The upcoming UFC Fight Night event, headlined by Josh Emmett vs. Kevin Vallejos, includes an intriguing featherweight bout between undefeated prospect Marwan Rahiki and veteran Harry Hardwick. This event is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Meta APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.

The main card begins at 5:00 PM PDT / 8:00 PM EDT, with prelims starting at approximately 2:00 PM PDT / 5:00 PM EDT (available on Paramount+).

As part of the UFC’s ongoing APEX series, this card promises high-stakes action in a controlled environment known for favoring finishes due to its smaller crowd and intimate setup.

Injury Report

• Marwan Rahiki: No reported injuries heading into this matchup. Rahiki has maintained a clean health record throughout his professional career, with no notable setbacks or cancellations in his seven fights.

His most recent bout in October 2025 was a dominant performance without any apparent issues.

• Harry Hardwick: Recovered from a severe leg injury sustained in his UFC debut on September 6, 2025, where he was TKO’d due to brutal leg kicks and required a wheelchair to exit the Octagon.

Hardwick has since confirmed his legs are healing well and he’s back to full training, with no new injuries reported leading up to this fight.

Fighter Matchups and Breakdown

This featherweight contest contrasts Rahiki’s explosive, finish-heavy style with Hardwick’s durable, technical approach honed over a longer career. Rahiki, making his UFC debut after earning a contract via Dana White’s Contender Series, is a knockout artist with youth on his side (age 23). Hardwick, a former Cage Warriors champion, brings experience from 18 pro fights but enters off a loss. Both fighters are listed at 5’10” with similar reaches (Rahiki at 72″, Hardwick at 71″), potentially leading to a stand-up battle where Rahiki’s power could clash with Hardwick’s resilience.

Rahiki fights out of orthodox stance, emphasizing striking volume and finishes, while Hardwick’s grappling background could force takedowns if he avoids early danger.

Recent Form

• Marwan Rahiki: Rahiki is on a flawless 7-fight win streak, all by stoppage, showcasing his dominance in regional scenes before his DWCS victory.
• He’s 5-0 in his last five, with four finishes in 2025 alone, highlighting his rapid ascent and finishing prowess against increasingly tough opposition.

Recent Fights:

• Oct 14, 2025: Win vs. Ananias Mulumba (TKO – Punches, R2, DWCS)
  • Jul 5, 2025: Win vs. Gabriel Schlupp (KO/TKO, R2, Beatdown Promotions)
  • May 31, 2025: Win vs. Semakadde Kakembo (Submission – Guillotine, R4, Hex Fight Series)
  • Mar 1, 2025: Win vs. Michael Barber (KO/TKO, R1, Hex Fight Series)
  • Sep 7, 2024: Win vs. Michael Mannue (KO/TKO, R1, Regional)

• Harry Hardwick: Hardwick has shown grit but inconsistency lately, going 3-1 in his last four with a mix of finishes and decisions before his UFC debut loss.

The leg kick defeat exposed potential weaknesses, but his prior wins demonstrate recovery ability.

Recent Fights:

• Sep 6, 2025: Loss vs. Kaue Fernandes (TKO – Leg Kicks, R1, UFC Fight Night)
  • Mar 21, 2025: Win vs. Javier Garcia (Technical Decision, R4, Cage Warriors 186)
  • Nov 23, 2024: Win vs. Keweney Lopes (TKO, R4, Cage Warriors 181)
  • May 25, 2024: Win vs. Orlando Wilson Prins (TKO, R2, Cage Warriors 172)
  • Nov 25, 2023: Win vs. Zafar Mohsen (Submission – RNC, R2, Cage Warriors 164)

Fight History

This marks the first encounter between Rahiki and Hardwick, with no prior professional or amateur matchups.

Rahiki’s limited experience contrasts Hardwick’s tenure in promotions like Cage Warriors, where he captured and defended the featherweight title. No shared opponents or notable connections exist to predict stylistic edges beyond their individual records.

FIGHT ODDS

Marwan Rahiki                 – 260

Harry Hardwick                 + 210

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 13, 2026

The upcoming UFC Fight Night event, headlined by Josh Emmett vs. Kevin Vallejos, features a compelling featherweight matchup between veteran Andre Fili and rising prospect Jose Miguel Delgado. This bout is set for Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Meta APEX (UFC APEX) facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.

The main card starts at 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT, with prelims beginning earlier at approximately 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT (broadcast on Paramount+).

This event marks another installment in the UFC’s Vegas series, known for delivering action-packed cards in the intimate APEX setting.

Injury Report

• Andre Fili: No current injuries reported leading into this fight. Fili has a history of setbacks, including an eye injury that led to a no-contest in 2021 and a knee injury early in his career, but he appears healthy after his most recent bout in August 2025.
• Jose Miguel Delgado: No injuries noted in recent reports. Delgado has maintained a clean bill of health since entering the UFC, with his only recent setback being a decision loss rather than any physical issues.

Fighter Matchups and Breakdown

This featherweight clash pits experience against youth and finishing ability. Fili, a UFC staple since 2013, brings a wealth of Octagon time (38 professional fights) against Delgado’s relative inexperience (12 pro bouts, only three in the UFC). Both fighters stand at 5’11” with similar reaches (Fili at 74″, Delgado at 74″), setting up a potentially even striking exchange.

Fili’s orthodox stance and versatile skill set could test Delgado’s aggressive, knockout-oriented style.

Recent Form

• Andre Fili: Fili enters with mixed momentum, alternating wins and losses in his last eight fights dating back to 2022.
• His recent form shows resilience in decisions but vulnerability to finishes against top competition. He’s 3-2 in his last five, with notable wins over veterans like Cub Swanson.

Recent Fights:

• Aug 9, 2025: Win vs. Christian Rodriguez (Split Decision, UFC Fight Night)
  • Feb 22, 2025: Loss vs. Melquizael Costa (Submission – Guillotine, R1, UFC Fight Night)
  • Jun 29, 2024: Win vs. Cub Swanson (Split Decision, UFC 303)
  • Feb 10, 2024: Loss vs. Dan Ige (KO/TKO – Punch, R1, UFC Fight Night)
  • Dec 16, 2023: Win vs. Lucas Almeida (KO/TKO, R1, UFC 296)

• Jose Miguel Delgado: Delgado burst onto the UFC scene via Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024 and has shown knockout prowess, but his undefeated streak was snapped in his last outing.
• He’s 3-1 in his last four, with all wins by finish, highlighting his danger early but questions about his gas tank in longer fights.

Recent Fights:

• Oct 25, 2025: Loss vs. Nathaniel Wood (Unanimous Decision, UFC 321)
  • Jun 28, 2025: Win vs. Hyder Amil (KO/TKO – Knee, R1, UFC 317)
  • Feb 15, 2025: Win vs. Connor Matthews (KO/TKO – Punches, R1, UFC Fight Night)
  • Aug 13, 2024: Win vs. Ernie Juarez (KO/TKO – Knee, R2, DWCS)

Fight History

This is the first meeting between Fili and Delgado, with no prior head-to-head encounters in professional MMA.

Fili has faced a murderers’ row of featherweights over his career (e.g., Bryce Mitchell, Max Holloway), giving him an edge in big-fight experience. Delgado, meanwhile, is still building his resume against UFC-level opposition.

FIGHT ODDS

Andre Fili                            + 240

Jose Miguel Delgado      – 310

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 13, 2026

The UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Vallejos (UFC Vegas 114 / UFC Fight Night 269) features a compelling light heavyweight matchup between veteran knockout artist Ion “The Hulk” Cutelaba and undefeated prospect Oumar Sy. This bout pits Cutelaba’s explosive power and experience against Sy’s athleticism, finishing ability, and unbeaten streak. Cutelaba (19-11-1, 1 NC) aims to rebound from recent setbacks and leverage his one-punch KO threat, while Sy (12-1-0) looks to continue his dominant run and solidify his status as a rising star in the 205-pound division. The fight takes place in the intimate Meta APEX octagon, where the smaller space could lead to early fireworks or a grinding veteran test for the prospect.

Venue Location

Meta APEX
6650 El Camino Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89118, USA
This 130,000-square-foot UFC-owned facility is a staple for Fight Night events, featuring a smaller 25-foot octagon that promotes aggressive standup, clinch work, and ground battles compared to larger arenas.

Prelims: 2:00 PM ET (11:00 AM PT)
Main Card: 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PT)
Broadcast: Paramount+ (streaming live), UFC Fight Pass (international). The Cutelaba vs. Sy bout is a main card fight, expected around 6:00-7:00 PM ET depending on pacing. Note: Some international sources list start as March 15, 2026, at 12:00 AM UTC due to time zones.

Injury Repor

tIon Cutelaba

• Out: None reported.
• Questionable: No current injuries noted; Cutelaba’s recent loss (May 2025 split decision to Modestas Bukauskas) showed no lingering effects. At 32, his durability remains a strength.
• Notes: Cutelaba appears fully healthy entering the bout, with no disclosed training issues.

Oumar Sy

• Out: None reported.
• Questionable: No injuries disclosed; Sy’s recent win (Sep 2025 decision over Brendson Ribeiro) had no post-fight concerns.
• Notes: At 30, Sy enters with a clean bill of health; no major setbacks in his career.

Key Fighter Matchups

This light heavyweight veteran vs. prospect clash features Cutelaba’s aggressive power (high KO rate) against Sy’s athleticism and well-rounded game. Cutelaba (6’1″, 205 lbs) brings experience and one-punch threat, while Sy (6’4″, 206 lbs) offers height/reach advantages (estimated 2-3 inches) and finishing ability. Key battles include standup power exchanges and potential grappling, where Sy’s wrestling could test Cutelaba’s defense.

Recent Form

Ion Cutelaba

• May 10, 2025: L vs. Modestas Bukauskas (Split Dec) – Competitive loss.
• Jan 11, 2025: W vs. Brendson Ribeiro (KO/TKO) – Power display.
• Earlier 2024: Mixed results with wins and losses. Form: L-W-L (rebounding but inconsistent vs. top foes).

Oumar Sy

• Sep 6, 2025: W vs. Brendson Ribeiro (Decision) – Dominant win.
• Earlier 2025: W vs. opponents with finishes. Form: W-W-W (unbeaten streak, versatile).

Fight History

No prior meetings between Cutelaba and Sy. No shared opponents for direct comparisons. This is a fresh veteran vs. prospect clash, with Cutelaba’s power facing Sy’s athleticism.

FIGHT ODDS

Ion Cutelaba      + 165

Oumar Sy            – 200

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 13, 2026

The UFC Fight Night headlined by Josh Emmett vs. Kevin Vallejos (UFC Vegas 114 / UFC Fight Night 269) serves as the main event on a stacked Fight Night card. This featherweight clash pits veteran knockout artist Josh Emmett (19-6) against the surging, undefeated-in-the-UFC Kevin Vallejos (17-1). Emmett, a former interim title challenger, looks to snap a skid and remind the division of his one-punch power, while Vallejos rides a three-fight UFC win streak with explosive finishes and high-level competition victories. The Meta APEX’s intimate octagon should amplify the action, with potential for early fireworks or a grueling veteran test for the rising star.

Venue Location

Meta APEX
6650 El Camino Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89118, USA (Enterprise area of the Las Vegas Valley)
This compact venue hosts numerous Fight Night events with a 25-foot octagon, encouraging aggressive exchanges, clinch battles, and higher finish rates compared to larger arenas. No live audience is present, creating a focused, high-production broadcast environment.

Prelims: 2:00 PM ET (11:00 AM PT)
Main Card: 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PT) / 8:00 PM ET main event window
Broadcast: Paramount+ (streaming live for main card and prelims), with potential ESPN+ or international options. The Emmett vs. Vallejos main event is expected late in the main card (around 8:00-9:00 PM ET).

Injury Report

Josh Emmett

• Out: None reported.
• Questionable: No current injuries; Emmett’s most recent fights (losses to Youssef Zalal in Oct 2025 via sub and Lerone Murphy in Apr 2025 via decision) showed no lingering issues. Age (41) and power-based style raise general wear concerns, but no specific reports.
• Notes: Emmett appears healthy entering the bout, with full training camp.

Kevin Vallejos

• Out: None reported.
• Questionable: No injuries disclosed; Vallejos’ recent win (KO over Giga Chikadze in Dec 2025) and prior victories had no post-fight concerns.
• Notes: At 24, Vallejos enters fresh; no major setbacks noted.

Fighter Matchups

This featherweight main event highlights contrasting styles: Emmett’s veteran power punching and one-shot KO threat vs. Vallejos’ explosive athleticism, finishing ability, and rising momentum. Emmett (5’7″, 70″ reach) brings experience and durability, while Vallejos (5’7″, 68″ reach) offers youth, speed, and recent dominance. The APEX octagon may force standup battles, favoring Emmett’s power or Vallejos’ volume and counters.

Recent Form

Josh Emmett

• Oct 4, 2025: L vs. Youssef Zalal (Sub R1) – Armbar after competitive start.
• Apr 5, 2025: L vs. Lerone Murphy (Unanimous Dec) – 5-round decision loss.
• Dec 16, 2023: W vs. Bryce Mitchell (KO R1) – Slam KO win. Form: L-L-W (struggles against top competition, but power remains).

Kevin Vallejos

• Dec 13, 2025: W vs. Giga Chikadze (KO R2, Spinning Backfist/Elbows) – Highlight finish.
• Aug 2, 2025: W vs. Danny Silva (Unanimous Dec) – Dominant control.
• Mar 15, 2025: W vs. Seungwoo Choi (KO/TKO R1) – Early stoppage. Form: W-W-W (unbeaten UFC run, explosive finishes and decisions).

Fight History

No prior meetings between Emmett and Vallejos. No shared opponents for direct comparisons. This is a classic veteran vs. prospect test, with Emmett’s power facing Vallejos’ momentum.

FIGHT ODDS

Josh Emmett                      + 350

Kevin Vallejos                   – 475

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 13, 2026

The UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Vallejos (also known as UFC Vegas 114 or UFC Fight Night 269) prelims feature a bantamweight matchup between rising American prospect Elijah “Swift” Smith and South Korean veteran SuYoung “Yoo-Jitsu” You. This clash pits Smith’s explosive knockout power and athleticism against You’s well-rounded game, strong grappling, and decision-making ability. Smith (9-1, 2-0 UFC) looks to extend his seven-fight winning streak and solidify his status as a contender, while You (16-3, 2 NC; 3-0 UFC) aims to maintain his unbeaten UFC run and prove his finishing ability against a dangerous striker. The compact APEX octagon may lead to high-action exchanges and potential finishes.

Venue Location

Meta APEX
6650 El Camino Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89118, USA
This 130,000-square-foot facility is a regular host for UFC Fight Night events, featuring a 25-foot octagon that reduces evasion space and promotes close-quarters action, clinch work, and higher finish rates compared to larger arenas. No live audience is present, creating an intimate, broadcast-focused environment.

Prelims: 2:00 PM ET (11:00 AM PT / 8:00 AM PT local)
Main Card: 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PT)
Broadcast: Paramount+ (streaming live), UFC Fight Pass (international). The Smith vs. You bout is on the prelims, likely airing early to mid-undercard.

Injury Report

Elijah Smith

• Out: None reported.
• Questionable: No recent injuries noted; Smith’s last fight (Aug 2025 KO win) showed no issues. His career has been relatively injury-free with consistent activity.
• Notes: At 23, Smith appears fully healthy with strong training camp reports.

SuYoung You

• Out: None reported.
• Questionable: No current injuries; You’s most recent fight (Aug 2025 decision win) had no post-fight concerns. Previous UFC bouts clean.
• Notes: At 30, You enters healthy; his style (decision-heavy in UFC) minimizes injury risk.

Fighter Matchups

This bantamweight bout contrasts Smith’s explosive striking and athleticism (5 KO wins) with You’s well-rounded skillset, strong grappling (5 subs), and durability. Smith stands 5’9″ with a 71″ reach, while You is 5’6″ with a 65″ reach, giving Smith potential range advantages. The APEX cage may force engagements, favoring Smith’s power in standup or You’s takedowns and ground control.

Recent Form

Elijah Smith

• Aug 9, 2025: W vs. Toshiomi Kazama (KO R1, Slam) – Viral finish, POTN potential.
• Feb 15, 2025: W vs. Vince Morales (Unanimous Dec) – UFC debut control.
• Sep 18, 2024: W vs. Aaron Tau (Unanimous Dec) – DWCS win, contract earned. Form: W-W-W (7-fight streak, explosive finishes).

SuYoung You

• Aug 23, 2025: W vs. Xiao Long (Unanimous Dec) – Dominant decision.
• Mar 15, 2025: W vs. AJ Cunningham (Unanimous Dec) – Solid control.
• Nov 23, 2024: W vs. Baergeng Jieleyisi (Unanimous Dec) – Road to UFC final win. Form: W-W-W (unbeaten in UFC, decision-heavy).

Fight History

No prior meetings between Smith and You. No shared opponents for direct comparisons. This fresh matchup tests Smith’s power against You’s grinding style.

FIGHT ODDS

Elijah Smith        – 250

SuYoung You      + 190

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 13, 2026

The UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Vallejos (UFC Vegas 114 / UFC Fight Night 269) prelims feature a women’s bantamweight clash between unbeaten Brazilian prospect Bia Mesquita and Mexican veteran Montse “Monster” Rendon. Mesquita (6-0) looks to build on her strong UFC debut submission win, while Rendon (7-1) aims to rebound and prove her staying power in the division. This matchup pits Mesquita’s elite grappling and finishing threat against Rendon’s experience, decision-heavy style, and durability. The smaller APEX octagon could favor Mesquita’s ground control and submission hunting.

Venue Location

Meta APEX
6650 El Camino Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89118, USA
This compact facility is a staple for UFC Fight Night events, with a 25-foot octagon that limits movement and encourages close-range action, grappling, and finishes compared to larger venues. No live audience is present, creating an intimate, high-production broadcast setting.

Prelims: 2:00 PM ET (11:00 AM PT)
Main Card: 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PT)
Broadcast: Paramount+ (streaming live), UFC Fight Pass (international). The Mesquita vs. Rendon bout is on the prelims, expected early to mid-undercard depending on pacing.

Injury Report

Bia Mesquita

• Out: None reported.
• Questionable: No recent injuries; Mesquita’s last fight (Oct 2025 submission win) showed no issues. Her transition from BJJ to MMA has been smooth without setbacks.
• Notes: At 34, Mesquita appears fully healthy with consistent training; no public concerns.

Montse Rendon

• Out: None reported.
• Questionable: No current injuries; Rendon’s most recent fight (Sep 2025 decision win) had no post-fight issues. Previous UFC bouts clean.
• Notes: At 36, Rendon enters healthy; her style (decision-heavy) minimizes injury risk.

Fighter Matchups

This bantamweight bout contrasts Mesquita’s submission specialist approach (4 subs in 6 wins) with Rendon’s well-rounded, durable style and decision wins. Mesquita stands 5’4″ with a 67.5″ reach, while Rendon is taller at 5’8″ with a 68″ reach, giving her potential standup and clinch advantages. The APEX cage may force grappling, where Mesquita’s BJJ excels against Rendon’s wrestling and top control.

Recent Form

Bia Mesquita

• Oct 11, 2025: W vs. Irina Alekseeva (Sub R2, Rear-Naked Choke) – Dominant UFC debut.
• Jun 20, 2025: W vs. Sierra Dinwoodie (KO/TKO R2) – LFA title win.
• Mar 6, 2025: W vs. Hope Chase (DQ R2, Illegal Kick) – LFA dominance. Form: W-W-W (undefeated, finishing streak in MMA transition).

Montse Rendon

• Sep 13, 2025: W vs. Alice Pereira (Split Dec) – Noche UFC rebound win.
• Mar 24, 2024: L vs. Daria Zhelezniakova (Unanimous Dec) – First UFC loss.
• Sep 23, 2023: W vs. Tamires Vidal (Split Dec) – UFC debut split win. Form: W-L-W (resilient decisions, showing durability).

Fight History

No prior meetings between Mesquita and Rendon. No shared opponents for direct comparisons. This is a fresh stylistic test: Mesquita’s submission hunting vs. Rendon’s decision-making and experience.

FIGHT ODDS

Bia Mesquita                     – 500

Montse Rendon               + 475

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 13, 2026

The UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Vallejos (UFC Vegas 114 / UFC Fight Night 269) prelims include a bantamweight clash between Brazilian veteran Luan “Lucky” Lacerda and Spanish debutant Hecher “Guanche Warrior” Sosa. This matchup pits Lacerda’s submission-heavy grappling and recent UFC breakthrough against Sosa’s explosive striking and undefeated UFC entry momentum. Lacerda (13-3) seeks to build on his first UFC win, while Sosa (14-1) aims for an immediate statement in the 135-pound division. The compact APEX octagon could amplify Sosa’s power and pressure against Lacerda’s ground game.

Venue Location

Meta APEX
6650 El Camino Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89118, USA
This intimate facility hosts numerous Fight Night cards with a 25-foot octagon, promoting aggressive exchanges and higher finish potential due to limited evasion space. No live audience creates a focused broadcast environment.

Prelims: 2:00 PM ET (11:00 AM PT)
Main Card: 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PT)
Broadcast: Paramount+ (streaming live), UFC Fight Pass (international). The Lacerda vs. Sosa bout is on the prelims, likely early-mid undercard.

Injury Report

Luan Lacerda

• Out: None reported.
• Questionable: No recent injuries; Lacerda’s last fight (Oct 2025 submission win) showed no issues. Historical setbacks (e.g., minor in 2023-2024) resolved.
• Notes: At 33, Lacerda appears healthy with consistent training; no public concerns.

Hecher Sosa

• Out: None reported.
• Questionable: No injuries disclosed; Sosa’s DWCS win (Sep 2025) and regional run clean. Debut preparation smooth.
• Notes: At 30, Sosa enters fresh; no lingering effects from prior bouts.

Fighter Matchups

This bantamweight bout contrasts Lacerda’s submission specialist style (11 subs in 13 wins) with Sosa’s knockout power (6 KOs) and wrestling base. Both around 5’7″-5’9″ with comparable reaches (Lacerda 71″, Sosa ~70-72″), but Sosa’s athleticism and striking could exploit Lacerda’s standup vulnerabilities. The APEX cage favors close-range work, potentially leading to grappling or clinch battles.

Recent Form

Luan Lacerda

• Oct 11, 2025: W vs. Saimon Oliveira (Sub R2, Armbar) – First UFC win after long layoff.
• Jun 3, 2023: L vs. Da’Mon Blackshear (TKO R2) – Punches stoppage.
• Jan 21, 2023: L vs. Cody Stamann (UD) – Decision loss in debut.
• Pre-UFC: Strong regional run with subs. Form: W-L-L (breakthrough win post-hiatus).

Hecher Sosa

• Sep 16, 2025: W vs. Mackson Lee (UD) – DWCS decision, earned contract.
• Jun 7, 2025: W vs. Yaman Mjahed (KO R1) – Quick finish.
• Mar 29, 2025: W vs. Thiago Henrique (TKO R3) – Retirement.
• Nov 30, 2024: W vs. Roger Blanque (KO R1). Form: W-W-W-W (unbeaten streak, power displays).

Fight History

No prior meetings between Lacerda and Sosa. No shared opponents for direct style comparisons. This fresh matchup tests Lacerda’s ground game against Sosa’s striking/wrestling blend.

FIGHT ODDS

Luan Lacerda                     + 195

Hecher Sosa                       – 250

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 13, 2026

The UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Vallejos (also known as UFC Vegas 114 or UFC Fight Night 269) features a lightweight prelim matchup between Belgian prospect Bolaji “The Zulu Warrior” Oki and Brazilian newcomer Manoel “Manumito” Sousa. This bout pits Oki’s well-rounded striking and finishing ability against Sousa’s explosive power and grappling, with Sousa making his UFC debut after an impressive Contender Series performance. At 30, Oki looks to rebound from a mixed 2025 and climb back toward contention, while the 28-year-old Sousa aims to make an immediate impact in the 155-pound division. The smaller APEX octagon could lead to high-action exchanges, favoring Sousa’s aggression.

Venue Location

Meta APEX
6650 El Camino Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89118, USA
This 130,000-square-foot facility, formerly the UFC APEX, is a go-to venue for Fight Night events, featuring a 25-foot octagon that encourages close-range action and higher finish rates due to limited space for circling.

Prelims: 2:00 PM ET (11:00 AM PT)
Main Card: 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PT)
Broadcast: Paramount+ (streaming live), UFC Fight Pass (international). The Oki vs. Sousa bout is on the prelims, likely airing early in the undercard.

Injury Report

Bolaji Oki

• Out: None reported.
• Questionable: No recent injuries noted; Oki suffered a TKO loss (elbows) in September 2025 but returned to full training without issues. Eye swelling from a 2024 fight has not recurred.
• Notes: Oki appears healthy entering the bout, with no disclosed training camp setbacks.

Manoel Sousa

• Out: None reported.
• Questionable: No injuries disclosed; Sousa’s most recent fight was a TKO win on Contender Series in August 2025, with no post-fight issues noted.
• Notes: As a UFC debutant, Sousa enters with a clean bill of health, though his only career loss was early and not injury-related.

Fighter Matchups

This lightweight debutant test features Oki’s technical striking and durability against Sousa’s raw power and finishing instincts. Both fighters are 5’10” with similar reaches (Oki 73″, Sousa 69-74″ estimates), but Sousa’s athleticism and knockout threat could overwhelm if Oki can’t maintain distance. The APEX’s confined space may force grappling exchanges, where Sousa’s takedown ability meets Oki’s solid defense.

Recent Form

Bolaji Oki

• Sep 6, 2025: L vs. Mason Jones (TKO R2) – Elbows after early knockdown.
• May 31, 2025: W vs. Michael Aswell (UD) – Outstruck short-notice opponent.
• Sep 28, 2024: L vs. Chris Duncan (Sub R1) – Guillotine choke.
• Feb 10, 2024: W vs. Timmy Cuamba (SD) – Competitive decision.
• Aug 29, 2023: W vs. Dylan Salvador (TKO R1) – DWCS knockout. Form: L-W-L-W-W (resilient but vulnerable to finishes).

Manoel Sousa

• Aug 26, 2025: W vs. Cristian Pérez (TKO R3) – Punches on DWCS, earned contract.
• May 2025: W vs. Lucas Barros (TKO R1) – Overhand right.
• Earlier 2025: W vs. Jocimar Ferreira (TKO R1) – Knee to liver.
• 2024: Multiple regional wins, all finishes.
• Early career: L (only loss, details sparse). Form: W-W-W-W-W (12-fight win streak, dominant finishes).

Fight History

No prior meetings between Oki and Sousa. This is Sousa’s UFC debut, and they share no common opponents for direct comparisons, making it a fresh stylistic clash.

FIGHT ODDS

Bolaji Oki                            + 250

Manoel Sousa                   – 300

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 13, 2026