Brief

UFC 333 sets attendance record in Abu Dhabi as Volkanovski and Yan retain titles

The UFC’s Abu Dhabi show drew the biggest crowd in the city’s history, with over half the fans travelling from abroad.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 27 Oct 2026 04:42:23 GMT

The UFC announced that its October 26 event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi set new attendance and gate‑revenue records for the sport in the UAE capital, Gulf News reported.

What happened

The main card featured featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defending his title against Movsar Evloev. Volkanovski stopped Evloev by technical knockout at 4:54 of the second round, handing the Uzbek‑born challenger his first professional loss. In the co‑main event, bantamweight champion Petr Yan retained his belt by unanimous decision over Merab Dvalishvili, with all three judges scoring the bout 48‑47.

What the reports add

Gulf News noted that the sold‑out arena attracted "thousands of fans" and that the event generated the highest gate in Abu Dhabi’s UFC history. Dana White, the UFC chief executive, said more than 50 % of the spectators travelled from outside the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the event’s international draw. He also hinted at a forthcoming, "very unique" UFC project that aims to attract global visitors, adding that renderings of the concept are already being reviewed.

What was said

White told Gulf News, "Tonight was the highest attendance for a UFC event in Abu Dhabi history. Highest gate. And over 50 per cent of the fans came from outside the UAE. They spent money to come here, flights, hotel rooms, everything. You want to deliver an event like we had tonight." Volkanovski said, "Abu Dhabi is always great. This is my fifth time here in Abu Dhabi. I get treated so well over here. Everyone’s very hospitable and they show so much respect. I love it here." Yan added, "I feel excellent. I’m still processing my win, but I feel great and happy to share this moment again in Abu Dhabi."

How it came about

The record‑breaking night follows Abu Dhabi’s broader push to position itself as a hub for major international events, a theme highlighted in previous Felo coverage of the city’s livability and opportunity vision. The UFC’s continued partnership with the emirate reflects that strategy, with officials noting the economic benefits of attracting foreign visitors.

Key facts

UFC 333 set new attendance and gate‑revenue records for a UFC event in Abu Dhabi. (gulfnews.com)
Alexander Volkanovski retained the featherweight title via second‑round TKO over Movsar Evloev. (gulfnews.com)
Petr Yan retained the bantamweight title by unanimous decision over Merab Dvalishvili. (gulfnews.com)
More than half of the spectators travelled from outside the UAE, according to Dana White. (gulfnews.com)
Dana White hinted at a future "very unique" UFC event under development for the region. (gulfnews.com)