The co-main event at UFC 333 will feature a highly anticipated third clash between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili, with the UFC bantamweight title on the line. Yan currently defends the title after securing a unanimous decision victory over Dvalishvili at UFC 323 in December 2025. Their rivalry dates back to March 2023, when Dvalishvili claimed the initial win via unanimous decision. The UFC 333 main card also includes notable matchups such as Alexander Volkanovski versus Movsar Evloev and Aaron Pico versus Losene Keita.

When betting for the Yan-Dvalishvili trilogy was first released, Yan was favored at -160, with Dvalishvili an underdog at +140. These odds have shifted modestly, with Yan now at -180 and Dvalishvili at +153 according to BetOnline. These changes indicate slight increased confidence in Yan’s ability to retain his belt. The matchup continues to draw significant attention due to both fighters’ recent performances and the championship stakes involved.

Merab Dvalishvili, 34, originally made waves in the UFC bantamweight division after joining in 2017 with a strong background including a Ring of Combat bantamweight title. Despite early setbacks in his UFC career, Dvalishvili turned things around in 2018 and went on to build a lengthy winning streak. Highlight victories include wins over Sean O’Malley—twice—and other top contenders like Marlon Moraes and Jose Aldo. He lost his title to Yan in late 2025 and has not fought since that defeat.

Petr Yan, now in his second reign as UFC bantamweight champion, rose to prominence with a notable victory over Jose Aldo in 2020 to claim the vacant title. Despite controversy and split decision losses affecting his career trajectory—including losing and regaining titles against Aljamain Sterling—Yan has demonstrated resilience. Since winning back the championship at UFC 323, Yan has remained inactive. Their upcoming fight at UFC 333 will be a critical moment for Yan to solidify his status as champion and settle the score in this trilogy.