Alexander Volkanovski and Petr Yan left UFC 333 with their championships intact, but their next opponents remain uncertain. Volkanovski stopped previously undefeated Movsar Evloev, while Yan defeated Merab Dvalishvili for the second consecutive time. The UFC 333 Next Fights discussion has gained attention following MMA Fighting’s latest matchmaking podcast. Several winners now have opportunities for bigger fights after Saturday’s event in Abu Dhabi.
UFC 333 Next Fights: MMA Fighting Discusses Potential Matchups
MMA Fighting’s Alexander K. Lee and Jed Meshew discussed possible matchups following UFC 333 on October 24, 2026. Their latest On To the Next One episode focused on future opponents for the event’s biggest winners. The discussion also examined what comes next for fighters who suffered difficult defeats.
Alexander Volkanovski (29-4) defended his featherweight championship with a second-round TKO against Movsar Evloev (20-1). Petr Yan (21-5) retained his bantamweight title through a unanimous decision over Merab Dvalishvili (21-6). Both champions delivered performances that strengthened their positions in their respective divisions.
The podcast also explored potential opportunities for Lone’er Kavanagh, Alexander Volkov, and Aaron Pico. All three fighters secured important victories on the UFC 333 main card. Their performances could influence future matchmaking decisions across the flyweight, heavyweight, and featherweight divisions.
However, these discussions represent possible matchups rather than confirmed UFC bookings. The promotion has not announced the next opponents for the fighters featured in the podcast. Several realistic options remain available following the Abu Dhabi event.
Alexander Volkanovski Could Pursue Justin Gaethje Superfight
Volkanovski’s victory over Evloev strengthened his position among the greatest featherweights in UFC history. The 38-year-old champion stopped the undefeated Russian at 4:54 of the second round. His performance demonstrated that he can still compete against younger contenders with demanding wrestling styles.
However, Volkanovski has expressed interest in another challenge outside the featherweight division. The Australian recently discussed a potential superfight against lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. He suggested that the matchup could become a memorable final chapter for both fighters.
Gaethje (27-5) holds the UFC lightweight championship after defeating Ilia Topuria earlier this year. His aggressive striking and considerable knockout power could create an entertaining contest against Volkanovski. Both fighters have established themselves among the promotion’s most recognizable champions.
Volkanovski previously challenged Islam Makhachev for the lightweight championship on two occasions. Although he lost both fights, his first performance showed he could challenge elite competition at 155 pounds. Another lightweight opportunity would allow him to pursue a championship across two divisions.
Could Volkanovski and Gaethje Meet in a Retirement Superfight?
Volkanovski has suggested that a potential matchup against Gaethje could provide a fitting conclusion to his career. Both champions are approaching the later stages of their professional MMA journeys. Their experience and fighting styles could attract considerable interest from UFC fans.
However, the lightweight championship picture includes other deserving contenders. Arman Tsarukyan remains among the leading fighters pursuing an opportunity against Gaethje. The UFC would need to consider those championship plans before arranging a cross-divisional matchup.
Volkanovski also has several possible challengers within his own division. Jean Silva and Aljamain Sterling represent alternatives if he chooses to defend his featherweight title again. Neither matchup has received an official announcement.
The champion’s latest victory featured prominently in the UFC 333 results, which documented his stoppage against Evloev. His next decision could influence the future of both featherweight and lightweight title contention.
Petr Yan Could Face Sean O’Malley or Song Yadong Next
Petr Yan strengthened his bantamweight championship reign with another victory against Merab Dvalishvili. The Russian earned a unanimous decision after five competitive rounds, securing his second consecutive win over the Georgian. All three judges scored the contest 48-47 in Yan’s favor.
The victory gives Yan a 2-1 advantage in their rivalry and creates opportunities for new opponents. UFC CEO Dana White has already identified Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong as potential challengers. Both fighters have strong arguments for another major matchup.
O’Malley previously defeated Yan by split decision at UFC 280 in October 2022. That controversial result remains an important part of their competitive history. A rematch would allow Yan to pursue revenge while defending his championship.
Song Yadong also presents an interesting option following his knockout victory over Umar Nurmagomedov. The Chinese contender has continued improving and remains among the division’s leading fighters. However, Yan previously defeated him by unanimous decision in March 2024.
Sean O’Malley Rematch Offers Yan Unfinished Business
A second meeting with O’Malley could generate considerable attention because of their previous controversial decision. Both fighters have developed since their first encounter, creating an opportunity for another competitive striking battle. Yan would also enter the contest with momentum after consecutive championship victories.
O’Malley has questioned whether Yan genuinely wants to face him again. However, the Russian champion has indicated that he remains open to facing deserving contenders. Their previous result could make another meeting particularly interesting.
The Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili 3 result demonstrated Yan’s improvements against relentless wrestling pressure. Facing O’Malley would present a different challenge built around striking accuracy, movement, and distance management.
For now, neither O’Malley nor Song has received an official championship booking. White has acknowledged both possibilities, leaving the final decision to the UFC’s matchmaking team.
What’s Next for Movsar Evloev After His First MMA Defeat?
Movsar Evloev suffered his first professional defeat when Volkanovski stopped him during the UFC 333 main event. The Russian entered the championship contest with a perfect 20-0 record. However, he struggled to maintain control against the Australian’s defensive wrestling and accurate striking.
The defeat represents a significant setback after Evloev spent years working toward his first championship opportunity. His previous victories established him among the division’s strongest grapplers. However, the Volkanovski fight exposed areas requiring further development against elite opponents.
Evloev could benefit from another matchup against a ranked featherweight before pursuing a second title opportunity. A fight against Aljamain Sterling would provide a demanding grappling test. Both competitors rely heavily on wrestling and positional control during their contests.
However, Sterling also remains a possible championship challenger himself. The UFC must determine whether matching the two contenders makes sense within the division’s plans. No fight between Evloev and Sterling has been announced.
Merab Dvalishvili Faces Important Decision After Trilogy Defeat
Merab Dvalishvili now faces uncertainty after losing two consecutive championship fights against Petr Yan. The Georgian entered UFC 333 hoping to regain the bantamweight title. However, Yan’s accurate striking and defensive wrestling prevented him from maintaining early momentum.
Dvalishvili remains one of the division’s most accomplished fighters despite the defeat. His previous championship reign included victories against elite contenders and established former champions. However, another immediate meeting with Yan appears less necessary following their trilogy.
A fresh matchup against a highly ranked contender could help Dvalishvili rebuild momentum. Umar Nurmagomedov represents one possible opponent because of their previous competitive history. Dvalishvili defeated the Russian during their championship contest at UFC 311 in January 2025.
Their relationship also recently improved after a lengthy period of public disagreements. The Merab Dvalishvili Umar Nurmagomedov rivalry included several personal exchanges before their reported reconciliation. A rematch could still hold competitive appeal if both fighters pursue another opportunity.
However, the UFC has not confirmed another meeting between them. Dvalishvili may instead face a different contender as the division moves toward Yan’s next title defense.
Lone’er Kavanagh Could Face a Ranked UFC Flyweight
Lone’er Kavanagh delivered one of UFC 333’s most impressive performances against Ramazan Temirov. The British flyweight secured a first-round TKO after landing a damaging uppercut and follow-up punches. His victory strengthened his reputation as an emerging contender.
Kavanagh’s striking accuracy and finishing ability could make him an interesting opponent for established flyweights. However, his next matchup should also test his defensive wrestling and ability to handle sustained pressure. Those challenges become increasingly important against higher-ranked competition.
A contest against an experienced flyweight contender would provide an opportunity to measure his progress. The UFC could also match him with another rising prospect to determine who advances toward the rankings. Neither direction has received official confirmation.
Kavanagh’s latest performance demonstrated that he can capitalize on opportunities against dangerous opponents. Another strong victory could help him secure a higher-profile fight. His next booking will reveal how quickly the promotion intends to develop his career.
Alexander Volkov Could Move Closer to UFC Heavyweight Title Shot
Alexander Volkov strengthened his heavyweight championship ambitions with a unanimous decision victory against Rizvan Kuniev. The experienced Russian relied on accurate striking and distance management throughout their three-round contest. His performance extended his winning streak and kept him among the division’s leading contenders.
Volkov (40-11) has competed against several elite heavyweights throughout his UFC career. His technical striking and ability to maintain range make him a difficult opponent for many fighters. However, securing another championship opportunity remains his primary ambition.
The heavyweight division continues developing around champion Ciryl Gane and other leading contenders. Volkov could pursue another high-profile fight while the championship picture becomes clearer. A rematch against a familiar rival could also attract interest.
However, the UFC has not officially announced his next opponent. Another major victory could strengthen Volkov’s argument for a championship opportunity. His experience makes him one of the division’s established competitors.
Aaron Pico Could Face a Top-15 Featherweight Next
Aaron Pico produced another impressive performance by stopping Losene Keita during the UFC 333 main-card opener. The American secured a first-round TKO after landing a powerful right hand and follow-up punches. His victory demonstrated the effectiveness of his wrestling threats and striking combinations.
Pico (14-5) has built his professional MMA career around explosive offense and strong grappling fundamentals. However, his previous defeats have also highlighted defensive vulnerabilities during aggressive exchanges. Continued improvements could help him establish greater consistency against elite competition.
A matchup against a top-15 featherweight would provide another important test. Pico needs opportunities against established opponents to strengthen his position within the division. Such a contest could also determine whether he is ready to pursue higher-ranked contenders.
The UFC has not announced Pico’s next appearance. However, his recent performance gives the promotion several interesting matchmaking possibilities. Another convincing victory could accelerate his progress toward the featherweight rankings.
UFC 333 Next Fights: Potential Matchups After Abu Dhabi
Several possible matchups could follow UFC 333, particularly in the featherweight and bantamweight divisions. Volkanovski and Yan have strengthened their championship positions, while other winners hope to advance toward title contention. The fighters who suffered defeats must also determine how to rebuild momentum.
The following options reflect potential matchmaking directions rather than confirmed UFC fights.
| Fighter | Potential next opponent or direction | Reason |
| Alexander Volkanovski | Justin Gaethje | Potential lightweight superfight |
| Petr Yan | Sean O’Malley | Championship rematch with unfinished business |
| Movsar Evloev | Aljamain Sterling | High-level featherweight grappling matchup |
| Merab Dvalishvili | Umar Nurmagomedov | Potential rematch between established contenders |
| Lone’er Kavanagh | Ranked flyweight contender | Opportunity to test his progress |
| Alexander Volkov | Leading heavyweight contender | Another step toward title contention |
| Aaron Pico | Top-15 featherweight | Opportunity to establish his ranking position |
These selections are editorial possibilities, not an official list of the podcast hosts’ individual picks. Their published episode description identifies the fighters discussed but does not specify every proposed opponent.
Final Thoughts
UFC 333 created several important matchmaking questions after Alexander Volkanovski and Petr Yan successfully defended their championships. Volkanovski now has the opportunity to pursue another featherweight defense or consider a superfight against Justin Gaethje. Yan faces a choice between potential challengers Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong.
Movsar Evloev and Merab Dvalishvili must rebuild momentum after difficult championship defeats. Both fighters remain accomplished contenders but face uncertain routes toward another title opportunity. Their next matchups could influence the competitive landscape of their divisions.
Lone’er Kavanagh, Alexander Volkov, and Aaron Pico also strengthened their positions with important victories. Each fighter has opportunities to pursue stronger competition following the Abu Dhabi event. However, the UFC must still confirm which proposed matchups will become official.
FAQs About UFC 333 Next Fights
1. Who could Alexander Volkanovski fight next after UFC 333?
Justin Gaethje represents a possible opponent after Volkanovski expressed interest in a lightweight superfight. Jean Silva and Aljamain Sterling are other possible featherweight challengers.
2. Who could Petr Yan face in his next UFC title defense?
Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong are leading candidates for Yan’s next bantamweight championship defense. Dana White has discussed both options, but the UFC has not announced a fight.
3. Who could Movsar Evloev fight after losing to Volkanovski?
Aljamain Sterling represents one possible matchup for Evloev. Their wrestling abilities could create a competitive featherweight contest, although no fight has been announced.
4. What is next for Merab Dvalishvili after UFC 333?
Dvalishvili may need another victory against a ranked bantamweight before pursuing the championship again. A rematch with Umar Nurmagomedov represents one possible option.
5. Has the UFC announced the next fights for UFC 333 winners?
The UFC has not confirmed the potential matchups discussed in these matchmaking scenarios as of October 27, 2026. Further announcements will determine the fighters’ next opponents.
