UFC 333 fight fallout: Best options for Alexander Volkanovski, Petr Yan and more after Saturday

UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi delivered a clear picture of the next chapter for two of the sport’s biggest names. Alexander Volkanovski’s title defense against Movsar Evloev was a masterclass in composure. Volkanovski, who had said he might retire if the fight went badly, instead finished the bout with a knockout that extended his record for most featherweight title fights. The win leaves him with a renewed sense of confidence, but the division still holds a daunting challenge in the form of Jean Silva, a knockout artist who could test Volkanovski’s speed and durability. Another potential foe is Aljamain Sterling, who is slated to fight Kevin Vallejos; however, the promotion is likely to lean toward Silva for a high‑stakes matchup.

Petr Yan’s trilogy with Merab Dvalishvili ended in a split decision that saw Yan edge the bout in the final round. The win gave Yan his longest gap between undisputed title reigns for a male fighter and cemented his status as the top bantamweight. With the title now in his hands, Yan’s next logical step is a rematch with Sean O’Malley, who had upset him by split decision in 2022. O’Malley’s victory propelled him to the championship, and a rematch would give Yan a chance to avenge that loss while O’Malley could prove the first fight was not a fluke.

Other notable storylines emerging from the card include the potential pairing of Merab Dvalishvili with Mario Bautista, and the possibility of Aaron Pico facing Yair Rodriguez to elevate his standing in the featherweight rankings. As the UFC looks ahead, these matchups promise to keep the excitement alive for fans and fighters alike.

Source: UFC 333 fight fallout: Best options for Alexander Volkanovski, Petr Yan and more after Saturday