UFC 333 Post-Mortem: Charting the Future Paths of Volkanovski, Yan, and Other Champions

In the aftermath of UFC 333, two champions emerged victorious, each securing their belts while setting the stage for compelling narratives in the months ahead. Alexander Volkanovski’s dominant two-round victory over a young Movsar Evloev and Petr Yan’s hard-fought unanimous decision win against Merab Dvalishvili in their trilogy bout both reaffirmed their dominance, yet they now face divergent directions. With speculation swirling, here’s where the winners and losers from the Las Vegas card might head next, along with potential matchups that could define 2026 and beyond.

Alexander Volkanovski, Featherweight Champion

Who should be next: Charles Oliveira

If Charles Oliveira successfully defends his BMF title against Diego Lopes at UFC 335 in December, a clash with Volkanovski in 2027 could feel less like a cash-grab and more like a clash of legends at the right time. Both fighters are still in their primes—Volkanovski has rarely looked this dominant, while Oliveira’s legacy as a former UFC champion remains untarnished. This would also test Volkanovski’s credentials as a lightweight contender. While he reportedly dislikes the idea of jumping to 155 for Justin Gaethje, a win over Oliveira could position him as a credible challenger for Arman Tsarukyan’s title in a lightweight showdown. The BMF designation might add spice, but this fight would justify its place in the UFC’s stacked lightweight division.

Wild card: Arman Tsarukyan

If Gaethje retires after his June showdown with Islam Makhachev, Tsarukyan’s path becomes clear. The UFC would likely grant Volkanovski a welterweight title shot, capitalizing on his featherweight dominance to reestablish him as a legitimate lightweight threat. A matchup against Tsarukyan would be a career-defining moment for both fighters.

Movsar Evloev, Featherweight

Who should be next: Pat Sabatini

Despite Evloev’s terse “maybe I’ll try again” comment about his featherweight future—a line likely lost in translation—his first loss since 2018 puts him in a tough spot. The Russian grappler now sits as a gatekeeper, and while his loss to Volkanovski doesn’t diminish his skills, rebuilding momentum will take time. Sabatini, fresh off a decision loss to Diego Lopes in June, offers a calculated next step. It’s not a title shot, but a rematch of their UFC 300 war could reignite his career and feed into a larger feud. The UFC has a history of leveraging gatekeepers into marquee fights, and Sabatini’s grit could pave that path.

Wild card: Steve Garcia

Garcia, though more obvious as a next opponent, brings spark. His July knockout loss to Lopes at UFC Freedom 250 offers a chance for redemption. A Garcia-Evloev clash would test both fighters’ durability and submission prowess, potentially setting up a top-five showdown if either wins big. For Garcia, it’s a step toward relevance; for Evloev, a way to claw back into the title conversation.

Petr Yan, Men’s Bantamweight Champion

Who should be next: Sean O’Malley

Yan’s trilogy victory over Dvalishvili solidified his reign, but the UFC’s next move will hinge on O’Malley’s credibility. Though O’Malley’s recent wins over Song Yadong and Zahabi don’t scream title shot, his 2022 split decision win over Yan remains a key factor. The UFC has a pattern of revisiting controversial decisions—see Jones vs. Gustafsson—which makes Yan vs. O’Malley a foregone conclusion. The rematch would be a tactical chess match, with both fighters evolving since their first clash. O’Malley’s rise, however, doesn’t negate Song’s case for contention, but the UFC’s preference for high-profile rematches makes O’Malley the safe bet.

Wild card: Song Yadong

Song’s explosive knockout of Nurmagomedov in January 2025 makes him a tantalizing option. Yan might prefer this matchup—the firepower and speed could reignite their rivalry. Yet O’Malley’s name value and the first fight’s notoriety likely secure the order, leaving Song as the eventual co-main event or future No. 1 contender.**

Merab Dvalishvili, Men’s Bantamweight

Who should be next: Umar Nurmagomedov

Dvalishvili’s back-to-back losses to Yan, including a brutal unanimous decision setback, won’t keep him idle. The logical next step is a rematch with Nurmagomedov, whose first fight at UFC 311 (a split decision loss) ended with Nurmagomedov breaking his hand early. Both fighters now have recent setbacks, creating a compelling narrative for a second encounter. The UFC thrives on such storylines, and their shared Georgian roots add cultural weight. A rematch would settle scores and likely determine the next title challenger.

Wild card: Payton Talbott

Talbott’s meteoric rise—from UFC debut in 2024 to a dominant decision win over Mario Bota in July—makes him a risky but intriguing gamble. A Talbott-vs-Dvalishvili clash would test whether his explosive style can overcome veteran experience. If Talbott wins, he cements himself as a future champion; if he loses, it’s a learning experience. The UFC’s love for young talent could make this a quick title shot for the winner.

Aaron Pico, Featherweight

Who should be next: Jean Silva

Pico’s first-round KO of Losene Keita at UFC 333 marked his return to form, but his path forward requires recalibration. A clash with Brazil’s Jean Silva—a prospect with similar potential and a recent decision loss to Diego Ortega—offers a gritty test. Silva’s grappling and knockout power could expose vulnerabilities in Pico’s defense, while a win for Pico would signal readiness for top-tier opponents. The UFC has historically fast-tracked fighters with unfinished business, and this rematch holds UFC Fight Night main event potential.

Wild card: Youssef Zalal

Zalal’s career arc—from hype to a 0-3 start to a five-fight winning streak—adds a David-vs-Goliath narrative. His April loss to Aljamaine Sterling and recent win over Davey Grant don’t guarantee a title shot, but a Zalal-Pico showdown could highlight two talents with unresolved potential. For Pico, it’s a chance to decisively end questions about his development; for Zalal, it’s a platform to announce himself as a top contender.

Looking ahead, the UFC 333 aftermath underscores the league’s knack for blending legacy fights with rising stars. Volkanovski’s lightweight ambitions, Yan’s rematch cycle, Evloev’s redemption arc, and Dvalishvili’s comeback attempt all point to a dynamic 2026. With names like O’Malley, Tsarukyan, and Silva circling, the divisional landscape is primed for upheaval—proving once again that in the Octagon, the future belongs to those willing to evolve.

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