Volkanovski faces an unbeaten challenger
Number 11 featherweight Evloev brings a 20-0 professional record and ten UFC victories into the main event. His pressure and repeated takedown attempts can force opponents to defend for long stretches. Volkanovski’s answer is built around footwork, accurate punches and the experience to change a plan during a five-round fight.
The champion needs to make every defended takedown useful. Moving away without a counter allows Evloev to try again without being punished. A short combination or a firm body shot after separation can make the challenger more selective and give Volkanovski extra space later. Evloev can answer with punches, a choke attempt or a joint-lock attempt after gaining control.
The co-main event tests two familiar plans
Yan and Dvalishvili already understand each other’s strongest routes. Yan wants stable positions for punching combinations. Dvalishvili prefers a high work rate that mixes strike exchanges, takedown attempts, pressure against the fence and constant movement.
Because the title fight can last 25 minutes, early energy use matters. Pressure must lead to control or damage, while patience must still produce visible scoring. Familiarity does not remove the need to adapt; it makes every small change easier for the opponent to notice.
| Fight on main card | Weight category |
|---|---|
| Volkanovski vs Evloev | Featherweight title |
| Yan vs Dvalishvili | Bantamweight title |
| Kavanagh vs Temirov | Flyweight |
| Volkov vs Kuniev | Heavyweight |
| Pico vs Keita | Featherweight |
Kavanagh gives British viewers a ranked flyweight contest
England’s Lone’er Kavanagh, the number six flyweight, meets number ten Ramazan Temirov on the main card. A convincing win would strengthen Kavanagh’s position among the leading flyweights. The challenge is to attack without turning the bout into a reckless striking contest where either fighter can score the first clean hit.
The main card also includes Alexander Volkov against Rizvan Kuniev at heavyweight and number 11 featherweight Aaron Pico against Losene Keita. These contests matter below the two title fights because the winners can move toward stronger opponents in 2027.
Viewers should note the early start
For UK viewers, the early preliminary bouts begin at 15:00 BST, the preliminary card at 17:00 BST and the main card at 19:00 BST on October 24. The Abu Dhabi location moves the broadcast earlier than a typical event staged in North America.
Every fight remains scheduled for October 24. The event begins with early preliminary bouts, continues with the preliminary card and then moves to the main card. The featherweight title fight between Volkanovski and Evloev is the final contest of the event.