Showdown Week for UFC 333 has begun in Abu Dhabi ahead of Saturday's card at Etihad Arena, which will be headlined by two title fights. Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defends his belt against Movsar Evloev in the main event, while Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili meet in a bantamweight title rematch on the same card. Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman joined the week's fan programme, appearing at a meet-and-greet at Yas Mall on Wednesday alongside fighters Jean Silva and Marwan Rahiki. "Abu Dhabi has always been a special place for me and for UFC," Usman said. "I have great memories of competing here, and fans always bring incredible energy." The schedule continues Thursday with a free, open-to-the-public press conference at Etihad Arena, followed by a second fan meet-and-greet on Friday evening at Yas Bay Waterfront featuring Song Yadong, Mauricio Ruffy and Sean Sharaf. Official weigh-ins take place Friday morning, with ceremonial weigh-ins later that afternoon. Running alongside the fight week, Power Slap 25 will be held at Space42 Arena, and bantamweight contender Aljamain Sterling will join Marwan Rahiki for a live fan Q&A session. Saturday's main card is scheduled to begin around 10pm UAE time, with preliminary bouts starting at 6pm. The event marks one of the year's biggest UFC cards to be hosted at Etihad Arena, continuing Abu Dhabi's run as a regular stop for major mixed martial arts promotions, a role the emirate has built up over the past several years through large-scale fight cards and fan-facing events in the lead-up to each show.
UFC 333 Showdown Week kicks off in Abu Dhabi with Usman in town
Summary: Showdown Week for UFC 333 has begun in Abu Dhabi ahead of Saturday's card at Etihad Arena, which will be headlined by two title fights.
Featherweight...