Image Source: UFC.com
UFC 333 arrives in Abu Dhabi with two championship fights, a pair of major title rivalries and a loaded undercard designed to keep MMA fans watching throughout the day. The headline bout features Alexander Volkanovski defending the UFC featherweight championship against unbeaten contender Movsar Evloev at Etihad Arena.
The event takes place on Saturday, October 24, with the main card scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. ET. Early prelims are expected to start at 10 a.m. ET, followed by the regular prelims at noon. The main event is projected to begin at approximately 5:15 p.m. ET, although the exact walkout time will depend on how quickly the earlier fights finish.
UFC 333 Live Stream and Start Time
Fans in the United States can watch UFC 333 on Paramount+, with both the prelims and main card available through an active subscription. Unlike traditional pay-per-view events, the card does not require a separate pay-per-view purchase.
- Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Early prelims: 10 a.m. ET
- Prelims: 12 p.m. ET
- Main card: 2 p.m. ET
- Expected main event: Approximately 5:15 p.m. ET
Paramount+ offers an Essential plan with advertising for $8.99 per month or $89.99 annually. Its Premium plan costs $13.99 monthly or $139.99 per year and removes most advertising from on-demand programming. The service also carries a broad selection of sports, films and television shows.
Explosive Featherweight Title Fight
Volkanovski enters the bout with a 28-4 professional record and significant championship experience. The 38-year-old Australian is a two-time UFC featherweight champion and has rebuilt his position at the top of the division after losing the belt to Ilia Topuria.
He defeated Diego Lopes twice in succession, first reclaiming the title and then successfully defending it. Now, Volkanovski faces one of the most difficult stylistic tests available in the division: an undefeated challenger with relentless wrestling and a long winning streak.
“You can try and take me down all day,” Volkanovski said of Evloev, according to the Associated Press. “Even if you get it down, I’m gonna be smiling as I get back up, and be back in your face.”
Evloev brings a perfect 20-0 record into his first UFC title opportunity. The former M-1 Global bantamweight champion has won 10 consecutive UFC fights and most recently defeated Lerone Murphy to secure his place at the front of the contender line.
The matchup pits Volkanovski’s movement, experience and striking against Evloev’s pressure, grappling and unbeaten confidence. If Evloev can control the tempo and force extended wrestling exchanges, he could become the latest fighter to claim the featherweight crown. If Volkanovski keeps the fight standing, his timing and championship composure may prove decisive.
Critical Bantamweight Trilogy Also Headlines the Card
The co-main event features another championship clash as Petr Yan faces Merab Dvalishvili for the third time. Dvalishvili previously dominated Yan in 2023, using constant pressure and takedowns to control the contest. Yan later answered by outworking Dvalishvili to win the bantamweight title last December.
The trilogy fight gives both athletes an opportunity to settle the rivalry. Yan will look to use his boxing and distance management, while Dvalishvili is expected to rely on his exhausting pace and takedown volume.
UFC 333 Full Fight Card
Main Card
- Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev — UFC featherweight title
- Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili 3 — UFC bantamweight title
- Lone’er Kavanagh vs. Ramazan Temirov — Flyweights
- Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev — Heavyweights
- Aaron Pico vs. Losene Keita — Featherweights
Preliminary Card
- Azamat Murzakanov vs. Dominick Reyes — Light Heavyweights
- Nikita Krylov vs. Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev — Light Heavyweights
- Abusupiyan Magomedov vs. Cameron Rowston — Middleweights
- Grant Dawson vs. Nurullo Aliev — Lightweights
Early Prelims
- Colby Thicknesse vs. Asaf Chopurov — Bantamweights
- Abubakar Vagaev vs. Jacob Malkoun — Middleweights
- Bolaji Oki vs. Daniel Santos — Featherweights
- Kody Steele vs. Noah Gugnon — Lightweights
- Iasmin Lucindo vs. Nicole Caliari — Catchweight
Frequently Asked Questions
When is UFC 333?
UFC 333 takes place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
What time does the UFC 333 main card start?
The main card begins at 2 p.m. ET. The prelims are scheduled for noon ET, while the early prelims begin at 10 a.m. ET.
How can fans watch UFC 333?
Viewers in the United States can stream the complete event on Paramount+ with an active subscription.
Who is fighting for the featherweight title?
Alexander Volkanovski defends the UFC featherweight championship against undefeated challenger Movsar Evloev.
Is UFC 333 a pay-per-view event?
No. The event is available through Paramount+ and does not require a separate pay-per-view purchase.
