UFC 333 takes place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday the 24th of October. Alexander Volkanovski faces Movsar Evloev in the featherweight main event, while Petr Yan defends his bantamweight title against Merab Dvalishvili. We take a closer look at those contests and one additional bout from the main card and suggest a bet in each fight.
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ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI vs MOVSAR EVLOEV
Featherweight – Main Event – Title Fight:
Alexander Volkanovski enters this main event with a UFC record of 15 wins and 3 losses. The Australian is a highly technical fighter who combines sharp boxing, effective low kicks and intelligent movement. His ability to adjust during a contest and defend against strong grapplers has been central to his success inside the organisation.
Volkanovski has recorded consecutive unanimous decision victories over Diego Lopes, reclaiming the featherweight title in April 2025 before successfully defending it in February although those results followed knockout defeats against Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. His impressive UFC career also includes three victories over Max Holloway and notable wins against Jose Aldo, Brian Ortega and Yair Rodriguez.
Movsar Evloev brings an unbeaten resume of 10 wins under the promotion into this matchup. The Russian is an accomplished wrestler who uses repeated takedown attempts, close control and constant pressure to restrict his opponents. His ability to link wrestling exchanges together makes him difficult to escape once he establishes his rhythm.
Evloev earned a majority decision victory over Lerone Murphy across five rounds in March, extending his perfect run inside the UFC. That followed unanimous decision wins against Aljamain Sterling and Arnold Allen, while he has also beaten Diego Lopes and Dan Ige. He now faces the biggest challenge of his UFC career as he attempts to take the featherweight title.
BETTING – click here to bet
Volkanovski 1.91
Evloev 1.93
PREDICTION:
Evloev’s wrestling and relentless pressure could make this a demanding title defence for Volkanovski. The challenger will look to close the distance and force repeated grappling exchanges, while the champion should aim to maintain space and make his striking advantage count. Volkanovski’s experience across five rounds and ability to adapt could prove decisive. I expect the Australian to work through some difficult moments and retain his title by decision.
PETR YAN vs MERAB DVALISHVILI 3
Bantamweight – Title Fight:
Petr Yan comes into this encounter holding a UFC record of 12 wins and 4 losses. The Russian is a composed striker who combines accurate boxing with powerful kicks and strong defensive wrestling. His ability to build pressure and attack both the head and body makes him particularly effective as a contest develops.
Yan has won four consecutive fights since suffering a unanimous decision defeat against Dvalishvili in March 2023. He responded with victories over Song Yadong, Deiveson Figueiredo and Marcus McGhee before reclaiming the bantamweight title with a unanimous decision win against Dvalishvili in December. That result levelled their rivalry at one victory each heading into this third meeting.
Merab Dvalishvili enters this bout with a tally of 14 wins and 3 losses under the organisation. The Georgian is a relentless wrestler who relies on exceptional conditioning, frequent takedown attempts and a demanding pace. His constant movement and willingness to initiate exchanges can prevent opponents from settling into their preferred rhythm.
Dvalishvili will be looking to recover from the unanimous decision defeat to Yan that ended his 14 fight winning streak. Before that setback, he successfully defended his title against Umar Nurmagomedov, Sean O’Malley and Cory Sandhagen during 2025. He also holds victories over Henry Cejudo and Jose Aldo, along with his earlier win against Yan.
BETTING – click here to bet
Yan 1.61
Dvalishvili 2.40
PREDICTION:
Their previous meetings have shown that both fighters possess the tools to win this matchup. Dvalishvili will aim to impose his wrestling and force Yan to defend for long periods, while Yan will look to create space for his sharper striking. Yan should take confidence from his success in the rematch and appears well placed to punish the challenger when he closes the distance. I favour the Russian to retain his title with another decision victory.
LONE’ER KAVANAGH vs RAMAZAN TEMIROV
Flyweight – Main Card Bout:
Lone’er Kavanagh heads into this matchup with a record of 3 wins and 2 losses under the institution. The Englishman is a quick and athletic striker who uses clean combinations, varied kicks and effective movement to create openings.
Kavanagh will be looking to bounce back from a third round submission defeat against Brandon Royval in July. That followed an impressive five round unanimous decision victory over former champion Brandon Moreno in March. He previously earned decision wins against Jose Ochoa and Felipe dos Santos before suffering a second round knockout loss to Charles Johnson.
Ramazan Temirov brings a perfect UFC record of 3 wins into this contest. The Uzbek fighter is an explosive striker who looks to overwhelm opponents with powerful punches and aggressive forward movement.
Temirov made an immediate impression with a first round stoppage of CJ Vergara on his promotional debut in October 2024. He followed that result with a unanimous decision victory over Charles Johnson before knocking out Steve Erceg in the opening round in July.
BETTING – click here to bet
Kavanagh 1.83
Temirov 2.00
PREDICTION:
Kavanagh’s movement and counter striking could create problems for Temirov if the Englishman can maintain distance. Temirov, however, carries considerable power and will look to turn the contest into a more aggressive exchange. Kavanagh has shown his ability against strong opposition but his recent stoppage defeats raise concerns against an opponent who attacks with such intensity. I expect an entertaining fight and favour Temirov to claim victory by knockout.
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SUGGESTED BETS:
Alexander Volkanovski vs Movsar Evloev
Volkanovski by Decision at 3.00
Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili
Yan by Decision at 2.35
Lone’er Kavanagh vs Ramazan Temirov
Temirov by KO at 3.00
The treble of all 3 of my bets to land works out at 21.15
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
T&C’s apply. 18+. Gamble responsibly. Only bet what you can afford to lose.
