Grant Dawson Faces Undefeated Nurullo Aliev at UFC 333

Veteran contender Grant Dawson (24-3-1) faces undefeated lightweight Nurullo Aliev (12-0) in the main card of UFC 333 on October 24, 2026. The fight takes place inside Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi as part of a prelim bout before Volkanovski versus Evloev opens the event.

Dawson enters with momentum after submitting Mateusz Rebecki via rear-naked choke at UFC 328, though he previously lost to Manuel Torres by knockout. Aliev arrives undefeated and unbeaten in the UFC since defeating Shaqueme Rock and Mike Davis recently. While betting odds favor Dawson slightly due to his finishing ability, some analysts predict a decision based on Aliev's grappling prowess.

Dawson cites motivation from having one fight remaining on his contract ahead of potential renegotiation negotiations. He intends to utilize his wrestling background by attempting to grapple the opponent early in the contest.