Why UFC 333’s Main Card Just Shifted Suddenly

What Happened

The upcoming UFC 333 card in Abu Dhabi has suffered a major shakeup. No. 6-ranked featherweight contender Arnold Allen has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled October 24, 2026 matchup against No. 13-seeded Aaron Pico on "Fight Island."

According to reports, Allen's body simply needed more recovery time. While the "Almighty" has been actively rehabbing from past treatments, the turnaround time for the United Arab Emirates event proved too tight. Allen reacted to online speculation about his health on X, posting, "Those are not your beans to spill!!!"

Why It Matters: Division Implications and Stakes

The sudden shift alters the competitive landscape of the 145-pound division. For Aaron Pico, maintaining a spot on the main card keeps his divisional momentum alive. Pico has gone 1–1 since entering the UFC in August 2025, looking to rebound from a tough loss against Lerone Murphy.

For Allen, the withdrawal temporarily pauses what was shaping up to be a very busy year. A bout with Pico would have marked Allen's third appearance of 2026—a pacing milestone he hasn't achieved since his Cage Warriors days back in 2014. After bouncing back from a rough start to the year with a win over Melquizael Costa, Allen's primary focus is now long-term health and full recovery.

Who Is Stepping In

Fortunately, UFC matchmakers didn't have to look far to keep Pico on the marquee. Knockout artist Losene Keita has accepted the high-stakes bout on short notice.

Keita enters this 145-pound clash riding major momentum. He is fresh off a blistering first-round knockout win over Muhammad Naimov at UFC Paris, a performance that earned him a lucrative "Performance of the Night" bonus. Facing an explosive finisher like Keita on short notice presents a dangerous hurdle for Pico, but a victory in Abu Dhabi would instantly cement his ranking among the elite.

What's Next

With Losene Keita stepping in opposite Aaron Pico, the UFC 333 main card remains intact heading into the final weeks of camp. Pico must now adjust his strategy to counter Keita’s unorthodox striking and finishing pressure, while Allen shifts his focus to the training room to target a return to the Octagon once fully healed.