Alexander Volkanovski's title defence headlines UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi

The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi on Saturday for UFC 333, which will be highlighted by a championship doubleheader.

The UAE capital has become an annual destination for the UFC over the past half-decade and a pillar of the company's international scheduling.

The main event has UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski returning to the Octagon to take on unbeaten Movsar Evloev of Russia. Evloev (20-0 MMA) has won 10 in a row in the UFC and earned the title shot with a close decision over England's Lerone Murphy in London last March.

The 38-year-old Volkanovski (28-4 MMA), who is attempting to defend the title for the second time since his second title reign began last spring, is unfazed by both the momentum Evloev, 32, brings into the fight and the age difference.

"I believe I've seen that (wrestling) puzzle before," the Australian champion said Thursday of Evloev's style. "But he's undefeated. He's undefeated. He knows how to win. But I just don't think that's enough. He's got all the skills. He can take it anywhere. He's the most well-rounded (fighter), but I just don't believe that's enough for me. I'm gonna go get my hand raised. ‘And still (champion),' once again."

Evloev brushed off the 145-pound titleholder's comments.

"He's the best featherweight in (UFC) history, and everybody knows that, right?" Evloev said. "I'm here to check for myself and do all I can to get to this point this Saturday."

In the co-headliner, a bantamweight title trilogy will be settled when champion Petr Yan (20-5 MMA) of Russia tries to make it two in a row against former champion Merab Dvalishvili of Georgia, 10 months after their matchup at UFC 323.

Injuries to both fighters kept them from facing each other again until now. Dvalishvili, who defended the title last October with a win over Cory Sandhagen, said he feels vindicated having to fight in Abu Dhabi, where much of the audience favors Yan.

"This is my territory," Dvalishvili said, laughing. "I love Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi loves me. Let's go. Bro, I'm the king. Wherever I will fight, people always (support) me. I love the people. They love me. They support me. And I'm grateful for that. I will die in a fight for what I do. I'm grateful for all the fans, all the people. I'm just gonna fight hard, that's why. Don't blink Saturday. Make sure to watch our fight. It's gonna be good."

Yan said he feels at home in Abu Dhabi and appreciates the fans' support.

"Guys, Abu Dhabi is the best place," he said. "I remember, in 2020, when I came here and took my belt with Jose Aldo (at UFC 251), and I already defended my title here (at UFC 267 in 2021). On Oct. 24, I will smash this guy one more time."

The five-fight main card at Etihad Arena will be streamed live on Paramount+ in the US.