The early preliminary card for UFC 333 features a compelling featherweight matchup between Bolaji Oki and Daniel Santos. The event, headlined by Volkanovski versus Evloev, brings together two fighters heading in different directions in search of a crucial victory.
Bolaji Oki enters the Octagon holding a 10-4 professional record but looking to snap a two-fight losing skid. In his most recent outing in March 2026, he suffered a third-round technical knockout loss against Manoel Sousa. That followed a September 2025 defeat where Mason Jones stopped him with elbows in the second round. Both setbacks came after a decision victory over Michael Aswell Jr. in May 2025. For this weekend’s contest, Oki is dropping down to the featherweight division, introducing an intriguing physical adjustment to his career.
Standing three inches taller with a six-inch reach advantage, Oki possesses the physical tools to dictate range. Analysts point to his five knockout wins and four first-round finishes as evidence of his finishing power, which could be amplified by the move to featherweight if his weight cut goes smoothly. By utilizing a long jab and front kicks, Oki has a clear tactical path to keep his opponent at bay and end his current slump.
Across the cage, Daniel Santos carries a 13-3 record into his latest appearance, looking to rebound from his second UFC defeat. In May 2026, Santos was stopped by Doo Ho Choi via a second-round body shot in a Fight of the Night-caliber slugfest. Prior to that setback, he delivered a swift knockout victory over Joo Sang Yoo, finishing the bout in just 21 seconds of the second round at UFC 320. That performance elevated his promotional record to 4-1 before moving to 4-2 ahead of this weekend.
Santos holds a slight betting edge, listed at -112 compared to Oki at -108. Market expectations also lean toward a shorter fight, with the odds for the total rounds set at over 2.5 rounds at +124 and under 2.5 rounds at -160.
Stylistically, Santos brings aggressive pressure and proven durability, having demonstrated his ability to absorb heavy punishment and keep trading during his bout with Choi. His repertoire includes seven career knockout victories and two submissions, highlighting a diverse finishing threat that could neutralize Oki’s length if he successfully closes the distance. Furthermore, Santos has the capability to mix in takedowns to disrupt Oki’s striking rhythm.
While Oki’s reach and size offer a distinct route to victory if he maintains distance, the prevailing expectation points toward Santos navigating the early exchanges, working inside, and ultimately securing a second-round technical knockout after forcing his opponent backward.
