White Cites Abu Dhabi Records, Cuts Off Card Quality Question

Dana White opened the UFC 333 post-fight press conference by reading venue figures, and later ended a reporter's challenge about card quality with "that's your opinion, sir." The event took place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

"Tonight was the highest attendance for a UFC event in Abu Dhabi history," White said. "Highest gate. We broke the arena record. We now hold four of the five top gates here at the arena. And over 50% of the fans came from outside UAE."

White then turned to criticism of the UFC's matchmaking. "When's the last time we had a bad card?" he asked the room.

A reporter answered: "I mean, to be honest, the last Saudi card didn't show up that much." White replied: "Okay. Well, that's your opinion, sir. Have a nice night."

The card

The champions kept their belts after close, intense fights. The source says the data showed UFC 333 was the most successful UFC event in Abu Dhabi history.

Both title fights ended with the champions keeping their belts. Alexander Volkanovski stopped the unbeaten Movsar Evloev with a second-round TKO. Petr Yan beat Merab Dvalishvili by a tight 48-47 decision.

Lone'er Kavanagh and Aaron Pico won by early finishes. Alexander Volkov took a decision win.

The question about quality has a background in the region. A February 2025 card in Saudi Arabia saw last-minute fight cancellations because of passport issues. In 2024, reports claimed Saudi officials delayed an entire event to demand higher-profile fighters, which White denied at the time.

The UFC returns to Riyadh in December, with Israel Adesanya facing Sharabutdin Magomedov in the main event.

Source: MMA Sucka