# 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.
- Title: Dana White on UFC 333 Highlights · UFC | Shortify
- Summary: UFC CEO Dana White discusses Volkanovski's title defense, Petr Yan's win, and upcoming fights at post-event press conference.
- Keywords: ufc 333, abu dhabi, dana white, alexander volkanovski, petr yan, merab dvalishvili, ufc, featherweight, bantamweight, mma
- Source: UFC — https://ufc.com/news/dana-white-ufc-333-alexander-volkanovski-petr-yan-merab-dvalishvili-more
- Published: 2026-10-25T20:03:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: ufc 333, abu dhabi, dana white, alexander volkanovski, petr yan, merab dvalishvili, ufc, featherweight, bantamweight, mma, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.