Preview: UFC Fight Night 236 Prelims

Lightweights

Bolaji Oki (8-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Timothy Cuamba ((8-1, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: n/a

Oki was a standout on the 2023 edition of Dana White’s Contender Series. Belgium’s “Zulu Warrior” looked electric in scoring a first-round knockout, continuing his trend of finishes on the regional scene. Oki is definitely a prospect to watch, but it will be interesting to see how his tools translate to fights against tougher competition in the UFC. Oki’s competition on the Belgian scene was athletically overmatched, and he did clearly tire the few times he was dragged into a tough fight. That makes this matchup against a fellow newcomer in Cuamba an interesting proposition, assuming the Xtreme Couture prospect shows up in close to peak form. He steps in on late notice, having fought just eight days beforehand and also moves up a weight class. Cuamba did not earn a contract after his own victory on DWCS in August, but he put in a strong performance in a decision win, showing off a rangy striking game and impressive amount of poise for a young talent. Both fighters tend to start hot, so this should make for a fun first round, but where things go from there is anyone’s guess. Oki should be able to lean on his physicality to some extent, but Cuamba does have the better gas tank and can be hard to track down. The Belgian gets the nod thanks to Cuamba taking this on such a quick turnaround, but this is essentially a coinflip. The pick is Oki via decision.

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