Arnold Allen will not compete in Abu Dhabi.
Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that Allen has been scratched from his scheduled matchup with Aaron Pico at UFC 333, which takes place Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena.
The reason for Allen’s withdrawal wasn’t due to a new injury, but the U.K. fighter has been rehabbing from some past treatments, a source told MMA Fighting. While Allen is on the right track, there wasn’t enough time between now and the event for Allen to be ready to compete, but this was made known as a possibility when the matchup was initially discussed. The hope is for Allen to return before the end of the year.
The 32-year-old is coming off of a decision win against Melquizael Costa in the main event of May’s UFC Vegas 117.
As for Pico, he’ll remain on the card to face Losene Keita. Pico earned his first UFC victory in his most recent contest with a decision win over Patricio Pitbull at UFC 327 in April.
Keita (17-2) is coming off a first-round knockout of Muhammad Naimov at UFC Paris earlier this month that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. It was his first UFC win in two tries.
MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin contributed to this report.
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