Overview
- Citing Thursday’s interview with Shakiel Mahjouri, Dana White said the UFC has no contingency plans and will hold UFC 333 as scheduled in Abu Dhabi.
- UFC 333 remains listed for Saturday, Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena with Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev and Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili as the title fights and a confirmed card change sending Aaron Pico to face Losene Keita after Arnold Allen’s withdrawal.
- White did not describe any security consultations, relocation triggers, or formal backup plans for the event, and the promotion has not publicly reported how the booked fighters feel about traveling to the region.
- Recent regional incidents cited in reporting include a missile strike on King Khalid International Airport and attacks attributed to Houthi militants, and one Saudi tennis tournament has already been postponed because of the unrest.
- The decision highlights the commercial pull of the Middle East for combat sports and raises what to watch next: public security assessments, any fighter or card withdrawals, and whether other promoters maintain scheduled events.