The card, caught up
MMA News, free for everyone: the latest headlines from the last 3 days, each one source-linked. MMA News Plus adds the analyst breakdown on every story and the full archive.
Oct 22, 2026
Former UFC champion TJ Dillashaw shared his insights on the upcoming trilogy fight between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333. Yan, the current bantamweight champion, will defend his title against Dvalishvili, who won their first encounter. Dillashaw believes Yan's takedown defense and game plan give him the edge, though he acknowledges the fight will be highly competitive.
Source ↗Oct 20, 2026
Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili will face off for the third time at UFC 333, co-headlining the event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. With the series tied at one win each, Yan aims to defend his bantamweight title. Yan anticipates Dvalishvili will return to his wrestling roots, a strategy he used less during his title run.
Source ↗Oct 22, 2026
Merab Dvalishvili is set to face Petr Yan for a third time at UFC 333 on October 24 in Abu Dhabi, aiming to reclaim the bantamweight title. Dvalishvili, who lost to Yan in December 2025, is confident and feels prepared for the upcoming bout, emphasizing his improved condition and strategic preparation.
Source ↗Oct 22, 2026
Merab Dvalishvili is set to face Petr Yan in a trilogy bout at UFC 333 on October 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Dvalishvili, who lost his bantamweight title to Yan in December 2025, is determined to reclaim the championship and believes he is better prepared this time.
Source ↗Oct 21, 2026
UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi features a bantamweight title clash between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili. Pro fighters are split on the outcome, with some favoring Yan's striking and others expecting Dvalishvili to reclaim the belt after a period of rest. The fight is anticipated to be closely contested.
Source ↗Oct 22, 2026
UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi features two title fights with Alexander Volkanovski defending against Movsar Evloev and a trilogy bout between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili. Volkanovski aims for his seventh title defense against the undefeated Evloev, while Yan and Dvalishvili are tied at one win each heading into their third encounter.
Source ↗Oct 20, 2026
Merab Dvalishvili remains unfazed by Petr Yan's trash talk as they prepare for their bantamweight title fight at UFC 333. Despite Yan's aggressive demeanor at the press conference, Dvalishvili maintains his composure, focusing on the fight rather than verbal exchanges. This highly-anticipated trilogy bout marks Dvalishvili's first appearance in 2026 after a successful title run.
Source ↗Oct 21, 2026
T.J. Dillashaw believes body work will be crucial for Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili in their UFC 333 bantamweight title fight. The trilogy bout, set for Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, follows their split outcomes in previous encounters. Dillashaw highlights Yan's takedown defense and Dvalishvili's relentless takedown attempts as key factors.
Source ↗Oct 21, 2026
Petr Yan is set to defend his UFC bantamweight title against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333 on October 24 in Abu Dhabi. With their series tied 1-1, Yan believes he has 'figured out' Dvalishvili, aiming to replicate his dominant performance from their last encounter where he effectively countered Dvalishvili's wrestling.
Source ↗Oct 19, 2026
Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili will face off for the third time at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. Yan, who overcame a broken hand to win their last encounter, aims to defend his bantamweight title against Dvalishvili, who had a busy 2025 with four title fights. Both fighters are entering their first bout of the year.
Source ↗Oct 21, 2026
Merab Dvalishvili will face Petr Yan at UFC 333 in a highly anticipated bantamweight trilogy fight. Despite being medically cleared, Dvalishvili's coach revealed he will enter the fight with a broken nose, which could pose challenges during the bout, especially if it affects his breathing.
Source ↗Oct 21, 2026
UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan predicts that Merab Dvalishvili will emphasize wrestling in their UFC 333 trilogy bout. The fighters are tied 1-1 in their rivalry, with Yan regaining the title in their last encounter. Yan aims to defend his belt and close the chapter on their rivalry.
Source ↗Oct 20, 2026
Sean O'Malley expressed concerns about Petr Yan's readiness for his upcoming trilogy bout against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. Yan, who underwent lumbar surgery in January, will defend his bantamweight title against Dvalishvili, who he previously defeated to claim the title. O'Malley, drawing from his own experience with post-surgery recovery, believes Yan might be rushing back too soon.
Source ↗Oct 22, 2026
Petr Yan is set to defend his bantamweight title against Merab Dvalishvili in their trilogy fight at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. Yan, who regained the title in their last encounter, is confident in his strategy to neutralize Dvalishvili's grappling, having limited him to two takedowns in their previous match.
Source ↗Oct 21, 2026
UFC 333's open workouts in Abu Dhabi showcased the skills of title fight athletes Alexander Volkanovski, Movsar Evloev, Petr Yan, and Merab Dvalishvili. Volkanovski demonstrated finishing techniques, while Evloev impressed with his athleticism. Yan and Dvalishvili also displayed their striking and grappling prowess, respectively, ahead of their upcoming bouts at Etihad Arena.
Source ↗Oct 20, 2026
UFC 333 features a featherweight title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev, alongside a bantamweight title defense by Petr Yan against Merab Dvalishvili in their trilogy bout. The event promises significant implications for the fighters' careers and historical standings.
Source ↗Oct 19, 2026
UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi features two championship bouts, with Alexander Volkanovski defending his featherweight title against undefeated Movsar Evloev, and Petr Yan facing Merab Dvalishvili in their trilogy fight for the bantamweight title. The event also includes heavyweight Alexander Volkov versus Rizvan Kuniev and several other notable matchups.
Source ↗Oct 20, 2026
UFC 333, set for October 24th in Abu Dhabi, features two pivotal title fights. Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defends against undefeated Movsar Evloev, while Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili meet for a trilogy bout in the bantamweight division. These matchups could significantly influence the future of both divisions.
Source ↗Oct 22, 2026
The UFC 333 pre-fight press conference is set for Thursday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, featuring fighters from the two championship bouts: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev and Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili. The event begins at 9 a.m. ET, with UFC CEO Dana White overseeing proceedings.
Source ↗Oct 20, 2026
UFC star Sean O'Malley has expressed his support for bantamweight champion Petr Yan in his upcoming title defense against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. O'Malley, who previously defeated Yan, hopes for a Yan victory to enhance his chances of a title rematch, as he has lost twice to Dvalishvili.
Source ↗