Arnold Allen Out of UFC 333; Aaron Pico Now Faces Losene Keita

Arnold Allen will not compete at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion's plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that Allen has been scratched from his scheduled bout against Aaron Pico, which takes place Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena. Pico will remain on the event to square off against Losene Keita.

The reason for Allen's withdrawal is not due to a new injury. A source told MMA Fighting that the 32-year-old fighter has been rehabbing from past treatments. While Allen's recovery is on the right track, there was not enough time to be fully ready to compete by Oct.

24, a scenario that was known as a possibility when the bout was arranged. The hope is for Allen to return to the Octagon before the end of the year. Allen is coming off a decision win over Melquizael Costa in the headliner of UFC Vegas 117 in May.

Pico will now prepare for Keita after securing his first promotional win in his last appearance, where he defeated Patricio Pitbull by decision at UFC 327 in April. Keita (17-2) enters the matchup shortly after delivering a first-round knockout victory against Muhammad Naimov at UFC Paris earlier this month, an effort that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.