A multi-fiber cable assembly includes an optical connector and a cable. The optical connector includes a connector body; an optical ferrule body, and alignment elements. The optical ferrule body has an end face defining a plurality of alignment openings arranged in rows and has a plurality of buckling chambers. Each buckling chamber is aligned with one of the rows of the alignment openings. The optical fibers of the cable have bare portions secured at a first end of the optical ferrule body using rigid epoxy. Each of the optical fibers is routed through one of the buckling chambers to one of the alignment holes.