UFC 333: What Time Does Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev Start?
The UFC returns to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi this Saturday for UFC 333 at an unusually early time for U.S. audiences. In the main event, Alexander Volkanovski defends his featherweight belt against the undefeated Movsar Evloev. Meanwhile, the co-main event features a trilogy fight between bantamweight champion Petr Yan and former champion Merab Dvalishvili.
For fans planning their viewing schedule, the card is split across early prelims, prelims, and the main card. Read below for more details about the main event start time.
When It Starts
Date: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
Early Prelims: 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
Prelims: 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT
Main Card: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT.
Broadcast: For U.S. audiences, the entire event streams exclusively on Paramount+.
Ring Walk Times
While exact walk times depend on the length of preceding bouts, the main event competitors are expected to make their walks to the Octagon around 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT. The co-main event featuring Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili should precede the headliner, likely beginning roughly 30 to 45 minutes earlier.
Main Event Breakdown
Alexander Volkanovski (28-4) puts his featherweight title on the line against the undefeated Movsar Evloev (20-0) in a matchup that pits elite striking and defensive wrestling against relentless pressure and control.
Volkanovski reclaimed the belt with back-to-back wins over Diego Lopes and enters this fight looking to add another chapter to his legacy at 145 pounds.
Evloev, however, presents a uniquely stubborn challenge, as all 10 of his UFC victories have come by decision, and he has not scored a stoppage in over eight years.
The Russian’s path to victory likely requires him to consistently ground the champion and neutralize Volkanovski’s movement, while Volkanovski will aim to keep the fight standing and exploit Evloev’s limited finishing threat. Bleacher Report’s staff predictions are split, with some analysts picking Volkanovski by decision and others forecasting a narrow Evloev win.
Co-Main
Outside the main event, the co-main event trilogy fight between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili is the clear must-see and, in my opinion, could be a main event for its own numbered fight card.
Petr Yan captured the belt from Merab Dvalishvili in December 2025, neutralizing the Georgian’s legendary takedown pressure with textbook defensive wrestling and punishing body shots that made Dvalishvili audibly scream in pain.
Dvalishvili had fought four times in 2025 and admitted afterward that accepting the Yan fight on a short turnaround was a mistake. Now, after a long layoff, “The Machine” returns rested and motivated to reclaim the title he once defended with relentless pace.
Yan remains one of the division’s most technically sound strikers, and possibly the best boxer in the UFC. With the ability to shift stances, attack the body, plus a well-rounded grappling approach, Yan is the favorite to win.
Dvalishvili, however, has rested and prepared for whatever comes his way. The former bantamweight champion is nicknamed “The Machine” for his relentless grappling approach, which is supported by almost superhuman cardio.
The trilogy hinges on whether a rested Dvalishvili can use his conditioning to implement a more sustainable game plan or whether Yan’s precision and discipline will once again prove to be the perfect counter.
Fights to Watch
Beyond the two title fights, the main card and prelims offer several compelling matchups.
Aaron Pico vs. Losene Keita
This high-stakes featherweight clash is a competitive bout that has serious knockout potential.
Pico, a former wrestling prodigy with heavy hands, looks to build on his statement win over Patricio Pitbull.
Keita arrives as a former two-division OKTAGON champion with serious finishing instincts, and has already built a fan base for his viral celebration after knocking out Muhammad Naimov back in September.
Lone’er Kavanagh vs. Ramazan Temirov
A flyweight bout always comes with excitement, and this one has immediate contender implications.
Kavanagh shocked the division with a short-notice upset of Brandon Moreno but stumbled against Brandon Royval at UFC 329 in what was a Fight of the Night performance.
Temirov is a ferocious KO artist from Uzbekistan and has already stopped former title challenger Steve Erceg in the first round.
Kody Steele vs. Noah Gugnon
This lightweight prelim bout is one worth watching. Steele, a grappler with developing striking, rebounded from a debut loss with a heel-hook submission in May. Gugnon, a French newcomer, has power but remains a work in progress. Steele’s grappling gives him a more reliable route to victory, but Gugnon’s willingness to trade punches could create an early finish either way.
More MMA News
- Islam Makhachev’s Toronto Title Fight Is Off — And UFC 336 Suddenly Has No Main Event
- Joaquin Buckley’s Grandmother Prayed Over the Phone After His Knockout, and Now He’s Giving the UFC Just One More Fight
- Reyes Is Climbing Again After Walker — Murzakanov Is Built to Stop Him Cold
- Keita Stepped In for Arnold Allen — Now He Faces Pico’s Power at UFC 333
This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.