UFC 333 Preview: Volkanovski vs. Evloev and Yan vs. Dvalishvili Headline Card
An in-depth look at the predictions and betting odds for the upcoming UFC 333 event featuring two major title fights.
UFC 333 is set to take place this Saturday, featuring a stacked card headlined by two significant title fights. The event will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with the preliminary card starting at 10 a.m. ET and the main card commencing at 2 p.m. ET. Out of the 14 scheduled bouts, eight are projected to conclude before the final bell.
Featherweight Championship: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev
In the main event, Alexander Volkanovski, a long-reigning featherweight champion, will face the undefeated Movsar Evloev. Volkanovski, who has been a consistent presence in title contention since 2018 and held the featherweight belt since 2019, enters his 12th consecutive title fight. Evloev, on the other hand, has a perfect record and has won all his UFC fights by decision, with a noted lack of knockout power.
Volkanovski is recognized for his exceptional fight IQ and adaptability. However, recent performances suggest a potential decline in his durability, having been knocked down in three of his last four fights and stopped in two. Despite Evloev's limited knockout threat, his wrestling ability could pose a significant challenge. The aging factor for Volkanovski is also a consideration. Despite these points, the prediction favors Evloev, who is in his prime and undefeated, suggesting he will emerge victorious.
Bantamweight Rematch: Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili
The co-main event features a highly anticipated rematch between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili. In their previous encounter in 2023, Dvalishvili attempted 49 takedowns, landing 11, which proved to be the key to his victory. His strategy typically relies on overwhelming volume and relentless takedown attempts.
However, concerns exist about Dvalishvili's ability to maintain that high-octane pace, especially given his age and extensive fight time. Yan appeared to break Dvalishvili in their last bout, and the prediction is for Yan to secure a victory by knockout or technical knockout. This outcome would mark the first time Dvalishvili has been stopped in his career.
Full Card Predictions
Additional predictions for UFC 333 include:
- Lone’er Kavanagh vs. Ramazan Temirov: Temirov by first-round KO/TKO and Kavanagh by decision.
- Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev: Volkov by decision.
- Aaron Pico vs. Losene Keita: The fight goes the distance.
- Azamat Murzakanov vs. Dominick Reyes: Reyes by decision (if the fight ends by KO or submission, the bet is void).
- Nikita Krylov vs. Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev: Over 0.5 rounds.
- Abus Magomedov vs. Cam Rowston: Rowston by submission.
- Grant Dawson vs. Nurullo Aliev: Dawson wins by moneyline.
- Colby Thicknesse vs. Asaf Chopurov: The fight goes the distance.
- Abubakar Vagaev vs. Jacob Malkoun: Malkoun by decision.
- Bolaji Oki vs. Daniel Santos: Under 1.5 rounds.
- Kody Steele vs. Noah Gugnon: Steele wins and the fight starts round two.
- Iasmin Lucindo vs. Nicolle Caliari: The fight goes the distance.