The mixed martial arts world turns its attention to a blockbuster pay-per-view card as Sherdog provides live, comprehensive coverage of UFC 333: “Volkanovski vs. Evloev.” Action gets underway on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. ET, delivering an action-packed lineup featuring high-stakes divisional matchups, elite contenders, and a pair of monumental championship bouts at the top of the bill.
From rising prospects looking to break into the rankings to seasoned veterans making their bids for divisional supremacy, the card promises drama from the opening preliminary matchup all the way to the championship main events. Sherdog’s seasoned team of judges and writers—including Brian Knapp, Tyler Treese, and Mike Sloan—are tracking every strike, takedown, and submission attempt throughout the event, offering live round-by-round scoring alongside the official results as they happen inside the Octagon.
Nicolle Caliari vs. Iasmin Lucindo
The event kicks off with a compelling women’s strawweight clash, though the matchup faced early drama on the scale when Nicolle Caliari weighed in heavy at 120.5 pounds, missing the divisional mark. Standing across the cage from her is Iasmin Lucindo, who successfully made weight at 115 pounds.
As the first round commences, both fighters look to establish their range. Caliari attempts to use her physical frame to press the action, while Lucindo relies on her sharp counter-striking and footwork. The judges—Brian Knapp, Tyler Treese, and Mike Sloan—watch closely as the opening frame unfolds, tracking the grappling exchanges and significant strikes landed by both competitors.
Moving into the second round, the pace intensifies. Lucindo begins to find a home for her quick combinations, snapping Caliari’s head back with crisp jabs and straight punches. Caliari looks for a takedown to alter the momentum, but Lucindo demonstrates solid defensive wrestling to keep the fight standing. The Sherdog scoring panel evaluates the grappling control against the effective striking volume as the horn sounds to end the middle frame.
In the third and final round, both strawweights leave everything in the center of the cage. Caliari marches forward with desperation, knowing she needs to secure a decisive advantage, while Lucindo circles away and counters with crisp hooks. The judges finalize their scorecards for the round, awaiting the reading of the official result from the Octagon announcer.
Noah Gugnon vs. Kody Steele
The action continues in the lightweight division as Noah Gugnon locks horns with Kody Steele. Both fighters successfully made the championship limit, stepping onto the scales at an identical 156 pounds.
Round one starts at a measured pace as both men respect each other’s power. Gugnon paws with his jab, testing Steele’s guard, while Steele fires heavy leg kicks that echo through the arena. The Sherdog press row—Knapp, Treese, and Sloan—noted the early tactical chess match, scoring the subtle nuances of the stand-up exchanges.
As the fight progresses into the second round, Steele increases his offensive output, doubling up on his punches and pushing Gugnon toward the cage fence. Gugnon absorbs the pressure well and fires back with short elbows on the inside during the clinch. The judges weigh the effective aggression of Steele against the cleaner counter-strikes of Gugnon for the middle frame.
The third round serves as a crucial test of conditioning. Both lightweights empty their gas tanks, engaging in frantic exchanges in the center of the canvas. As the final bell rings, the fighters embrace, and the judges compile their final scores for the official decision.
Bolaji Oki vs. Daniel Santos
In a explosive featherweight pairing, Bolaji Oki and Daniel Santos both successfully weighed in at 146 pounds, setting the stage for a high-paced striking battle.
The opening round begins with high-octane action. Oki uses his length to keep Santos at bay with straight punches, but Santos answers fiercely with thudding body kicks and wild hooks designed to close the distance. Knapp, Treese, and Sloan track the high volume of strikes traded in the frantic opening stanza.
Round two sees Santos finding success by timing Oki’s entries, landing clean counters whenever his opponent overextends. Oki adjusts by utilizing lateral movement and snapping jabs to reset the distance. The judges carefully assess who dictated the busier moments of the round.
The final frame features both featherweights trading heavy leather in the pocket. Neither man is willing to take a backward step, drawing loud reactions from the live crowd. The judges complete their round-three scorecards ahead of the official decision.
Jacob Malkoun vs. Abubakar Vagaev
Middleweights take center stage next as Jacob Malkoun squares off against Abubakar Vagaev. Malkoun steps on the scale at 186 pounds, while Vagaev comes in slightly under at 185.5 pounds.
Round one unfolds with Malkoun immediately seeking to implement his wrestling-heavy game plan. He shoots for a double-leg takedown, but Vagaev displays excellent balance and sprawling technique to stay upright before working his way back to the center. The Sherdog scorers analyze the early grappling transitions and control time.
In the second round, Vagaev begins to find his rhythm on the feet, landing crisp uppercuts and knees as Malkoun dips his head for another takedown attempt. Malkoun perseveres, finally securing a brief mat return, though Vagaev quickly scrambles back to his feet. The judges score the shift in momentum toward Vagaev’s striking defense.
The third round highlights the urgency of both middleweights. Malkoun digs deep for desperate takedowns, while Vagaev defends and peppers him with punches. The judges finalize their scoring for a hard-fought middleweight battle.
Asaf Chopurov vs. Colby Thicknesse
Moving down to the bantamweight division, Asaf Chopurov and Colby Thicknesse lock horns after making weight cleanly at 136 pounds and 135.5 pounds, respectively.
The opening round is characterized by blistering speed. Thicknesse utilizes explosive lateral movement to dart in and out with quick combinations, while Chopurov looks to counter with heavy hooks. Knapp, Treese, and Sloan score the fast-paced exchanges that showcase the high-level athleticism of the bantamweight prospects.
Round two maintains the rapid tempo. Thicknesse attempts to mix in a few level changes, threatening with takedowns to keep Chopurov guessing on the feet. Chopurov stays disciplined, stuffing the attempts and landing clean straight punches down the pipe.
The third round brings a dramatic finish to the preliminary contest. Both bantamweights push the pace, trading heavy blows in the closing seconds. The judges tally their scores for the final round as the bout goes to the official judges’ scorecards.
Nurullo Aliev vs. Grant Dawson
Lightweight contenders Nurullo Aliev (155) and Grant Dawson (156) step into the Octagon for a high-stakes clash in the talent-rich 155-pound division.
Round one sees Aliev asserting his presence with aggressive forward pressure. Dawson calmly absorbs the initial onslaught, using his veteran savvy to tie up Aliev against the fence and work for a controlled takedown. The Sherdog judges evaluate the control time and grappling superiority demonstrated in the opening frame.
In the second round, Dawson’s grappling pedigree shines. He transitions smoothly on the canvas, threatening with submission attempts while maintaining heavy top pressure. Aliev shows tremendous resilience, fighting his hands and working back to a standing position before the bell.
The third round offers Aliev a chance to turn the tide with desperate striking, but Dawson manages the distance effectively, securing another timely takedown to seal the round. The judges mark their final scores as the corner men await the official verdict.
Abus Magomedov vs. Cameron Rowston
Middleweight action resumes as Abus Magomedov meets Cameron Rowston. Magomedov weighs in at 185.5 pounds, with Rowston registering an even 185 pounds.
Round one gets underway with Magomedov displaying a diverse array of kicks, targeting Rowston’s legs and body from a distance. Rowston stays composed, looking to counter over the top. The scoring panel tracks the effective range-finding and precision striking from Magomedov.
Round two features an uptick in action as Magomedov catches Rowston with a sharp combination that forces a defensive reaction. Rowston responds by pressing the action into the clinch, working for short knees against the cage. The judges weigh the striking output of Magomedov against the clinch control of Rowston.
The third round sees both middleweights trading punches in the center of the cage. Magomedov keeps his work rate high, while Rowston looks for a late surge. The judges complete their round-three scorecards as the bout comes to a close.
Nikita Krylov vs. Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev
Heavy-hitting light heavyweights Nikita Krylov and Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev both hit the scale right at the divisional limit of 206 pounds.
Round one starts with intense action. Krylov comes out aggressive, throwing heavy kicks and winging punches, while Yakhyaev fires back with compact counters. The Sherdog team notes the high-paced nature of the big-man clash as both fighters test each other’s chin.
In the second round, Krylov uses his grappling background to secure a takedown, immediately working to pass Yakhyaev’s guard. Yakhyaev ties him up effectively, attempting to neutralize the offense from the bottom. The judges score the ground control and positional dominance established by Krylov.
The third round brings wild exchanges as both light heavyweights tire, opening up openings for counter-striking. The judges tally their final scores for a competitive, rugged encounter.
Azamat Murzakanov vs. Dominick Reyes
In a crucial light heavyweight showdown, Azamat Murzakanov (206) takes on former title challenger Dominick Reyes (205).
Round one begins with careful reconnaissance. Reyes uses his height and reach advantage to flick out a straight left hand, while Murzakanov stalks forward looking to land his trademark heavy hooks. Knapp, Treese, and Sloan assess the early tactical exchanges.
Round two sees Murzakanov successfully close the distance, landing sharp hooks to the body and head of Reyes. Reyes circles away, utilizing his footwork to reset, but absorbs several heavy blows along the cage. The judges weigh the heavier blows of Murzakanov against the volume of Reyes.
The final round sees both fighters digging deep. Murzakanov continues to march forward with relentless pressure, while Reyes fires back bravely to stave off the attack. The judges record their final scores for the pivotal light heavyweight battle.
Losene Keita vs. Aaron Pico
Featherweight action heats up as Losene Keita (146) squares off against elite standout Aaron Pico (145.5).
Round one explodes into action immediately. Pico shoots in with a lightning-fast blast double-leg takedown, putting Keita on his back. Keita works actively from the bottom, using an open guard to prevent damage and look for submission openings. The Sherdog judges score the explosive takedown and top control for Pico.
In the second round, Keita manages to keep the fight standing, utilizing his crisp boxing to tag Pico as he steps in. Pico adjusts by mixing in body shots and lateral movement. The judges evaluate the striking precision of Keita versus the well-rounded pressure of Pico.
Round three serves as a frantic deciding frame. Both featherweights leave everything in the Octagon, trading heavy combinations in the closing minute. The judges submit their final scorecards ahead of the official decision.
Rizvan Kuniev vs. Alexander Volkov
The heavyweight division takes the spotlight as Rizvan Kuniev (265) meets veteran contender Alexander Volkov (256).
Round one starts with Volkov utilizing his significant reach advantage to pepper Kuniev with long jabs and front kicks. Kuniev absorbs the blows and looks to back Volkov up against the fence, searching for a clinch. Knapp, Treese, and Sloan track the striking range and control elements.
Round two sees Volkov maintaining his distance discipline, continually landing clean straight rights down the pipe. Kuniev tries to force the issue, but struggles to consistently bridge the gap against the taller Russian. The judges score the effective volume and accuracy for Volkov.
The third round features a gritty battle in the clinch as Kuniev pushes for a takedown, while Volkov defends with heavy underhooks. The judges compile their final scores for the heavyweight matchup.
Lone’er Kavanagh vs. Ramazonbek Temirov
Flyweights Lone’er Kavanagh (125.5) and Ramazonbek Temirov (126) lock horns in a fast-paced battle of 125-pound speedsters.
Round one kicks off with blistering hand speed. Both fighters trade lightning-fast combinations before resetting. Kavanagh uses superior angles to land clean counters, while Temirov presses forward with relentless combinations. The Sherdog scorers evaluate the high-volume striking battle.
Round two maintains the breakneck pace. Temirov finds success with hard leg kicks, while Kavanagh snaps back with crisp jabs. The judges weigh the technical precision of Kavanagh against the aggression of Temirov.
The third round brings high drama as both flyweights push for a finish in the closing moments. The judges complete their scorecards as the fighters await the official result.
UFC Bantamweight Title Fight: Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili
The co-main event features a high-stakes championship clash for the UFC Bantamweight Title, with both Petr Yan and challenger Merab Dvalishvili successfully making championship weight at 135 pounds.
Round one begins with both fighters showing deep mutual respect. Yan takes the center of the cage, measuring Dvalishvili with a pawing jab, while Dvalishvili tests the waters with movement and occasional explosive shot attempts. Knapp, Treese, and Sloan carefully score the tactical opening frame of the title fight.
In the second round, Dvalishvili increases his trademark wrestling pressure, shooting repeatedly for takedowns and pushing Yan against the cage. Yan demonstrates excellent takedown defense, stuffing several attempts and landing sharp elbows on the break. The judges weigh Dvalishvili’s relentless grappling attempts against Yan’s counter-striking accuracy.
Round three sees the champion and challenger engaged in a grueling battle of attrition. Dvalishvili maintains his relentless pace, constantly chaining wrestling attempts together, while Yan fires back with heavy hooks whenever space opens up. The judges evaluate the high-volume output and control time as the championship rounds approach.
The championship fourth round tests the conditioning of both bantamweights. Dvalishvili continues his relentless forward march, securing a crucial takedown that keeps Yan grounded for a sustained period. Yan works his way back up, but has absorbed considerable pressure. The judges score the positional control for the challenger.
The fifth and final round brings the championship fight to its crescendo. Both men empty their gas tanks, trading punches and wrestling for position in a display of true championship grit. The judges finalize their scorecards for all five rounds, awaiting the announcement of the official decision to crown the bantamweight king.
UFC Featherweight Title Fight: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev
The main event of UFC 333 delivers a championship showdown for the UFC Featherweight Title. Champion Alexander Volkanovski weighs in at 144.5 pounds, while undefeated challenger Movsar Evloev hits the mark at 145 pounds.
Round one gets underway with both elite fighters displaying supreme technical discipline. Volkanovski establishes his stance in the center, utilizing feints and leg kicks to probe Evloev’s defense. Evloev responds with sharp counter-punches and searches for an opening to secure a takedown. The Sherdog scoring panel—Brian Knapp, Tyler Treese, and Mike Sloan—breaks down the high-level tactical chess match.
In the second round, the champion increases his volume, stringing together crisp boxing combinations and punishing Evloev’s lead leg. Evloev maintains his composure, timing a clean double-leg takedown to briefly ground the champion, though Volkanovski scrambles back to his feet quickly. The judges weigh the striking volume of Volkanovski against the grappling success of Evloev.
Round three highlights the championship-level endurance of both athletes. Volkanovski uses lateral movement to break Evloev’s rhythm, landing clean hooks on the exit of exchanges. Evloev continues to press forward, looking to neutralize the champion’s offense with clinch work against the cage. The judges evaluate the momentum swings through the middle frame.
The championship fourth round features intense strategic adjustments. Evloev secures a pivotal takedown midway through the round, establishing top control and working to neutralize Volkanovski’s explosive escapes. Volkanovski fights methodically from the bottom, minimizing damage before scrambling back to safety. The judges mark the scoring criteria for the challenger’s control time.
The fifth and final round of the evening sees both fighters leave everything in the cage. Knowing the championship rounds hang in the balance, Volkanovski pushes the pace with aggressive striking combinations, while Evloev looks to counter and secure a late-round takedown. As the final horn sounds, both fighters embrace in a show of mutual respect. The judges finalize their round-five scores, completing a historic night of fights as the arena awaits the official decision from the Octagon.
