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Dana White on UFC 333 Highlights
UFC CEO Dana White discusses Volkanovski's title defense, Petr Yan's win, and upcoming fights at post-event press conference.
In brief
UFC CEO Dana White discusses Volkanovski's title defense, Petr Yan's win, and upcoming fights at post-event press conference. UFC CEO Dana White praised Alexander Volkanovski's featherweight title defense and Petr Yan's bantamweight victory over Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi, October 24, 2026. Originally…
UFC 333 Results
UFC 333 saw two champions retain their titles and a host of fighters deliver big performances in Abu Dhabi on October 24, 2026.
Volkanovski's Title Defense
Alexander Volkanovski retained his featherweight title via second-round TKO against Movsar Evloev in Abu Dhabi.
Dana White's Reaction
Dana White called Volkanovski 'an absolute stud' and noted his aggressive style and unique physicality.
“Incredible. I mean, the guy is an absolute stud”
Volkanovski's Future Plans
White stated Volkanovski has earned the right to challenge lightweight champion Justin Gaethje for the 155-pound title.
Petr Yan's Victory
Petr Yan defeated Merab Dvalishvili via unanimous decision in a thrilling trilogy fight for the bantamweight title.
Dvalishvili's Performance
White praised Dvalishvili's fight as 'incredible' and noted he couldn't have fought better than he did.
“I think that merab has nothing to be disappointed about. He couldn't have fought any better than he did.”
Next Challenge for Yan
White mentioned Song Yadong and Sean O'Malley as potential next challengers for Petr Yan's bantamweight title.
Interim Welterweight Title
UFC booked an interim welterweight title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales for UFC 336.
UFC 333 Press Conference
White clarified his comments about Farid Basharat's departure from the UFC and emphasized he wasn't criticizing him personally.
“I wasn't saying that about him. I was just saying they were asking me, you know, why didn't he get re-signed?”
Safety in Abu Dhabi
White stated he felt safe in Abu Dhabi and that UFC maintained professional standards during the event.
“I can tell you, never have i been over here where i felt unsafe and felt that my staff were unsafe.”
MENA Expansion Plans
White hinted at new talent-finding initiatives in the MENA region similar to the Road to UFC program in Asia.
“We have really big plans coming up here in the next. I don't know when we're going to announce our new big plans”
Unique Event Announcement
White revealed a unique event is in the pipeline that will allow global fans to attend.
“I've been telling you guys we're working on an event right now that will be very unique, and people from all over the world who want to come see”
Dana White's Post-Event Comments
White discussed the possibility of Volkanovski stepping up to challenge lightweight champion Justin Gaethje for the 155-pound title.
“I think when you've accomplished what he's accomplished, there's not much we're going to say no to with him”
Dvalishvili's Post-Fight Conversation
Dvalishvili spoke with White and Hunter Campbell after the fight, and White praised his performance.
“Yeah, he was just saying, 'I'm sorry. I wish I…', you know?”
UFC 333 Event Details
UFC 333 took place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 24, 2026.
The one thing
UFC CEO Dana White praised Alexander Volkanovski's featherweight title defense and Petr Yan's bantamweight victory over Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi, October 24, 2026.
