UFC 333 Press Conference: Volkanovski and Evloev Face Off in Abu Dhabi

Heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov stepped up from the audience at Etihad Arena on Thursday and playfully asked featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski for advice on becoming a world champion, setting a light tone during an otherwise high-stakes media session ahead of the weekend fights.

That moment unfolded as UFC CEO Dana White joined four of the sport’s stars on stage for the official UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev press conference, as the final countdown began for Saturday’s sold-out event on Yas Island.

Dana White Confirms Abu Dhabi Venue Despite Regional Questions

White put an end to any speculation about UFC 333 moving venues by confirming the card stays put in Abu Dhabi on October 24 with two championship fights leading the Etihad Arena bill. Asked after Tuesday’s Contender Series Season 10 finale in Las Vegas whether the UFC had a backup plan following recent missile attacks in the region, White gave a blunt answer.

Nope. We’re going.

Dana White

While Houthi strikes hit Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport in neighboring Saudi Arabia during October, no strikes have been reported in the UAE this month, and Etihad has cancelled flights specifically to Riyadh through October 19 while flights into Abu Dhabi continue to operate. White noted that Power Slap and WWE are also heading to the emirate, with Power Slap scheduled for Space42 Arena on Friday, October 23, the night before UFC 333.

Volkanovski Defends Featherweight Belt Against Undefeated Evloev

Saturday’s main event features featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defending his title against Movsar Evloev, who enters his first UFC title fight with a 20-0-0 professional record. Volkanovski holds a 28-4-0 mark, and odds breakdowns treat the matchup as a pick’em with a coin-flip probability.

Volkanovski acknowledged the threat posed by the undefeated challenger but expressed confidence in his own chances during Thursday’s press conference.

I think he’s the toughest fight for everybody in the division, just not me. He’s got a lot of skill, but a lot of those skills won’t work on me. That’s what I truly do believe.

Alexander Volkanovski

Evloev fired back from across the stage, telling reporters and fans that he plans to prove his capabilities on Saturday.

With all respect to the champ, I can do anything I want and I’ll prove it.

Movsar Evloev

Yan and Dvalishvili Renew Bantamweight Rivalry in Etihad Arena Trilogy

In the co-main event, bantamweight champion Petr Yan meets Merab Dvalishvili for the third time with their rivalry currently tied at one victory apiece. Dvalishvili won their first meeting by unanimous decision in 2023, while Yan avenged that defeat in December 2025 by unanimous decision to reclaim the title.

For Yan, who sports a 20-5-0 record against Dvalishvili’s 21-5-0, Abu Dhabi holds special historical significance in his career. The Russian won his first UFC title at Etihad Arena in 2020 by defeating Jose Aldo during UFC Fight Island.

Abu Dhabi for me is the best place. I remember 2020 when I took my belt here against Jose Aldo, and I already defended my title here.

Petr Yan

Dvalishvili also embraced the local crowd as he prepares for his latest bid to capture the bantamweight belt.

More on Volkanovski: UFC 333 features Volkanovski vs. Evloev and Yan vs. Dvalishvili

I love Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi loves me. I’m grateful for all the fans. I’m just going to fight hard, so don’t blink on Saturday. Make sure you watch our fight — it’s going to be good.

Merab Dvalishvili