MMA
UFC 333 Betting Tips & Predictions: Volk the bet in championship bout
UFC 333 lands in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, with two championship bouts headlining a stacked card at the Etihad Arena.
Alexander Volkanovski takes on unbeaten Movsar Evloev for the featherweight title, while Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili renew their rivalry in a bantamweight championship clash.
With closely matched odds in the main event and several intriguing method-of-victory markets, there are plenty of options for fight fans looking beyond the outright winners.
Alexander Volkanovski v Movsar Evloev
Volkanovski 10/11 | Evloev 10/11
The featherweight title fight is priced almost perfectly evenly, with both men available at 10/11. Volkanovski brings championship experience, while Evloev arrives unbeaten at 20-0 and has built an impressive record of victories inside the UFC
The method markets are particularly interesting, with either fighter to win by decision priced at 7/4. Evloev has a strong track record of going the distance, making the decision market worth considering, while Volkanovski’s experience over five rounds could prove important in a close contest. A knockout win is available at 24/5 for Volkanovski and 11/2 for Evloev, offering bigger returns if either can produce a finish.
Best bet: Volkanovski by decision at 7/4
Petr Yan v Merab Dvalishvili
The bantamweight championship rematch adds another layer of intrigue, with Yan the 8/13 favourite and Dvalishvili priced at 13/10. Yan’s technical striking makes him an appealing favourite, but Dvalishvili’s relentless pace and wrestling ability could make this a difficult fight to control.
Yan by decision at 5/4 is an option for those expecting him to manage the fight over the championship distance. Dvalishvili by decision at 7/4 offers a bigger return, while Yan by knockout at 18/5 could appeal to anyone expecting his striking to make the difference. Dvalishvili by KO is the long shot at 9/1.
Best bet: Petr Yan by decision at 5/4
Lone’er Kavanagh v Ramazonbek Temirov
Kavanagh 10/11 | Temirov 10/11
This flyweight contest is another even-money affair, with both fighters priced at 10/11. Kavanagh has been building momentum in the division, while Temirov brings an impressive winning run of his own.
With so little separating them in the outright market, this could be one to approach cautiously. Kavanagh’s recent progress makes him an interesting selection, but the near-identical prices underline how competitive the matchup looks.
Best bet: Lone’er Kavanagh to win at 10/11
Alexander Volkov v Rizvan Kuniev
Volkov is the 4/5 favourite, with Kuniev available at evens. Volkov’s experience and established heavyweight pedigree make him an understandable market leader, but Kuniev’s price offers an attractive alternative for those expecting a closely fought contest. Both men will be looking to strengthen their standing in a competitive heavyweight division.
Best bet: Alexander Volkov to win at 4/5
UFC 333 best bets
Volkanovski by decision at 7/4 stands out in a closely matched main event, while Yan by decision at 5/4 offers another method-of-victory option. Kavanagh and Volkov are also worth considering in their respective bouts, although Kuniev at evens could provide value for bettors who fancy an upset.
Prices accurate at time of writing – odds subject to change.
