Two championship fights will headline UFC 333 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 24, 2026. Alexander Volkanovski faces undefeated Movsar Evloev, while Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili meet for the third time. The UFC 333 Predictions focus on recent performances, fighting styles, and the technical factors that could decide each matchup. Several preliminary fights also feature important opportunities for rising contenders.
UFC 333 Predictions: Main Card Breakdown and Expected Winners
UFC 333 features five main-card fights across featherweight, bantamweight, heavyweight, and flyweight divisions. Volkanovski’s title defense against Evloev leads the card, followed by the bantamweight championship trilogy. Both matchups present difficult stylistic questions that could influence their respective divisions.
The event also features Alexander Volkov against Rizvan Kuniev in an important heavyweight contest. Lone’er Kavanagh meets Ramazan Temirov, while Aaron Pico faces Losene Keita in the main-card opener. Each matchup offers different challenges, making recent performances and tactical adjustments important considerations.
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev Prediction
Alexander Volkanovski (28-4) enters UFC 333 looking to defend his featherweight championship against another dangerous challenger. The 38-year-old Australian reclaimed the title in April 2025 before defeating Diego Lopes again in January 2026. His championship experience, movement, and striking accuracy remain important strengths heading into Saturday’s fight.
Movsar Evloev (20-0) brings an undefeated professional record and one of the division’s strongest wrestling games. The Russian regularly pressures opponents against the fence and uses takedowns to control exchanges. Although he has not recorded a UFC finish, his consistency makes him difficult to beat on the scorecards.
Volkanovski must prevent Evloev from establishing prolonged control against the fence. His footwork and defensive wrestling could help him maintain enough distance to land effective combinations. However, the champion cannot afford to spend several rounds defending takedowns without producing meaningful offense.
Evloev has a clear path to victory if he consistently controls the grappling exchanges. Nevertheless, Volkanovski has faced elite wrestlers before and understands how to manage demanding five-round fights. His striking variety and championship experience give him a narrow advantage in a potentially close contest.
Prediction: Alexander Volkanovski wins by unanimous decision.
Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili 3 Prediction
Petr Yan (20-5) defends his bantamweight championship against Merab Dvalishvili (21-5) in their highly anticipated trilogy. Dvalishvili won their first meeting in March 2023, controlling the contest through relentless wrestling pressure. However, Yan reversed the result at UFC 323 in December 2025.
Their second fight revealed important improvements in Yan’s defensive wrestling. The Russian successfully defended 27 of Dvalishvili’s 29 takedown attempts while landing cleaner strikes. He also maintained his composure throughout five rounds, preventing the Georgian from establishing his usual rhythm.
Dvalishvili must make significant adjustments to regain his championship. His relentless pace remains dangerous, particularly when opponents struggle to maintain their defensive discipline. However, repeating the same takedown entries could expose him to Yan’s counters and positional awareness.
Yan enters the trilogy with greater confidence after his previous victory. His accurate boxing and improved takedown defense provide a strong foundation for another competitive performance. Dvalishvili could still change the contest through sustained pressure, but Yan appears better equipped to manage those exchanges.
The UFC 333 location announcement confirmed Abu Dhabi as the venue for their championship trilogy. Both fighters will now attempt to settle their rivalry at Etihad Arena.
Prediction: Petr Yan wins by unanimous decision.
Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev Prediction
Alexander Volkov (40-11) faces Rizvan Kuniev (14-3-1, 1 NC) in a heavyweight matchup with important ranking implications. Volkov brings considerable UFC experience, strong distance management, and effective striking combinations. His height and reach often make him difficult to approach without absorbing significant damage.
Kuniev relies on pressure, physical strength, and wrestling to challenge his opponents. The Dagestani heavyweight can create problems when he closes the distance and establishes control. However, Volkov’s experience against elite heavyweights presents a demanding challenge.
Volkov should look to maintain distance through front kicks, straight punches, and controlled movement. Kuniev will likely attempt to reduce that space and force exchanges near the fence. The outcome could depend on whether Volkov can defend takedowns without sacrificing his striking rhythm.
Kuniev has the tools to make the contest competitive, particularly during close-range exchanges. However, Volkov’s experience and technical striking give him a slight advantage over three rounds. His ability to maintain distance could become decisive as the fight progresses.
Prediction: Alexander Volkov wins by unanimous decision.
Lone’er Kavanagh vs. Ramazan Temirov Prediction
Lone’er Kavanagh (10-2) faces Ramazan Temirov (20-3) in an intriguing flyweight matchup between two aggressive competitors. Both fighters have demonstrated dangerous striking abilities and the willingness to engage in fast exchanges. Their contrasting approaches could make this one of the main card’s most entertaining contests.
Kavanagh brings quick combinations, movement, and technical striking. His ability to attack from different angles can make it difficult for opponents to establish consistent pressure. However, he must remain defensively responsible against a fighter capable of producing sudden knockdowns.
Temirov prefers an aggressive approach and frequently looks for powerful exchanges. His ability to close the distance could disrupt Kavanagh’s rhythm, especially if the British fighter struggles to maintain space. The Uzbek contender also carries enough power to change the contest with one clean combination.
Kavanagh may enjoy early success by maintaining movement and landing accurate counters. However, Temirov’s pressure and finishing ability provide a dangerous alternative. If he can consistently force exchanges inside punching range, the contest could turn in his favor.
Prediction: Ramazan Temirov wins by second-round TKO.
Aaron Pico vs. Losene Keita Prediction
Aaron Pico (14-5) meets Losene Keita (17-2) in a featherweight matchup featuring two explosive fighters. Pico brings an accomplished wrestling background alongside powerful boxing combinations. Keita relies on speed, movement, and aggressive striking to create finishing opportunities.
Pico can challenge opponents through takedowns and heavy punches, but his aggressive approach has also exposed defensive weaknesses. Keita will likely attempt to capitalize on those openings with quick combinations. Maintaining distance and avoiding extended grappling exchanges should remain important parts of his strategy.
Keita has demonstrated considerable finishing ability throughout his professional career. His recent UFC Paris performance also showed his ability to compete under pressure. However, Pico’s wrestling could become a major problem if the American consistently secures favorable positions.
The opening round may determine which fighter establishes control over the contest. Pico has the tools to neutralize Keita’s striking through takedowns, but he must avoid unnecessary exchanges. His wrestling advantage gives him a narrow path toward victory.
Prediction: Aaron Pico wins by second-round TKO.
UFC 333 Preliminary Card Predictions
The preliminary card features several matchups involving established fighters and developing prospects. Azamat Murzakanov faces Dominick Reyes, while Nikita Krylov meets undefeated Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev. Grant Dawson also faces Nurullo Aliev in an interesting lightweight grappling contest.
Murzakanov’s compact striking and finishing power could challenge Reyes during close-range exchanges. Yakhyaev’s unbeaten record and aggressive approach make him an interesting opponent for the experienced Krylov. Meanwhile, Dawson and Aliev could produce a technical wrestling battle across three rounds.
The early preliminary card also includes several developing fighters looking to establish themselves inside the UFC. Their performances could influence future matchmaking opportunities across multiple divisions. However, the most significant ranking implications remain concentrated in the championship and main-card contests.
UFC 333 Preliminary Fight Picks
| Fight | Predicted winner | Predicted method |
| Azamat Murzakanov vs. Dominick Reyes | Azamat Murzakanov | TKO, Round 2 |
| Nikita Krylov vs. Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev | Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev | Decision |
| Abus Magomedov vs. Cam Rowston | Abus Magomedov | Decision |
| Grant Dawson vs. Nurullo Aliev | Grant Dawson | Decision |
These predictions reflect stylistic analysis rather than confirmed outcomes. All scheduled fights remain subject to changes before the event.
UFC 333 Predictions: Complete Main Card Picks
| Fight | Predicted winner | Predicted method |
| Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev | Alexander Volkanovski | Unanimous decision |
| Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili 3 | Petr Yan | Unanimous decision |
| Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev | Alexander Volkov | Unanimous decision |
| Lone’er Kavanagh vs. Ramazan Temirov | Ramazan Temirov | TKO, Round 2 |
| Aaron Pico vs. Losene Keita | Aaron Pico | TKO, Round 2 |
Key Factors That Could Decide UFC 333
Wrestling defense could play an important role in both championship contests. Volkanovski must handle Evloev’s persistent takedown attempts, while Yan needs to reproduce his successful defense against Dvalishvili. Small positional mistakes could influence multiple rounds in either fight.
Cardio and tactical discipline will also become important if the title fights reach the championship rounds. Both Volkanovski and Yan have demonstrated their ability to maintain composure during extended contests. However, their challengers possess the endurance and determination needed to create difficult moments.
The remaining main-card fights offer greater finishing potential, particularly Kavanagh against Temirov and Pico against Keita. Both matchups feature aggressive strikers capable of ending a contest through sudden exchanges. Their defensive decisions could prove as important as their offensive abilities.
UFC 333 Date, Location, and Start Time
UFC 333 takes place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The event features two championship fights, with Volkanovski defending his featherweight title against Evloev. Yan and Dvalishvili will settle their bantamweight trilogy in the co-main event.
The early preliminaries begin at 10 a.m. ET, followed by the regular preliminaries at noon ET. The five-fight main card starts at 2 p.m. ET, or 11 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time. Paramount+ will stream the event for viewers in the United States.
Final Thoughts
UFC 333 presents two championship matchups that could significantly influence the featherweight and bantamweight divisions. Alexander Volkanovski faces a demanding wrestling challenge against Movsar Evloev, while Petr Yan must overcome Merab Dvalishvili’s relentless pressure again. Both champions enter with technical advantages, but neither challenger should be underestimated.
Volkanovski and Yan are our selections to retain their championships through decisions. Their experience, defensive awareness, and ability to adjust during five-round fights support those predictions. However, the margins could remain narrow if their opponents consistently establish grappling control.
Alexander Volkov, Ramazan Temirov, and Aaron Pico complete our main-card selections. Each has a realistic route to victory, although their opponents possess strengths capable of changing the outcomes. Saturday’s fights will reveal which competitors execute their strategies most effectively.
FAQs About UFC 333 Predictions
1. Who is predicted to win Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev?
Alexander Volkanovski is our pick to defeat Movsar Evloev by unanimous decision. His striking accuracy, defensive wrestling, and championship experience could help him control the fight.
2. Who will win Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili 3?
Our prediction favors Petr Yan by unanimous decision. His improved takedown defense and accurate striking could help him repeat his UFC 323 victory.
3. What are the UFC 333 main card predictions?
Our main-card picks are Alexander Volkanovski, Petr Yan, Alexander Volkov, Ramazan Temirov, and Aaron Pico. These selections reflect matchup analysis rather than guaranteed outcomes.
4. When and where is UFC 333 taking place?
UFC 333 takes place on October 24, 2026, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The main card begins at 2 p.m. ET.
5. Which UFC 333 fight could end by knockout?
Lone’er Kavanagh vs. Ramazan Temirov and Aaron Pico vs. Losene Keita both feature considerable finishing potential. Our predictions favor stoppage victories for Temirov and Pico.
