UFC Vegas 114 MMA Match Preview: Bolaji Oki (10-3-0) vs. Manoel Sousa (13-1-0)
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.
| Aspect | Bolaji Oki (BEL, 10-3-0) | Manoel Sousa (BRA, 13-1-0) | Key Insight |
| Striking | Technical volume; 39-53% accuracy, lands 3.24-4.5 SLpM | Explosive power; 48-50% accuracy, 3.8 SLpM, 50% KO rate | Oki’s precision vs. Sousa’s one-punch threat; Oki absorbs more (3.8/min) but has a strong chin. |
| Grappling | 1.0 takedowns/15min, 67% defense; 10% sub rate | 2.1 takedowns/15min, 60% success; 10-33% sub rate | Sousa’s wrestling could control pace; Oki’s sprawl keeps it standing for striking edges. |
| Cardio/Durability | 40% to decision; durable chin, absorbs 3.8-4.0/min | 39% to decision; strong early, but only one loss tests endurance | Both finish often; Oki’s UFC experience aids in wars, Sousa’s youth in late rounds. |
| Experience | UFC: 2-2 since 2024; DWCS alum, regional vet | UFC: 0-0 (debut); DWCS win, 12-fight win streak pre-debut | Oki’s Octagon time vs. Sousa’s momentum; Sousa’s lone loss early career. |
| Intangibles | +250 underdog; rebound motivation post-loss | -300 favorite; debut hype from DWCS TKO | Smaller cage favors Sousa’s pressure; Oki’s size (5’10”) vs. Sousa’s athleticism. |
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
