of the biggest results of the year in the featherweight division.
Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili: five close rounds
The co-main event went the full 25 minutes. All three judges scored it 48-47 for Yan, which means the fight came down to one or two close rounds. Dvalishvili is famous for his nonstop pace and takedown volume, so keeping the belt by decision against him is a statement for Yan.
Prelim highlights
- Dominick Reyes knocked out Azamat Murzakanov with a head kick in round 1 (2:40).
- Abus Magomedov submitted Cam Rowston with a guillotine choke in round 1 (1:44).
- Grant Dawson beat Nurullo Aliev by unanimous decision (30-27 on all three cards).
What beginners can learn from UFC 333
- Fight to the bell. The main event ended at 4:54 of the round. In sparring, keep your hands up and your chin down until the round is over, especially when you're tired.
- Close rounds decide fights. A 48-47 decision shows that every round counts. Conditioning lets you keep your technique sharp in rounds 4 and 5, or in the last minute of a three-minute round at the gym.
- Kicks still end fights in MMA. Reyes finished his fight with a head kick. Kicking drills on pads build that timing.
- Protect your neck when you shoot. A guillotine finished another prelim. Keep your head up and your posture tight when you go for takedowns.
Train MMA with the right gear
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- Venum Challenger Mouthguard Black (Adult): a mouthguard is required for any sparring.
- For striking sparring most gyms ask for 16 oz boxing gloves.
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FAQ
Who won UFC 333?
Alexander Volkanovski won the main event, stopping Movsar Evloev by TKO in round 2 to keep the featherweight title. Petr Yan won the co-main event against Merab Dvalishvili by unanimous decision.
How did Volkanovski beat Evloev?
By TKO with punches at 4:54 of the second round. It was Evloev's first professional loss.
What were the scorecards for Yan vs Dvalishvili?
All three judges scored it 48-47 for Petr Yan.
Where and when was UFC 333?
Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.