ABU DHABI: UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev delivered a record-breaking performance at the Etihad Arena on Saturday night, setting new benchmarks for both attendance and revenue generation at a UFC event in Abu Dhabi.
UFC CEO Dana White emphasized the global draw of mixed martial arts and expressed enthusiasm about continuing to bring major sporting spectacles to the UAE.
“Tonight marked the highest attendance for a UFC event in Abu Dhabi history, along with the highest gate,” White stated post-event.
He noted that more than half of the attendees traveled from outside the UAE, investing in flights, accommodations, and local experiences to witness the action firsthand.
“You want to deliver. You want to host an event like the one we had tonight,” White said. “I plan to organize many more exciting events here in Abu Dhabi. We’re currently developing something truly special that will attract fans globally. I’ve already reviewed some preliminary designs before arriving in Abu Dhabi, and I’m eager to share details soon.”
Inside the octagon, Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski successfully defended his featherweight championship, defeating previously unbeaten Russian contender Movsar Evloev via second-round stoppage.
“Abu Dhabi has always been incredible,” Volkanovski remarked. “This is my fifth visit here, and I’m consistently greeted with warmth and respect. The hospitality is unmatched.”
In the co-main event, Russia’s Petr Yan successfully retained his bantamweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Georgia’s Merab Dvalishvili following a gripping five-round contest. All three judges scored the bout 48-47 in favor of Yan.
The triumph added another memorable chapter to Yan’s career in Abu Dhabi, where he previously captured the bantamweight crown against Jose Aldo during UFC Fight Island in 2020.
“I feel fantastic. I’m still absorbing what just happened, but I’m overwhelmed with joy to celebrate another victory here in Abu Dhabi,” Yan said. “Winning this fight was crucial for my team, my family, and my supporters. Thank you all for your unwavering support.”
Additional highlights from the main card included Lone’er Kavanagh earning a first-round finish over Ramazan Temirov, Alexander Volkov securing a unanimous decision against Rizvan Kuniev, and Aaron Pico submitting Losene Keita in the opening round.
