Yan vs Dvalishvili 3: the bantamweight trilogy comes to Abu Dhabi at UFC 333

One of the UFC's best rivalries gets its final chapter in Abu Dhabi. Bantamweight champion Petr Yan defends his title against former champion Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333 on Saturday, October 24, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

It is the co-main event, under Alexander Volkanovski's featherweight title defence against unbeaten Movsar Evloev.

ONE WIN EACH

Dvalishvili won their first fight in 2024. Yan got his revenge in the rematch at UFC 323 in December 2025, winning a unanimous decision to take the title. Now the trilogy decides who comes out on top.

THE FIGHTERS

Petr Yan (20-5) is a two-time UFC bantamweight champion, known for his sharp striking and pressure.

Merab Dvalishvili (21-5) is a former champion with one of the most relentless wrestling and cardio styles in the sport. He is No. 8 on the FightRec MMA pound-for-pound list, and Yan is No. 4.

FIGHT WEEK IN ABU DHABI

Fans in the UAE can see both fighters during Showdown Week:
- Public workouts: Wednesday, 5pm to 7pm, Town Centre at Yas Mall
- Press conference: Thursday, 4pm to 5:30pm, Etihad Arena (free to attend)
- Ceremonial weigh-ins: Friday, 4pm to 6:30pm, Etihad Arena

The main card starts around 10pm UAE time on fight night. Tickets are on Ticketmaster.ae.

Who takes the trilogy? Tell us in the FightRec live chat.