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411’s UFC 333 Report 10.24.26

October 24, 2026 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC 333 Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (Paramount+, 2 p.m. ET)
(c) Alexander Volkanovski (144.5 lbs.) vs. #1 Movsar Evloev (145 lbs.) – for featherweight title
(c) Petr Yan (135 lbs.) vs. #1 Merab Dvalishvili (135 lbs.) – for bantamweight title
#6 Lone’er Kavanagh (125.5 lbs.) vs. #10 Ramazan Temirov (126 lbs.)
#7 Rizvan Kuniev (265 lbs.) vs. #2 Alexander Volkov (256 lbs.)
Losene Keita (146 lbs.) vs. #11 Aaron Pico (145.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (Paramount+, 10 a.m. ET)
#7 Azamat Murzakanov (206 lbs.) vs. #8 Dominick Reyes (205 lbs.)
#15 Nikita Krylov (206 lbs.) vs. Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev (206 lbs.)
#12 Abus Magomedov (185.5 lbs.) vs. Cam Rowston (185 lbs.)
Nurullo Aliev (155 lbs.) vs. Grant Dawson (156 lbs.)
Asaf Chopurov (136 lbs.) vs. Colby Thicknesse (135.5 lbs.)
Jacob Malkoun (186 lbs.) vs. Abubakar Vagaev (185.5 lbs.)
Bolaji Oki (146 lbs.) vs. Daniel Santos (146 lbs.)
Noah Gugnon (156 lbs.) vs. Kody Steele (156 lbs.)
Nicolle Caliari (120.5 lbs.)* vs. Iasmin Lucindo (115 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 333, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host. Well we’ve finally got a card with meaningful and likely high level fights after weeks of filler designed to get viral finishes. I don’t mind the occasional squash match but so many events just packed with them has been tedious in the extreme. Here though, we’ve got two of the very best fighters in the world defending their titles against deserving contenders. In the main event UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski tries for the second defense of his second title reign when he defends against undefeated Movsar Evloev. A Volkanovski win would also set the record for most wins in UFC featherweight title fights, though if you count WEC stuff (and you should) Jose Aldo still has a big lead on him numerically. In the co-main event Petr Yan is trying to get his second bantamweight title run off with a successful defense, but in his way is former champion Merab Dvalishvili. Yan and Dvalishvili are 1-1 thus far, with neither fight being particularly competitive, so we’ve got our trilogy bout here. Things drop off a bit after that but Lone’er Kavanagh against Ramazan Temirov is fun, Losene Keita steps in on short notice to take on Aaron Pico too. On the prelims rising Cam Rowston is in action, Asaf Chopurov makes his UFC debut, and Bolaji Oki vs. Daniel Santos has some violence potential. It’s not exactly without flaw as a card but it’s pretty darn good, and relative to the last numbered event it’s tremendous. Now let’s hope the action delivers.

UFC 333 comes to the world from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Please disregard the US State Department’s travel advisories or that they’ve ordered all non-essential personnel evacuated from the embassies in the region, TKO has a balance sheet to keep in line after all. On commentary we’ve got Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier, and Paul Felder while John Gooden serves as roving reporter and Bruce Buffer handles announcing. We’ll be in the regular 30 foot cage and should be under the newer rules but I’ll update things if that’s inaccurate.

I’m sorry for the late start guys, I’ve been pretty sick the last few days and that’s starting to catch up with me. Here’s the results from stuff before I got to it.

Iasmin Lucindo defeated Nicolle Caliari via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Kody Steele defeated Noah Gugnon via TKO, punches, at 3:54 of Round 1
Daniel Santos defeated Bolaji Oki via unanimous decision (29-8 x3)
Abubakar Vagaev defeated Jacob Malkoun via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Colby Thicknesse is 2-1 in the UFC but is on a two fight winning streak, if he can get that to three in a row here it would be a nice indicator of his prospect status. Asaf Chopurov is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and is trying to make the most of his only chance at making a first impression. Chopurov is among the bigger favorites on the card at -575 to a +425 payout on Thicknesse.

Bantamweight Bout: Asaf Chopurov (11-0, 136 lbs.) vs. Colby Thicknesse (9-1, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Joined in progress. Chopurov lands a few knees in close. Thicknesse pushes into a clinch, tries a single leg but Chopurov defends against the fence. They trade in the clinch for a bit as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chopurov based on what I saw

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves. Chopurov pushes into another clinch after landing some punches, this time though he separates quickly. Left hand from Chopurov. Stepping knee from Chopurov into a clinch. Elbow from Chopurov as they break. Thicknesse hits the body a couple of times. The pressure from Chopurov is impressive, he bulls into a clinch and both men fire knees. Left hand from Chopurov on the break. Knees from Thicknesse in close. Chopurov lands a knee of his own. Calf kick from Chopurov. Thicknesse lands a right hand then hits the body in close. Things hit the fence again. A few knees go back and forth then they break. Chopurov lands an elbow as they clinch again. Some knees from Thicknesse then Chopurov gets to the back standing. Thicknesse gets chest to chest again and lands an elbow. Another Thicknesse elbow lands. Knees go back and forth before they break. Chopurov keeps coming forward but walks into an elbow and a left hand. Thicknesse tries a takedown, settles for a clinch and lands a knee before breaking. Chopurov gets a takedown but stands and makes Thicknesse get up. Elbow from Thicknesse. Both men land in close as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Thicknesse, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Chopurov back to moving forward, he hits a takedown against the fence into guard. Thicknesse is able to scramble up but Chopurov lands punches and gets the back standing. The right eye of Thicknesse might be in trouble. Chopurov yanks things down into a crab ride then switches to get on top again. Half guard for Chopurov, then he stands free and makes Thicknesse get up. Thicknesse punches into a clinch but can’t keep it. Another clinch, elbow from Thicknesse then he slips to the back standing. Thicknesse keeps looking for a cheese donkey but Chopurov gets chest to chest. They separate, Thicknesse lands a head kick but Chopurov takes him down then makes him stand. Takedown from Thicknesse into butterfly guard. Chopurov wrestles up but can’t hit a takedown. Knee from Chopurov. Left hand from Thicknesse in close. Another clinch, both men hit the body but Thicknesse fails a throw and Chopurov gets a takedown. Thicknesse wall walks quickly and both men swing in the clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Chopurov but a very close one, 29-28 Chopurov overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Colby Thicknesse via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)

29-28 either way was fine, that third round was kind of a coin flip. No interview for Thicknesse.

Grant Dawson has a stellar UFC record of 12-2-1, most recently he choked out Mateusz Rebecki and now he’s trying to build another winning streak. Nurullo Aliev is undefeated including four wins in the UFC, he’s getting a step up in class here but a win would be the best of his career. Close one here, -120 on Dawson to an even +100 for Aliev.

Lightweight Bout: Nurullo Aliev (12-0, 155 lbs.) vs. Grant Dawson (24-3-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two have identical heights and reaches, the big difference is age where Dawson is 7 years older at 32. They touch gloves, southpaw for Aliev. A few range finding strikes from both men. Inside calf kick from Aliev. Dawson shows a high kick. Aliev punches in close and unloads, Dawson shoots but Aliev pushes him over and gets on top in full guard. Dawson scoots to the fence and wall walks with Aliev on his back. They break without incident. Both men land punches in close. Bit of a right hand from Aliev. Left hand from Aliev stuns Dawson, then he knocks him down when Dawson was throwing a kick. Aliev gets to the ride and lands strikes but several of them are to the back of the head so the ref steps in. Yeah he landed several very clearly there and the ref takes a point. Good job ref. They restart and both men touch gloves again. Bit of a left from Aliev but Dawson timed a knee in there. Bit of a high kick from Dawson. Aliev lands a left hand. Knee from Dawson bothers Aliev just a bit, then he throws a high kick to follow up. Aliev throws another left hand. Right hand from Dawson. Aliev lands a left hand. Another left from Aliev bothers Dawson. A couple more lefts from Aliev land and Dawson grabs a clinch but is pushed into the fence. They break cleanly and Aliev lands a left then Dawson hits a takedown into full guard. Dawson with some strikes from top, then tries a guillotine attack but Aliev wrestles through it and ends the round on top.

SCORECARD: 9-9 DRAW after the point deduction

ROUND TWO: Aliev gets back to pressuring forward. Bit of a left from Aliev. Dawson lands a jab then Aliev lands a knee. Dawson with a high crotch attack, he gets Aliev to his seat but Aliev keeps wrestling with him then lands a left hand as both men stand. Glancing head kick from Dawson. Another left hand from Aliev. Both men split some jabs then Dawson lands a left hook. Aliev has gone orthodox and Dawson hits a double leg against the fence, his wrestling against Aliev southpaw was a struggle but orthodox he got him down fairly easily. Dawson looks to mount the legs against the fence then pulls Aliev’s hips away from the cage to get on top in half guard. Dawson lands a few short blows. Aliev is able to get full guard and actually locks up a body triangle from the bottom. Dawson lands some punches. Eventually Aliev wrestles up and free. Dawson with a combination. Aliev shoots, Dawson sprawls easily then grabs a front headlock and lands knees then both men land elbows as they break. Body kick from Dawson then a left hook. Both men swing punches, Dawson lands a left hook to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dawson, 19-18 Dawson overall

ROUND THREE: They hug for the final round. Aliev pushes forward with punches. Dawson lands a right hand then a calf kick. Glancing left hook from Aliev. They clash on a few kicks then Aliev lands a left hand. Dawson tries another high crotch, he slips towards the back then gets on top in the sprawl position as Aliev holds a single leg. Aliev switches his grip towards a double leg and wrestles up, Dawson lands a knee then both men separate. Left hook from Dawson. Spinning back kick from Dawson lands. Dawson lands a body kick. Bit of a left hand from Aliev. Dawson hits the body then shoots against the fence, he’s able to get a single leg and get on top in full guard. Some elbows from Dawson then he passes to half guard. Dawson knees the body from half guard, that’s nice and more fighters should do it. Now Dawson moves to full mount with a minute left. Aliev is able to control posture but he’s just hanging out. Dawson finally postures up and flurries as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dawson, 29-27 Dawson overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Grant Dawson via unanimous decision (29-27 x3)

Not sure how we got 29-28 there, and Buffer just read it wrong as commentary corrects things after the interview. Mic time for Dawson, he wanted to bet on his conditioning being better then puts over Aliev as younger and that in the future Aliev will be better than Dawson but it wasn’t tonight. He thanks God then talks us through some highlights then sends love to his family back home.

Abus Magomedov has gone 5-3 in the UFC but is coming off of a win and he’s looking to defend his ranking here. Cam Rowston is on a seven fight winning streak including three UFC wins, and if he can extend that success here he could well be making the move from prospect to contender. The odds tilt towards Magomedov at -125 to a +105 comeback on Rowston.

Middleweight Bout: #12 Abus Magomedov (29-7-1, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Cam Rowston (15-3, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Rowston is an inch taller while the reach is identical. Bit of a body kick from Rowston. Magomedov lands a right hand. Calf kick from Magomedov. Both men look to get their lead hand working then Magomedov lands another calf kick. Jab from Magomedov. Another calf kick from Magomedov, Rowston is going to be in trouble if he doesn’t address those. Both men land jabs. Single leg from Rowston, Magomedov grabs a power guillotine on the way down though and puts Rowston to sleep with it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Abus Magomedov via Technical Submission, guillotine choke, at 1:44 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Magomedov for his work. Mic time for Magomedov, he says the guillotine always works for him and then he talks us through the finish. Asked about the future he wants to fight Gregory Rodrigues at the start of next year. Very reasonable call out.

Nikita Krylov has gone just 1-3 in his last four fights but despite that retains a ranking, because light heavyweight is a wasteland. If Krylov loses again he’s certain to lose his top ranking and could be out of a job between his career trajectory and age. Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev is undefeated including three UFC wins, if he can remain perfect here he’ll likely crack the rankings and start moving from prospect to contender. Yakhyaev is another of the bigger favorites on the card at -550 to Krylov’s +400.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #15 Nikita Krylov (31-12, 206 lbs.) vs. Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev (10-0, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Krylov is an inch taller while Yakhyaev has half an inch of reach advantage, Yakhyaev is also 9 years younger at 25. Southpaw for Krylov. Left hand from Krylov and he pushes into a clinch on the fence. Yakhyaev works to pummel, he’s also bleeding a bit from the nose. Short knee from Yakhyaev. Krylov keeps working for trips or to get behind Yakhyaev but Yakhyaev is blocking those so far. Bit of a throw from Yakhyaev then he grabs a d’arce choke. Yakhyaev is really after the choke, Krylov scoots around and gets Yakhyaev to break the attack. Knee from Yakhyaev drops Krylov face down and a few more punches get the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev via TKO, knee and punches, at 2:38 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Yakhyaev for his work. Mic time for Yakhyaev and the translator, he says the punch from Krylov good but he knew he could get him. He talks us through the finish and puts over his team. Asked about the future he wants a top 10 guy but has no name.

Dominick Reyes has gone 4-1 in his last five fights with the only loss coming to now champion Carlos Ulberg, his last fight was one of the worst fights all year though and he’ll be looking for not only a win but also something more positively memorable. Azamat Murzakanov is coming off of his first loss when he was stopped by Paulo Costa, now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak and resuming moving towards the title picture. The odds like Murzakanov at -200 to +165 for Reyes.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #7 Azamat Murzakanov (16-1, 206 lbs.) vs. #8 Dominick Reyes (16-5, 205 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Reyes has five inches of height and five and a half of reach over Murzakanov. Both men fight souhthpaw. Reyes circling and kicking early. A few calf kicks from Reyes. Murzakanov looks to pressure forward and then explode into his range. Hard calf kick from Reyes. Murzakanov throws a few punches but falls short. Another calf kick from Reyes. Murzakanov avoids a front kick but can’t capitalize. Solid left hand from Murzakanov gets Reyes to retreat and reset. Reyes slips throwing a head kick but that did hurt Murzakanov. Reyes back up and punches down Murzakanov then pounds things out on the mat.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Dominick Reyes via KO, head kick and punches, at 2:40 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Reyes for his work. Mic time for Reyes, he thanks God then puts over Murzakanov and is happy to have landed the head kick. He talks us through the finish then would like to fight a top 5 opponent next.

Aaron Pico has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he is coming off of a win when he bested Patricio Pitbull back in April, now he’s after his first UFC winning streak as well as looking to defend his ranking. Losene Keita has also gone 1-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a win, he did take this on slightly short notice when Arnold Allen dropped out of this fight but a win would launch him into the rankings. We’re getting into consistently close fights here, -150 on Pico to Keita’s +125.

Featherweight Bout: Losene Keita (17-2, 146 lbs.) vs. #11 Aaron Pico (14-5, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Keita is an inch taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage. Quick takedown from Pico into butterfly guard. Keita works his guard a bit then wrestles up with Pico on his back. Left hook from Pico as they break. Bit of a left uppercut from Keita. Hard right from Pico wobbles Keita, he gets a good position on the ground and fires punches until the ref steps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Aaron Pico via TKO, punches, at 1:14 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Pico for his work. Mic time for Pico, he feels amazing then plays with the crowd and sucks up to the king of Morocco. He talks us through the finish and feels he can become a world champion. Asked about the future he wants a title shot but if not that then a rematch with Lerone Murphy, and he gets pissy about people just sitting on rankings and not taking fights.

Alexander Volkov has been one of the best heavyweights in the world for quite a few years at this point, he’s perennially hovered around the title level but has yet to actually fight for the belt. Volkov is on a two fight winning streak and if he can win again here he’ll probably still have to win another fight given who the UFC wants to push. Rizvan Kuniev has gone 2-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, a win would be the biggest of his career by a wide margin though and could put him somewhat in the title orbit. Volkov is the slight -120 favorite to +100 for Kuniev.

Heavyweight Bout: #7 Rizvan Kuniev (15-3-1 1 NC, 265 lbs.) vs. #2 Alexander Volkov (40-11, 256 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Volkov is three inches taller with four inches of reach advantage. Kuniev comes out and lands a calf kick. Uppercut from Volkov then a front kick. Left hand from Volkov then another front kick. Kuniev walks into a stiff jab. Bit of a side kick from Kuniev, nice leg dexterity there. Volkov lands a front kick then a right to the body. Inside leg kick from Volkov. Volkov is keeping his left leg pretty busy and has Kuniev backing up now. Calf kick from Kuniev. Both men land in close but it’s a Volkov uppercut that gets Kuniev retreating. Calf kick from Volkov. Kuniev lands a left hand in close. Volkov punches into a clinch and gets Kuniev on the fence. A few knees to the body and thigh from Volkov then he disengages. Bit of a body kick from Kuniev, he complains it went low so we’ve got a time out. Replay shows yeah there was a little contact. Kuniev only needs about 30 seconds then we’re back to fighting. Volkov with more low kicks, both inside and outside. Another leg kick from Volkov but Kuniev does land a left. Volkov hits the body into a clinch and he lands a hard knee before Kuniev disengages. A body kick from Volkov ends the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Volkov

ROUND TWO: Volkov avoids a few punches then lands an inside leg kick. Jab from Volkov. Kuniev is trying to use his right front kick to close distance now and he’s able to get a clinch. Volkov gets Kuniev on the fence and lands a few short blows before they separate. Jab from Volkov again, he’s got Kuniev just guessing out there. Front kick from Volkov then a calf kick. Kuniev tries a takedown, has to settle for a clinch and Volkov starts kneeing the body before separating. Uppercut from Kuniev in close. Volkov avoids a takedown. Kuniev has been doing some stance switching all fight but hasn’t gotten much out of southpaw. Clean right hand from Kuniev. Volkov keeps moving forward and lands an inside leg kick, then avoids a Superman punch. Body kick from Volkov. Kuniev lands a jab. Volkov lands a front kick. Kuniev blocks a high kick. Combination from Volkov in close. Volkov lands a counter right. Kuniev clinches but Volkov gets him on the fence with ease. Knee from Volkov on the break. One two from Volkov then Kuniev avoids a clinch. Kuniev lands a right hand. They stare away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Volkov but could go either way, 20-18 Volkov overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Calf kick from Kuniev. Kuniev lands a right hand and looks to brawl, Volkov responds with a few punches of his own. Inside leg kick from Volkov. Kuniev misses a spinning back kick. Bit of a head kick from Volkov then a one two. Body kick from Volkov. Volkov lands another body kick. Calf kick from Volkov and he avoids the counters. Another body kick from Volkov. Volkov lands a right hand. Kuniev throws back but isn’t landing as much as he did in the second. Bit of a right hand from Volkov. Combination from Volkov but Kuniev did land a spinning back fist. Volkov lands a right uppercut then a jab. Body kick from Volkov. Another calf kick from Volkov. They split a few jabs. Inside leg kick from Volkov then a right hand follow up. They clinch then break. Hard inside leg kick from Volkov drops Kuniev briefly, Volkov gets to the ride position then he gets both hooks in. Choke attack from Volkov, he’s not quite under the chin but he’s going for it. Volkov switches to landing some punches then keeps trying to get the choke but getting under the chin of Kuniev is proving difficult. One last choke attack but Kuniev has defended long enough to see the round end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Volkov, 30-27 Volkov overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Alexander Volkov via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)

Solid win for Volkov. Mic time for Volkov, he feels the fight was good then says he’s had 20 fights in the UFC at this point and deserves a title shot. Ideally he should get one but heavyweight is still a bit of a mess.

Lone’er Kavanagh has gone 3-2 in the UFC but his win over Brandon Moreno from back in February pushed him pretty high in the rankings, though he’s also coming off of a loss to Brandon Royval. Kavanagh is trying to avoid his first losing streak and protect his divisional position. Ramazan Temirov is on an impressive 12 fight winning streak including three UFC wins, he’s trying to keep that streak going here and move closer to the title picture. This one closed as a -110 pick ’em.

Flyweight Bout: #6 Lone’er Kavanagh (10-2, 125.5 lbs.) vs. #10 Ramazan Temirov (20-2, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kavanagh is two inches taller with four inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get going. Some early feinting from both men. Spinning back kick from Temirov lands. Bit of a calf kick exchange. Bit of a left hand from Temirov, then a delayed right to follow up. Kavanagh lands a calf kick. Jab from Temirov. Kavanagh avoids a few slightly wild punches. Solid jab from Temirov. Bit of a right from Temirov. Kavanagh tries a takedown but Temirov avoids it. Right hand then a left hook from Temirov. Temirov lands another right hand. Kavanagh avoids a spinning kick. Now Kavanagh looks to get the jab working. Bit of a left from Temirov then Kavanagh misses a head kick. Kavanagh lands a calf kick but Temirov lands a counter left hand. Solid left hand from Temirov then a bit of a right to follow up. Kavanagh lands a left uppercut that hurts Temirov, he follows up with punches and drops Temirov against the fence to get the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Lone’er Kavanagh via TKO, punches, at 4:28 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Kavanagh for his work. Mic time for Kavanagh, he plays with the crowd then puts over his team. He talks us through the finish and mentions working hard on keeping his hands up as that had been a problem. Asked about the future he wants a title shot but will fight anyone to get to that spot.

They announce Joshua Van vs. Manel Kape as the main event for UFC 335 in Toronto. No complaints there. Also an interim welterweight title fight between Michael Morales and Carlos Prates. That fight is violence personified, so again no complaints from me.

Marab Dvalishvili is the former bantamweight champion and had racked up three title defenses before losing the belt in his last fight. Dvalishvili is trying to regain the title here and again put his name in the discussion for best bantamweight of all time. Petr Yan is the reigning and two time bantamweight champion, he also holds one of the longest gaps between title reigns, and most recently battered Dvalishvili for five rounds to regain the title. Yan is looking for what would be his first title defense across both reigns and to close out the trilogy with Dvalishvili with a win. The odds lean towards Yan at -155 to +130 for Dvalishvili.

Bantamweight Title Bout: (c) Petr Yan (20-5, 135 lbs.) vs. #1 Merab Dvalishvili (21-5, 135 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Yan is an inch and a half taller while Dvalishvili has an inch of reach advantage. Bouncing from Dvalishvili early, Yan opens orthodox but will switch when he feels like it. Solid calf kick from Dvalishvili. Yan is pressuring forward and lands his own calf kick. Right hand from Dvalishvili partially lands. Yan fights off a single leg. Yan cross checks a body kick. Dvalishvili gets to the back standing in space, Yan defends and separates though. Yan blocks a high kick. Another single leg from Dvalishvili, Yan defends again though. Yan lands an inside calf kick. Yan is hanging out southpaw now and it’s largely removed Dvalishvili’s kicks thus far. Dvalishvili is backed up near the fence now and Yan side kicks the knee. Yan avoids another single leg. Dvalishvili misses some punches. Side kick to the knee from Yan then a left hand. Dvalishvili tries another takedown, he gets to the back and is able to mat return but Yan bounces up and knees Dvalishvili in the body before they separate. Double leg from Dvalishvili, Yan scrambles back up with Dvalishvili on his back again. Things hit the fence and Dvalishvili lands a few short punches from the back as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dvalishvili

ROUND TWO: Yan avoids a calf kick to start the round. Dvalishvili misses some punches. Dvalishvili throws a wheel kick then Yan lands a right hand. Yan starts showing his jab to the chest then cracks Dvalishvili with a right hand. Bit of a right from Dvalishvili. Dvalishvili swings a right hand then hits a takedown and gets to the ride. Yan gets free very quickly. Another clinch from Dvalishvili, mat return but Yan spins to get to the ride and he starts landing punches then a knee before separating. Yan with some jabs. Dvalishvili shoots to the back again, he’s just stalling at this point. Yan wrestles free but Dvalishvili just pushes back to clinch him again. Mat return from Dvalishvili, Yan gets upright quickly then they separate. Dvalishvili again shoots to a clinch but Yan quickly disengages this time. Combination from Yan mostly lands. Oblique kick from Yan. Dvalishvili misses a few punches. Yan fights off a single leg then lands a left hand. Single leg from Dvalishvili and he gets to the ride again. Yan quickly up and free again. Yan fires a head kick that misses. Dvalishvili just circles and shadow boxes to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dvalishvili, 20-18 Dvalishvili overall

ROUND THREE: Both men show the lead hand to start the round. Calf kick from Yan. Both men land jabs. Dvalishvili avoids a right hand and gets the back standing. Yan spins free, Dvalishvili shoots again against the fence and settles for clinching the back. Yan gets free and Dvalishvili lands a knee as they separate. Yan avoids a single leg and lands a left hand. Body kick from Yan. Dvalishvili with a bit of a right hand but his takedown doesn’t go anywhere. Yan lands a right hand. Yan avoids another takedown and lands a right hand. Dvalishvili fires a few kicks that are blocked. Calf kick from Yan. Yan lands a right to the body. Inside leg kick from Yan then he avoids another takedown. Dvalishvili is throwing a lot of punches but he’s not really landing. Hard one two from Yan. Dvalishvili shoots, Yan defends then lands a right hand. Yan keeps backing up Dvalishvili then he lands a calf kick. A left hook from Yan stuns Dvalishvili, Dvalishvili then shoots but Yan defends and punches him again. Yan hurts Dvalishvili with a body kick, then lands a few punches against the fence before Dvalishvili circles away. Dvalishvili fails another takedown and Yan punches him against the fence. Another body kick from Yan lands to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan, 29-28 Dvalishvili overall

ROUND FOUR: Dvalishvili immediately shoots and Yan defends. Yan avoids a few punches and gets back to walking Dvalishvili down. Side kick to the knee from Yan. Yan lands a left hand. Dvalishvili lands a calf kick. Left hand from Yan. Yan is defending takedowns and landing counter punches now. They split jabs. Yan with a few more jabs. Dvalishvili has a few kicks blocked. Yan avoids another level change. One two from Yan lands flush. Left to the body from Yan stuns Dvalishvili for a second. Yan blocks a high kick then lands a jab. Left hook from Yan. Pretty solid right hand from Yan then he avoids a takedown. Dvalishvili gets to the back briefly but can’t keep it and Yan then pushes him off. Short uppercut from Yan. Right uppercut from Yan lands. Dvalishvili avoids a head kick. Yan lands an elbow after avoiding a takedown. Jab from Yan then a right uppercut. Yan avoids a wild right hand. Head kick from Yan partially lands then Dvalishvili lands a right hand. Another one two from Yan. Yan lands a jab. Dvalishvili shoots, Yan defends then knees him in the head. Hard left body kick from Yan ends the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan, 38-38 overall

ROUND FIVE: Dvalishvili lands a right hand to start the round. Yan avoids a takedown. Yan pressures forward and lands a left hand. Solid combination from Yan then a left hook. Yan shoots into a clinch then hits the body and partially lands a head kick on the break. Uppercuts from Yan. Dvalishvili fails another takedown and Yan lands a calf kick. Yan fights off a single leg. Left hand from Yan. Dvalishvili misses a right hand. Yan avoids a takedown and sticks Dvalishvili with a jab. Left hook from Yan. Both men land power hand punches. Yan lands a solid left hook. Body kick from Yan stuns Dvalishvili again. Dvalishvili shoots, Yan defends. Left hand from Yan. Bit of a head kick from Yan after he defended a takedown. Dvalishvili misses a right hand. Jab from Yan. Left to the body from Yan. Dvalishvili lands a right hand, Yan responds with a calf kick. Hard left from Yan then a leaping knee that lands. Combination from Yan on the counter including a left to the body. Yan avoids another takedown. Body kick from Yan. Both men land rights then Yan avoids a takedown and lands punches. Left hook from Yan. Dvalishvili shoots, Yan defends again. Another body kick from Yan lands then a long right hand. Both men land in close. Right hand from Yan. Right uppercut from Yan. Both men start throwing then Yan lands a jumping body kick that hurts Dvalishvili just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Yan, 48-47 Yan overall but this hinges on the third round as the others were very clear

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – ands STILL UFC Bantamweight champion Petr Yan via unanimous decision (48-47 x3)

Great fight, their first two bouts were interesting but both were one sided and this was the culmination of that with a close dogged fight. Mic time for Yan and the translator, he puts over his team and feels he did win three of the rounds. He says he knew Dvalishvili was going to come out very hot so he was prepared to fight close through the first two rounds then take over late. He puts over Abu Dhabi and everyone who showed up to see the fights. Asked about defending the title he doesn’t care if it’s Song Yadong or King Kong, he just wants the deserving contender.

Cormier talks with Dvalishvili as well, he knows he can do better but puts over Yan as the better man tonight.

Movsar Evloev is undefeated including 10 UFC wins coming into his first title shot, he had to take the hard road to get here as the UFC do not generally favor him. Evloev is looking to maximize this chance as he’s unlikely to get another one, the man hasn’t finished a fight during his entire UFC run and these days that’s almost a kiss of death for your prospects. Alexander Volkanovski is one of the best fighters the sport has ever seen, his lone loss at featherweight was to Ilia Topuria and he promptly regained the title after losing it once Topuria left the division. Volkanovski is coming off back to back wins over Diego Lopes and he’s trying to extend this title run as long as possible since age and miles are starting to add up for him. We’ve got a pick ’em in the main event, -110 on each side.

Featherweight Title Bout: (c) Alexander Volkanovski (28-4, 144.5 lbs.) vs. #1 Movsar Evloev (20-0, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Evloev has an inch of height and reach advantage, Volkanovski is also closing in on 40 at age 38. Volkanovski opens orthodox but will switch if he feels like it. They touch gloves to get things going. Both men show the lead hand early, just getting reads. Inside leg kick from Volkanovski. Volkanovski avoids a right hand. Bit of a right from Volkanovski. Calf kick from Evloev and he avoids the counter. One two from Volkanovski. Volkanovski is getting his jab going now. Bit of a left to the body from Evloev. Evloev lands a body kick. Jab from Volkanovski. Bit of a right from Volkanovski. Both men are feinting a lot. Calf kick from Volkanovski. Right hand from Volkanovski lands. Volkanovski pushes into a clinch, Evloev spins him but Volkanovski slips free and lands a right hand. Takedown from Evloev, immediate wall walk from Volkanovski into a clinch. Both men hit the body in the clinch before separating. Volkanovski lands a jab. Both men avoid punches. Bit of a one two from Volkanovski. Volkanovski lands a right, Evloev with a takedown then a right hand as Volkanovski got up and free. Right hand from Volkanovski, Evloev gets a clinch and moves to the back. Evloev pulls things down, Volkanovski stands but eats a right hand. Volkanovski pushes into a clinch and lands some short blows. Both men miss strikes as they separate. One two from Volkanovski lands again. Volkanovski with a front kick to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Volkanovski but a close one

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Inside leg kick from Volkanovski. Evloev with a bit of a calf kick. Calf kick from Volkanovski. Bit of a one two from Volkanovski. Evloev lands a right and avoids the counters. Evloev tries a takedown, he slips to the back standing. They break and Evloev lands a short right. Jab from Volkanovski. Evloev gets to the back standing and drags things down but Volkanovski counters to get on top in half guard. Volkanovski lands some short punches, Evloev gives up the ride then is able to get upright and free. Right hand from Volkanovski off balances Evloev, Volkanovski is after him now. Both men land punches in close. Jabs from Volkanovski now. They clinch up and Volkanovski pushes things to the fence. Some knees from Volkanovski to the leg, body and head before Evloev spins free. Left hook from Volkanovski. Jab from Volkanovski, Evloev clinches briefly but Volkanovski is starting to read him on the feet. Body jab from Volkanovski. Volkanovski lands another jab. They split a few jabs then Volkanovski lands a couple of rights. Left hook from Volkanovski then a right hand stuns Evloev. Evloev winds up pulling half guard against the fence to try and recover. Volkanovski postures up and lands some punches. More punches from Volkanovski but Evloev just turtles up and the ref has to step in before the round ends.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – ands STILL UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski via TKO, punches, at 4:54 of Round 2

Mic time for the all time great Volkanovski, he puts over Evloev as a great fighter then says it feels great to finally get another finish and even promised his wife that she wouldn’t have to stress as long as normal. He knew there wasn’t much time left in the round and once Evloev covered up he knew he could just bomb on him. He says he didn’t take too much damage so he’ll probably keep going. Asked about all the work, not just in fighting, paying off he says doing things with this platform has helped a lot and he feels the love from all around the world now. The sport will be lesser when Volkanovski does retire.

Evloev gets an interview as well, he says the fight went terribly for him and puts over Volkanovski. He’s grateful for the fight and puts over Abu Dhabi, he’s not quite the best yet but wants to get there eventually. He says it’s better to lose to a great like Volkanovski who’s also a good guy than some of the other people in the division.

Alright everyone, on that note UFC 333 comes to a close. We’ll be unpacking all the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, assuming my health gets back in order. Next week on Halloween we’ve got Moicano vs. Nolan and I hope you’ll stop by for that one, I know I’ll be here like always. Until next time thank you so much for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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