Volkanovski and Yan face off with UFC 333 rivals ahead of Abu Dhabi title fights

Alexander Volkanovski and Petr Yan completed their final faceoffs with challengers Movsar Evloev and Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333’s ceremonial weigh-ins in Abu Dhabi on Friday, setting the stage for a double-championship card that ranks among the most anticipated in recent memory.

Volkanovski, a two-time featherweight champion, defends his title against the undefeated Evloev in the main event, while Yan and Dvalishvili meet for a third time in the co-main event with the bantamweight belt on the line.

All four fighters addressed the crowd after the faceoffs. Dvalishvili kept his message brief but pointed — “This is going to be an exciting fight. And new” — a clear signal that he expects to leave Abu Dhabi as champion. Yan, who like Dvalishvili is firmly in the conversation for greatest bantamweight of all time, offered a direct rebuttal: “I show you who’s best of the best.”

Evloev, who carries a 10-0 record inside the UFC, spoke with the composure of a fighter who has spent years working toward this moment. “All the work has been done,” he said. “Everything that needs to be said has been said. And now I need to do things I’ve been working on for so long. Let’s go!”

Volkanovski, who is looking to further cement his case as the greatest featherweight in the sport’s history, closed the evening with a message aimed squarely at the Abu Dhabi crowd. “You’re in for a treat,” he said. “Co-main and main event, champion vs. No. 1 contender. That’s how it should be. Let’s put on a show for you. Enjoy!”

UFC 333 takes place on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.