UFC 333 will remain in Abu Dhabi despite growing concerns about regional tensions in the Middle East. UFC CEO Dana White addressed the situation following Tuesday’s Dana White’s Contender Series finale and dismissed suggestions that the promotion might relocate its October 24 event.The Dana White UFC 333 location update comes just nine days before two championship fights at Etihad Arena. White confirmed that the promotion intends to proceed as scheduled, with Alexander Volkanovski defending his featherweight title against Movsar Evloev in the main event.
Dana White Confirms UFC 333 Will Stay in Abu Dhabi
White addressed the event’s location during an October 14 interview with CBS Sports reporter Shakiel Mahjouri. The discussion followed renewed concerns about regional security after reports of missile and drone attacks targeting Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The reporter asked whether the UFC had developed alternative plans for its upcoming Abu Dhabi event. White rejected the suggestion and made it clear that the promotion had no intention of moving UFC 333 to another location.
“Nope. We’re going,” White replied.
His response confirmed the UFC’s current position ahead of one of its biggest remaining events of 2026. The promotion has not announced an alternative venue, replacement date or changes to the event’s location.
Dana White Rules Out UFC 333 Backup Plans
Mahjouri followed up by asking whether White had spoken with authorities in Abu Dhabi about the situation. The UFC CEO did not provide details about security discussions or consultations with local officials.
Instead, he repeated his commitment to holding the event as scheduled.
“We go,” White said.
His brief response left little doubt about the UFC’s immediate intentions. However, White did not discuss specific security measures or explain what circumstances might prompt the promotion to reconsider its plans.
The comments establish the UFC’s current position rather than providing an independent assessment of regional security conditions.
Why Were Fans Concerned About UFC 333’s Location?
Questions about UFC 333 emerged amid renewed regional tensions involving parts of the Middle East. Reports of missile and drone attacks targeting Riyadh raised concerns about major sporting events scheduled across the region.
Although the reported incidents involved Saudi Arabia, UFC 333 will take place in neighboring United Arab Emirates. The two countries have separate governments, security arrangements and event operations.
The concerns prompted questions about whether the UFC had considered relocating its October 24 card. White’s latest remarks indicate that the promotion has not announced or adopted such a plan.
Has UFC 333 Been Postponed or Relocated?
No. As of October 15, UFC 333 remains scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
The venue’s official website continues advertising the event and offering tickets. Its listing also confirms the scheduled featherweight and bantamweight championship fights.
White’s comments align with those arrangements. Neither the UFC nor the venue has announced a postponement or relocation.
Fans planning to attend should continue checking official event communications for any operational updates before traveling.
UFC 333 Date, Venue and Championship Fights
UFC 333 will take place at Etihad Arena, one of Abu Dhabi’s established venues for major combat sports events. The arena has hosted numerous UFC cards and remains an important part of the promotion’s international schedule.
The October 24 event features two championship contests. Volkanovski faces Evloev in the featherweight main event, while Petr Yan defends his bantamweight title against Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event.
| Event detail | Confirmed information |
| Event | UFC 333 |
| Date | Saturday, October 24, 2026 |
| Venue | Etihad Arena |
| Location | Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Main event | Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev |
| Co-main event | Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili 3 |
| Main card start | 10 p.m. UAE time |
| US streaming | Paramount+ |
| Location status | Unchanged as of October 15 |
The main card begins at 10 p.m. local time, equivalent to 2 p.m. Eastern Time in the United States. Preliminary fights are scheduled earlier in the evening.
Readers can find more information about the event through our UFC 333 fight card coverage.
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev Remains UFC 333 Main Event
Alexander Volkanovski (28-4) will defend his UFC featherweight championship against undefeated contender Movsar Evloev (20-0). The matchup represents another important challenge for the Australian champion, who reclaimed the title earlier in 2026.
Evloev earned his opportunity through consistent performances against established featherweight opponents. His wrestling, positional control and disciplined approach have helped him remain undefeated throughout his professional career.
Volkanovski brings considerably more championship experience into the contest. His striking, movement and defensive wrestling have played important roles in his success against elite competition.
Why the Featherweight Title Fight Matters
Volkanovski has already established himself among the most successful featherweight champions in UFC history. Another victory would strengthen his latest championship reign and add an undefeated challenger to his list of defeated opponents.
Evloev, meanwhile, has an opportunity to capture his first UFC championship. His grappling could create difficult exchanges, particularly if he forces Volkanovski to defend takedowns throughout the contest.
The matchup remains officially scheduled for October 24. White’s latest comments provide no indication that the promotion intends to change the main event because of regional concerns.
Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili 3 Set for UFC 333 Co-Main Event
Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili will meet for the third time in the UFC 333 co-main event. Yan enters as the reigning bantamweight champion, while Dvalishvili hopes to regain the title.
The rivals have split their previous two meetings. Dvalishvili won their first fight in March 2023, while Yan secured a unanimous decision victory in their December 2025 rematch.
Their third encounter will determine which fighter takes the lead in the rivalry. It also carries major implications for the bantamweight division’s championship picture.
UFC 333 Features Two Major Title Fights
The addition of Yan vs. Dvalishvili gives the event another important championship contest. Both fighters have demonstrated strong wrestling, striking and endurance during their UFC careers.
Yan’s technical boxing and defensive adjustments played an important role in his most recent victory. Dvalishvili will look to apply his familiar pressure and maintain a demanding pace throughout the fight.
The trilogy remains part of the scheduled Abu Dhabi card. Neither White’s interview nor the venue’s current listing indicates a location-related change to the matchup.
Dana White Confirms Other TKO Events in Abu Dhabi
White also discussed the broader schedule involving TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of the UFC and WWE. He confirmed that several major entertainment properties have plans involving Abu Dhabi.
The UFC CEO specifically mentioned Power Slap and WWE while explaining his intention to attend the upcoming UFC event.
“Yeah, I mean, I’ll be there with UFC. Power Slap’s going there twice. The WWE is going there. So yeah, we’ll all be there,” White said.
His comments demonstrated that UFC 333 forms part of a wider schedule of events involving TKO properties. However, he did not provide additional details about security arrangements for those appearances.
Why Abu Dhabi Remains Important to the UFC
Abu Dhabi has maintained a longstanding relationship with the UFC. The promotion first staged an event in the emirate in 2010 and has returned regularly for major international cards.
The partnership became particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the UFC organized events on Yas Island under its Fight Island initiative.
The promotion later continued bringing major championship fights to Abu Dhabi. Its agreement with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi extends through 2028.
That established relationship provides important context for White’s determination to proceed with UFC 333 at its originally announced venue.
Could UFC 333 Still Change Locations Before October 24?
White has ruled out relocation plans for now, but the promotion has not publicly explained how it would respond to any future changes in regional conditions.
Major international sporting events involve coordination between organizers, venues and local authorities. Travel arrangements, operational requirements and safety considerations can affect those plans.
However, there is currently no official announcement suggesting that UFC 333 will move from Abu Dhabi. Speculation about a replacement city or venue would therefore be premature.
What Should UFC 333 Ticket Holders Know?
Fans who purchased tickets should rely on official communications from Etihad Arena and the UFC. The venue continues listing the event for October 24, with ticket information available through its website.
International visitors should also review relevant travel guidance before departure. White’s comments confirm the promotion’s plans, but they do not replace government travel advisories or official event instructions.
Anyone attending the card should monitor updates as fight week approaches. Event logistics can change even when the main venue and date remain unchanged.
UFC 333 Fight Card Changes Are Separate From Location Concerns
Although the event’s location remains unchanged, the fight card has experienced an unrelated adjustment. Arnold Allen withdrew from his scheduled featherweight matchup against Aaron Pico.
Losene Keita subsequently stepped in to face Pico on October 24. The replacement followed Allen’s recovery-related difficulties rather than concerns about Abu Dhabi.
The change demonstrates the difference between normal fight-card adjustments and an event relocation. Fighters can withdraw because of injuries or preparation problems without affecting the venue.
Readers can follow our upcoming UFC events coverage for confirmed fight-card developments.
What’s Next for UFC 333?
The UFC will continue preparations for its October 24 event at Etihad Arena. The coming days will include the usual fight-week activities, media appearances and official weigh-ins.
Volkanovski and Evloev remain scheduled to headline the card, while Yan and Dvalishvili prepare for their bantamweight championship trilogy.
White’s latest comments indicate that the promotion intends to proceed without changing the venue. The UFC has not announced an alternative location or revised event date.
For now, fans can expect UFC 333 to take place in Abu Dhabi as originally planned.
Final Thoughts
The Dana White UFC 333 location update confirms that the promotion has no current plans to relocate its October 24 event. White dismissed questions about contingency arrangements and reaffirmed the UFC’s commitment to Abu Dhabi.
The event remains scheduled for Etihad Arena, with Alexander Volkanovski defending his featherweight championship against Movsar Evloev. Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili will also meet in a bantamweight title trilogy.
While regional developments have prompted questions about the event, no official postponement or relocation has been announced. UFC 333 remains on schedule as fight week approaches.
FAQs
Is UFC 333 still happening in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Dana White confirmed that the UFC intends to hold UFC 333 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 24, 2026.
What did Dana White say about UFC 333’s location?
White rejected suggestions of relocation plans and said, “Nope. We’re going,” during an interview following the Contender Series finale.
Has UFC 333 been postponed because of Middle East tensions?
No. As of October 15, the UFC has not announced a postponement, venue change or replacement date.
Who is fighting in the UFC 333 main event?
Alexander Volkanovski will defend his UFC featherweight championship against undefeated contender Movsar Evloev.
Where will UFC 333 take place?
UFC 333 remains scheduled for Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
