UFC 333 Main Card Odds, Picks & Predictions (2026)
UFC 333 is a loaded card with two title bouts and several ranked matchups. The promotion is headed to Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Alexander Volkanovski is putting his belt on the line against Movsar Evloev in the main event, while Petr Yan puts his on the line in a rematch with Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event. The prelims start at 10 a.m. ET, while the main card starts at 2 p.m. ET, all on Paramount+.
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UFC 333 Main Card Picks & Predictions (2026)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Aaron Pico (-142) vs. Losene Keita (+120)
This matchup is one of the most interesting on the card, and it opens the main card on Saturday. Aaron Pico is the 11th-ranked fighter in the featherweight division and is 1-1 in the UFC. He is fighting Losene Keita, who is also 1-1 in the UFC.
Pico fought in Bellator from 2017 to 2023, where he owned a 12-4 record with eight knockouts, two submissions, and two decision victories. Three of his four losses were via knockout and one via submission. He is a skilled fighter with loads of experience against high-level competition.
Keita is an athletic fighter with explosive power. That may be a problem for Pico, who does not have the best chin. He knocked out Muhammad Naimov in September in the first round. He lost to Nathaniel Wood in his UFC debut in March via split decision.
Pico's wrestling is the key for him in this matchup. He has to get Keita to the mat, which he probably can, but can he hold him there? I do not think he can. Pico has high-level wrestling, but he has to control him on the mat once he gets him there.
Keita has the speed and power advantage on the feet. Pico is an excellent boxer, but he does not have a lot of power. He uses his boxing to set up his wrestling. Pico averages 6.54 takedowns landed per 15 minutes in the UFC, while Keita has defended 100% of takedowns.
I expect Pico to use his wrestling nonstop in this matchup. I think he finds some success, but holding Keita on the mat is tough. Once Keita finds his chin, this fight will not last long. Keita is an underdog, so that is the play, but I also like him to win by knockout.
Bet: Losene Keita (+120)
Alexander Volkov (-120) vs. Rizvan Kuniev (+100)
The long-time UFC veteran Alexander Volkov has worked his way to No. 2 in the heavyweight rankings. He has won six of his last seven fights, with the lone loss coming against current champion Ciryl Gane in December 2024 via split decision.
Volkov is fighting Rizvan Kuniev, the seventh-ranked fighter in the division. Kuniev is 4-1 in the UFC, with three knockout victories. His only loss was against Curtis Blaydes in June 2025 via split decision.
This is a very competitive matchup between two streaking heavyweights. Volkov is 40-11 as a professional and has much more experience. Volkov is a kickboxer who has a four-inch reach advantage in this matchup. Kuniev is a skilled wrestler with solid striking, especially in the clinch.
Volkov should pick Kuniev apart at range over 15 minutes. He does not have tremendous power for the division, but he is still a massive heavyweight, so the power is there. Kuniev uses pressure to set up takedowns and overwhelm his opponents. That should not work in this matchup.
Kuniev cannot rush in against Volkov. Volkov has precise striking and is a skilled counter-striker. I expect Volkov to limit the pressure from Kuniev by keeping him at range and countering him on his way inside. This is a bad matchup for Kuniev, and he will have to take some damage to find success. Volkov has too much experience and counter-striking to succumb to Kuniev.
Bet: Alexander Volkov (-120)