UFC 333, Islam Makhachev’s next title defense odds revealed

The UFC has locked in two championship fights for UFC 333 on October 24 in Abu Dhabi, with early betting odds now available for the title bouts.

Alexander Volkanovski will defend his featherweight crown against unbeaten challenger Movsar Evloev, with the champion opening as a slight favorite at -130 odds. In the co-main event, Petr Yan faces Merab Dvalishvili in a highly anticipated trilogy fight for the bantamweight title, with Yan favored at -170. The two have traded contrasting results: Dvalishvili dominated with wrestling in their first encounter, while Yan executed a masterclass performance to capture the belt in their rematch.

Islam Makhachev successfully defended his welterweight title at UFC 330 with a hard-fought decision victory over Ian Garry. The Dagestani champion is now eyeing his next opponent, with two contenders emerging as leading candidates. Carlos Prates, the Brazilian challenger, opened at +210 odds against Makhachev's -250 favorite status. Alternatively, undefeated 170-pounder Michael Morales—who served as the backup for the Garry bout—is also in consideration, with Makhachev favored at -210 against him at +180. The champion's next title defense remains to be formally announced, though both Prates and Morales appear to be at the front of the line.