Published 24 days ago
Arnold Allen's withdrawal from UFC 333 opens the door to a new fight for Aaron Pico against Losene Keita.
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Arnold Allen was forced to withdraw from UFC 333 due to a delay in his rehabilitation, leaving Aaron Pico to face Losene Keita. The latter, riding high after a KO at UFC Paris, earned a Performance of the Night bonus and now looks to make his mark in the featherweight division.
To remember:
- Arnold Allen withdraws from UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi.
- The Brit pulls out of his fight against Aaron Pico due to rehabilitation delays.
- Losene Keita, winner by KO at UFC Paris, now faces Pico and earns a Performance of the Night bonus.
Incredible but true: Arnold Allen, one of the UK’s top featherweight prospects in the UFC, will not step into the Octagon in Abu Dhabi on October 24, 2024 for UFC 333. Originally scheduled to face Aaron Pico, the 32-year-old Brit was forced to withdraw, as confirmed by multiple sources close to the organization. But contrary to rumors, this decision is not due to a new injury.
In reality, a simple delay in his rehabilitation put a halt to his ambitions. Despite encouraging progress, the timeline did not allow Allen to reach his optimal preparation level for this fight. A tough decision, but a necessary one to preserve his long-term career. Recall that he won by decision against Melquizael Costa at UFC Vegas 117 in May, confirming his status as a serious contender in the division.
A reshuffled fight: Pico vs. Keita
Meanwhile, Aaron Pico remains in the mix and will see his opponent change at the last minute. The Californian will now face Losene Keita, a rising fighter. The latter made a strong impression at UFC Paris this month by securing a first-round KO against Muhammad Naimov, a performance that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. A first UFC win for Keita, who now boasts a record of 17 wins in 19 fights.
A golden opportunity for him to prove he belongs among the featherweight elite. As for Pico, he’ll need to adapt quickly to this change, but his experience and technique could make the difference.
What does this mean for Allen and the division?
For Arnold Allen, this setback is a hard blow, but not the end of the road. The Brit, who already has 19 wins in 24 fights, remains a formidable opponent. His return will depend on his ability to complete his rehabilitation and regain his best form.
On the British featherweight front, his absence leaves a void to fill. Several names are already circulating as potential replacements, but no clear favorite has emerged. One thing is certain: UFC 333 promises to be an event full of twists, with Keita as the improvised headliner.
UFC 333 is shaping up under new circumstances with Arnold Allen’s withdrawal and the surprise arrival of Losene Keita. A chance for Aaron Pico to shine and for Keita to confirm his status as a rising star. As for Allen, he’ll have to wait before making a stronger comeback.