Featherweight prospects collide this weekend as Bolaji Oki faces Daniel Santos at UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev in Abu Dhabi.
Oki (10–4, 2–3 UFC) is dropping to 145 pounds after back-to-back stoppage losses, most recently getting knocked out by Manoel Sousa in March. Santos (14–3, 4–2 UFC) is coming off a stoppage loss to Dooho Choi in May, which snapped a four-fight surge.
Santos enters as an ever-so-slight -112 favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Oki is -108 on the moneyline, with the fight total set at O/U 2.5 rounds.
Bolaji Oki vs. Daniel Santos Fight Preview
Bolaji Oki
- 10–4 (2–3 UFC)
- 5–2 (T)KO
- 1–1 SUB
Bolaji Oki is set for his featherweight debut after a turbulent run at 155 pounds. The Belgian contender dropped three of his last four fights, all by finish, and is coming off back-to-back brutal KO/TKO losses. Earlier this year, he got sent to the shadow realm by a debuting Manoel Sousa.
“The Zulu Warrior,” 30, heads into Saturday night with a balanced skill set, heavy hands, and a considerable size advantage over Daniel Santos. That said, Oki’s questionable defense pairs poorly with a compromised chin — and may not be able to afford eating another massive haymaker from another hard-hitting opponent.
Daniel Santos
- 14–3 (4–2 UFC)
- 7–1 (T)KO
- 2–0 SUB
Daniel Santos is eager to bounce back from his first loss since his promotional debut. In May, the Brazilian prospect got folded by a devastating body shot in the second round against Dooho Choi. But although Choi was coming off a considerable layoff, there are certainly worse fighters to lose to.
Before that, “Willycat,” 31, looked solid in the Octagon, firing off four straight wins — including two by KO/TKO. Despite a notable size disadvantage against Bolaji Oki, he’ll likely close the distance with his signature non-stop pressure. Against a less-than-durable opponent, inviting chaos could lead to another explosive finish.
Bolaji Oki vs. Daniel Santos Pick, Best Bet
After two brutal stoppage losses in a row, it’s hard to see Bolaji Oki landing softly in a new weight class. With a vulnerable chin, he now faces a formidable pressure striker in Daniel Santos, who has won four of his last five fights. Even at a size disadvantage, Santos should step on the gas and show Oki how it’s done at 145 pounds.
