Gugnon and Steele Will Fight at UFC 333
Noah Gugnon and Kody Steele are set to face off in a preliminary bout on October 24, 2026, in Abu Dhabi.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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The UFC added a preliminary bout between Noah Gugnon and Kody Steele to the UFC 333 card. The matchup will take place on October 24, 2026, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Why it matters
This fight serves as a strategic placement on the UFC 333 preliminary card, allowing both fighters to gain more experience within the organization. Both athletes are looking to solidify their standing in the promotion following their respective recent performances.
Noah Gugnon is 25 years old, while his opponent Kody Steele is 31. The bout is officially scheduled as the 13th contest for the event.
The players
Noah Gugnon
He is a 25-year-old mixed martial artist who joined the UFC after competing in Ares FC.
Kody Steele
He is a 31-year-old fighter who previously competed in Fury FC and has had two prior fights in the UFC.
The details
Noah Gugnon, who joined the UFC after a stint at Ares FC, enters the matchup following a victory over Miloš Janičić via rear-naked choke. Kody Steele previously secured a win over Dom Mar Fan via heel hook but most recently dropped a unanimous decision to Rongzhu.
Timeline
Noah Gugnon began his professional MMA career in 2021.
Kody Steele started his professional MMA journey in 2022.
Noah Gugnon made his UFC debut in August 2026.
The fight takes place on October 24, 2026, at UFC 333.
Season Trajectory
This matchup at the Etihad Arena aligns with the UFC's international expansion strategy in the Middle East. It highlights how the promotion builds its event cards by balancing rising talent against veterans to maintain competitive depth across the season.
As the 13th bout on the card, this fight represents an opportunity for both athletes to climb the divisional rankings. Fantasy participants should note the fighters' previous ground-based victories, as Gugnon has demonstrated success with the rear-naked choke.
The takeaway
This bout offers a chance for both fighters to refine their standings after varying results in their early UFC careers. Keeping track of such preliminary matchups is essential for understanding the long-term roster development within the organization.
Further reading
For more on upcoming bouts and promotion updates, visit the Mixed Martial Arts section.
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Do you feel optimistic about the future success of these young fighters in your local region?
