UFC 333 Predictions: Bold Volkanovski Vs. Evloev & Yan Vs. Dvalishvili Picks

These UFC 333 predictions break down a stacked Abu Dhabi showcase at Etihad Arena featuring two high-stakes championship clashes. Following the pre-event debate over whether UFC 332 was the worst numbered event, this blockbuster October pay-per-view card promises a fresh showcase of elite matchups and championship action. Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defends the belt against unbeaten Movsar Evloev, while bantamweight king Petr Yan faces Merab Dvalishvili in a trilogy. Below, readers will find complete UFC 333 main card predictions, tactical keys to victory, and definitive picks for all five bouts.
UFC 333 Main Card Predictions
Before diving into the tactical breakdowns, this quick reference guide covers all five UFC 333 main card predictions. The five-fight main card in Abu Dhabi promises pure theater inside the Octagon from the featherweight opener to the championship headliner. Check out the summary table below to see the complete list of UFC 333 predicted winners and projected methods of victory.
| Matchup | Weight Class | Predicted Winner | Method |
| Alexander Volkanovski (c) vs. Movsar Evloev | Featherweight | Volkanovski | Decision |
| Petr Yan (c) vs. Merab Dvalishvili | Bantamweight | Yan | Decision |
| Lone’er Kavanagh vs. Ramazan Temirov | Flyweight | Kavanagh | KO/TKO |
| Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev | Heavyweight | Volkov | Decision |
| Aaron Pico vs. Losene Keita | Featherweight | Keita | KO/TKO |
Volkanovski Vs. Evloev UFC 333 Predictions
Tale of the Tape
| Attribute | Volkanovski (c) | Evloev |
| Record | 28-4-0 | 20-0-0 |
| Age | 38 | 32 |
| Height / Reach | 5’6″ / 71.5″ | 5’7″ / 72″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
According to official UFC Stats, Volkanovski enters this UFC 333 main event with a 28-4 record against the unbeaten 20-0 mark of Evloev. Volkanovski bounced back from two successive knockout defeats by reclaiming the vacant featherweight belt against Diego Lopes and defending the title once in their rematch. Meanwhile, Evloev owns a flawless 10-0 Octagon record, although all ten of those victories have come via the judges’ scorecards.
Keys to Victory
Although age is not on the 38-year-old champion’s side, outscoring Volkanovski over five rounds remains a nearly impossible task. Even an elite volume striker like Max Holloway failed to outpoint the Australian champion across three separate championship encounters. Furthermore, the only two fighters to ever finish Volkanovski in the Octagon are Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, who are both world-class talents.

Topuria even admitted previously that Volkanovski is remarkably elusive and difficult to hit cleanly on the feet. Consequently, the relentless wrestling of Evloev may not trouble Volkanovski much, given the champion’s defensive skill and ability to stay out of danger. Volkanovski is no mug in the grappling department either, possessing the tactical awareness to shuffle sharp striking with timely wrestling whenever needed. Because Evloev cannot easily outpoint the champion, stopping Volkanovski is the challenger’s only realistic path to victory, which Evloev has shown no evidence of doing.
Prediction
In this Volkanovski vs. Evloev prediction, Evloev could find early success with takedown attempts during the opening frames. However, Volkanovski will consistently work back to the feet and score points using superior footwork, crisp jabs, and skillful striking combinations. As one of two title fights that could reshape the promotion, this UFC 333 headliner favors the seasoned champion over 25 minutes. Volkanovski wins by decision.

Yan vs. Dvalishvili Prediction
Tale of the Tape
| Attribute | Yan (c) | Dvalishvili |
| Record | 20-5-0 | 21-5-0 |
| Age | 33 | 35 |
| Height / Reach | 5’7″ / 67″ | 5’6″ / 68″ |
| Stance | Switch | Orthodox |
This bantamweight championship rubber match promises absolute cinema and represents a trilogy of epic proportions. Dvalishvili overwhelmed Yan with relentless wrestling in their first meeting, although Yan later revealed a pre-existing right-hand injury that prevented the Russian from throwing hard shots. A healthy Yan then delivered a masterclass in the rematch, neutralizing Dvalishvili with thudding jabs, stinging body shots, and phenomenal takedown defense.

Keys to Victory
That dominant rematch loss seemingly shook the usual confidence of Dvalishvili, as the challenger gracefully accepted being humbled by Yan during the early UFC 333 press conference. Still, Dvalishvili is called “The Machine” for good reason and can never be counted out over five rounds. While the Georgian challenger seeks redemption, a high-class opponent like Yan is beaming with confidence and carries all the momentum.
Yan possesses far more weapons in the arsenal than Dvalishvili and fights with equal effectiveness from both stances. Standing in the orthodox stance, Yan uses jabs well, brings the right hand into play on time, and lands low leg kicks to stop the forward pressure of Dvalishvili. While operating from southpaw, Yan unleashes high head kicks and brutal body kicks that visibly left Dvalishvili wincing in pain during their second clash.

Prediction
Dvalishvili is prone to taking damage on the feet, even though supreme cardio allows the challenger to sustain pressure across 25 minutes. Although Dvalishvili landed good shots in the second bout, wrestling remains the challenger’s primary weapon, and Yan had all the answers in their previous fight. If Dvalishvili cannot keep the fight on the ground, the challenger will absorb significant damage in a classic battle between two hardened veterans. For this Yan vs. Dvalishvili prediction in our UFC 333 predictions co-main event, Yan wins by decision.
Other UFC 333 Predictions: Main Card Picks
Lone’er Kavanagh vs. Ramazan Temirov
Rounding out these UFC 333 predictions, Kavanagh and Temirov collide in an explosive flyweight showcase with massive highlight-reel potential. Temirov charges forward like a wrecking ball with heavy punches, but that reckless aggression leaves wide defensive openings on the entry. Kavanagh is the cleaner distance striker and will snipe the advancing Temirov with short power punches to force a stoppage. Pick: Kavanagh by KO/TKO.
Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev
In the heavyweight division, veteran contender Volkov looks to earn an overdue title shot by turning back rising finisher Kuniev. Standing six-foot-seven, Volkov utilizes superior lateral movement, long reach, and straight punches to control distance against shorter heavyweights. Volkov will pepper Kuniev from the outside for 15 minutes to secure a comfortable unanimous decision victory. Pick: Volkov by decision.

Aaron Pico vs. Losene Keita
While media analysts remain split on the main card opener, short-notice replacement Keita brings dangerous knockout power against the wrestling pedigree of Pico. Pico possesses strong offensive grappling, yet the American has historically left his chin exposed during aggressive exchanges in the pocket. Keita will stuff the early takedown attempts and catch Pico with a fast counter combination to score a finish. Pick: Keita by KO/TKO.
End Of My UFC 333 Predictions Rant
To recap these UFC 333 predictions, Volkanovski and Yan will both retain their respective divisional titles on the judges’ scorecards in Abu Dhabi. On the rest of the main card, Kavanagh and Keita should deliver highlight-reel knockouts, while Volkov outpoints Kuniev at heavyweight. With two elite UFC 333 title fight predictions headlining the spectacle, Saturday night at Etihad Arena is set to deliver unforgettable action.
The post UFC 333 Predictions: Bold Volkanovski Vs. Evloev & Yan Vs. Dvalishvili Picks appeared first on Stadium Rant.












