Kavanagh vs. Temirov: Even Odds and a Pick for UFC 333

UFC 333 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 24, 2026, includes a flyweight main card matchup between Lone'er Kavanagh and Ramazan Temirov. Kavanagh, 27, broke into the top 10 within five UFC fights, facing three top-ranked opponents along the way and beating former world champion Brandon Moreno. He has, however, lost two of his last three.

Temirov is also just three wins into his UFC run, with past experience in Rizin. The preview described the Uzbek fighter's style as a nonstop mix of power punches, spinning kicks and wrestling, and he comes in off a knockout of Steve Erceg. According to the analyst, another big win could put him on the edge of the top five.

Dead-even odds

Bookmakers listed both men at -113. Each was +185 to win by knockout. Kavanagh was +275 to win on the scorecards and +800 by submission, while Temirov was +400 by decision and +2000 by submission.

The breakdown described Kavanagh as an explosive striker who closes distance with quick bursts and sharp counters and who kicks dangerously. It noted that neither man will have a height disadvantage and that Kavanagh is the straighter puncher. His key, according to the preview, is to avoid pulling away from exchanges, where Temirov's long right hand tends to land, and to stand his ground behind his lead shoulder or angle off to counter the looping offense.

The analyst said Temirov commits fully to every attack, whether a big swing, a spinning technique or a blast double-leg, leaving opponents little time to react. He would favor Kavanagh in a pure kickboxing contest, but said the takedown threat changes everything. The suggested adjustment for Temirov was to straighten his punches, feint more and occasionally go to the body, since Kavanagh is more likely than Erceg to stand and fire back.

Why the pick is Temirov

The deciding factor in the prediction was Kavanagh's recent fight with Brandon Royval three months earlier. Although that fight ended in a submission loss, Kavanagh absorbed heavy damage and was rocked several times. The analyst questioned the career management of taking on one of the division's hardest hitters so soon afterward and, in a close matchup, called it for Temirov by knockout.