Volkanovski Ends Evloev's Undefeated Streak with Second-Round KO; Yan Wins Bantamweight Trilogy

Key points

Volkanovski stopped Evloev at 4:54 of Round 2 with strikes, ending Evloev's 20-fight undefeated streak.

The victory gave Volkanovski his ninth featherweight title win, surpassing Jose Aldo's record, and tied Aldo's record for most title defenses.

Petr Yan defeated Merab Dvalishvili by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47) in a five-round bantamweight title fight.

Alexander Volkov won a unanimous decision against Rizvan Kuniev, extending his winning streak to three and continuing his push for a heavyweight title shot.

Lone’er Kavanagh secured a first-round TKO victory over Ramazan Temirov, solidifying his status as a top flyweight contender.

Background

UFC 333 took place on October 24, 2026, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The event featured two championship bouts: Volkanovski defending the featherweight title and Yan defending the bantamweight title. Prior to the event, Volkanovski had indicated he might retire if he suffered significant damage, while Evloev was considered the top contender for years due to his undefeated record and grappling style. The bantamweight bout was the third meeting between Yan and Dvalishvili, following a split in their previous two encounters.

How outlets are covering it

CBS Sports emphasized Volkanovski's 'timeless performance' and his potential to continue fighting if he avoided damage, highlighting his record-setting achievements. UFC.com focused on the historical significance of Volkanovski surpassing Jose Aldo's records and described the bantamweight fight as a 'thoroughly entertaining back and forth' that concluded the rivalry. Billboard provided logistical details on how to watch the event, noting the unusual early start time for US viewers due to Gulf Standard Time, and listed the full fight card. All sources agreed on the outcomes but differed in emphasis: CBS Sports and UFC.com focused on the fighters' careers and records, while Billboard focused on accessibility and viewing options.

Why it matters

Volkanovski's victory cements his legacy as one of the greatest featherweight fighters in UFC history, breaking records for title wins and defenses. The end of Evloev's undefeated streak shifts the featherweight division's landscape, potentially opening the door for new challengers. Yan's win concludes a highly anticipated trilogy, solidifying his status as the current bantamweight champion. The event also highlighted the rising prominence of younger fighters like Kavanagh and Pico, indicating a generational shift in several weight classes.

What to watch

Volkanovski has indicated he may continue fighting if he avoids significant damage, suggesting a potential future title defense or exhibition. Yan will likely face new challengers in the bantamweight division, with Song Yadong mentioned as a potential opponent. Alexander Volkov is expected to pursue a heavyweight title shot, potentially against Ciryl Gane or Josh Hokit at upcoming events. Kavanagh and Pico are expected to receive top-10 opponents in their respective divisions.