UFC 333 press conference: Volkanovski in a Street Fighter wig, Evloev as Tommy Shelby
Dana White opened Thursday's press conference at Etihad Arena in front of a packed crowd.
The UFC 333 press conference took place at Etihad Arena on Thursday 22 October in front of a packed crowd, Arab News reported. UFC CEO Dana White opened it by saying: "It's good to be back here in Abu Dhabi." The event on Saturday 24 October is sold out, according to Khaleej Times.
The two featherweights turned up in costume. Champion Alexander Volkanovski came dressed as his Street Fighter character Joe, in a blond wig, while challenger Movsar Evloev wore a three-piece suit and flat cap in the style of Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders, The National reported.
The words were sharper than the outfits. Volkanovski said of the unbeaten Russian: "I think he's the toughest fight for everybody in the division, just not me." Evloev answered: "I can do anything I want and I'll prove it." Volkanovski also told The National: "I believe I've seen that puzzle before."
In the co-main event pairing, Petr Yan said "Abu Dhabi for me is the best place", while Merab Dvalishvili told the crowd: "I love Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi loves me." Yan won his first UFC title in Abu Dhabi in 2020 against Jose Aldo.
There was a lighter moment at the end. A fan asked White to shave his head in exchange for tickets, Arab News reported. White offered the tickets without the haircut, and the fan accepted.
UFC 333: Volkanovski vs EvloevSat 24 Oct · Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi See ticketsSource: Arab News, The National, Khaleej Times
