Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev came face to face at the official UFC 333 press conference on Thursday, as excitement built for Saturday’s sold-out event at Etihad Arena, Yas Island.
UFC president Dana White welcomed a large crowd and members of the media before the four headline fighters discussed their preparations and ambitions. White opened the conference by celebrating UFC’s return to the UAE capital, saying: “I’m happy to be back in Abu Dhabi.”
Featherweight champion Volkanovski, who has a record of 28 wins and four defeats, will defend his title against unbeaten top contender Evloev in the main event. Evloev has won all 20 of his professional fights and will contest a UFC title for the first time.
Volkanovski acknowledged the threat posed by his opponent but remained confident he could retain the belt.
“Evloev is one of the toughest opponents in this division and has a lot of skills, but I don’t believe what he brings will be enough against me,” Volkanovski said.
Evloev responded: “I have great respect for the champion, but I am confident in my abilities and what I can bring to the fight, and I will prove it.”
Yan and Dvalishvili meet for a third time
The co-main event will see bantamweight champion Petr Yan face Merab Dvalishvili for the third time. Yan has 20 wins and five defeats, while Dvalishvili has won 21 and lost five.
Each fighter has won one of their previous meetings. Dvalishvili took the first bout by unanimous decision in 2023, before Yan levelled the series with a unanimous-decision victory in December 2025 to reclaim the bantamweight title.
Yan returns to Abu Dhabi, a city that has played a significant role in his career. He won his first UFC title there in 2020 by defeating Jose Aldo during the Fight Island events.
“Abu Dhabi has a special place in my heart. I won the belt here against Jose Aldo in 2020, and I have also defended my title in the UAE capital,” Yan said.
Dvalishvili thanked the local supporters and promised an intense contest as he attempts to regain the championship.
“I love Abu Dhabi and I am happy with the support I receive from the fans here. I will give everything I have on Saturday, and I promise the fans a great fight,” he said.
The press conference also featured a lighter moment when Alexander Volkov, who was in attendance, asked Volkanovski for advice on how to win a UFC title. He then asked White what he needed to do to earn a title opportunity. Volkov is due to face fellow Russian Rizvan Kuniev on Saturday’s main card.
A fan offered to cut White’s hair in exchange for tickets to the event. White replied jokingly: “How about I give you the tickets and leave your hair as it is?” The fan immediately agreed.
The event takes place on Saturday, 24 October, at Etihad Arena. With tickets sold out, fans will have one final chance to see the fighters before they enter the octagon at the weigh-in ceremony today, also at Etihad Arena, as part of Abu Dhabi Challenge Week.
