UFC 333: Allen Withdraws, Keita Replaces Him Against Pico

Key points

• Arnold Allen withdrew from UFC 333 due to insufficient recovery time from past treatments, not a new injury.
• Losene Keita replaces Allen to fight Aaron Pico on the main card in Abu Dhabi.
• Allen was aiming for his first three-fight calendar year in the UFC since 2014.
• Pico, ranked No. 13, previously won a decision against Patricio Pitbull at UFC 327.
• Keita, 17-2, earned a Performance of the Night bonus for a first-round knockout at UFC Paris.

Background

UFC 333 is scheduled for October 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The event features a featherweight title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev, as well as a bantamweight trilogy between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili. Recent archive coverage noted Tommy McMillen seeking a backup slot for the Volkanovski-Evloev bout, highlighting the high stakes of the main card. Allen had returned to competition in 2026 after an 18-month absence due to a shoulder injury, winning a decision against Melquizael Costa in May.

How outlets are covering it

MMA Fighting and MMA Mania confirm Allen’s withdrawal is due to rehab from past treatments, with MMA Mania noting Allen’s public response to speculation on social media. Bloody Elbow emphasizes Allen’s injury-prone history and the significance of the lost three-fight year. Sports Illustrated provides broader context on the UFC 333 card, including the Yan-Dvalishvili trilogy and other main card bouts like Volkov vs. Kuniev. All sources agree on Keita’s replacement and his recent knockout performance, though MMA Mania highlights Keita’s previous weight cut issues and split decision loss in his UFC debut.

Why it matters

The change affects the featherweight division’s contender rankings, as Pico loses a chance to climb the ladder against a top-10 opponent. Keita gains a high-profile opportunity to prove himself after a mixed UFC debut. The event’s main card remains strong with title fights, but the loss of the Allen-Pico bout reduces a key contender’s match. Allen’s return is hoped for before year’s end, potentially impacting future rankings and title picture discussions.

What to watch

UFC 333 will proceed on October 24 with the updated card. Allen is expected to return before the end of 2026, potentially facing a new opponent. Pico will face Keita in a featherweight bout, with the winner potentially moving up in the rankings. The event will also feature the Volkanovski-Evloev title fight and Yan-Dvalishvili trilogy, with additional bouts to be announced in the coming weeks.