The UFC 272 prelim card features eight bouts, the final four of which will be previewed in this post. It features a pivotal strawweight matchup between contenders Marina Rodriguez (pictured above left) and Yan Xiaonan (pictured above right). All win probabilities are based on a fighter’s CC Rating and their place in the CC Rankings.

You can find the previews for the first set of prelim bouts HERE.

[15] Maryna Moroz vs. Mariya Agapova (Women’s Flyweight)

Maryna Moroz

• Record: 10-3-0
• Division Ranking: 16/41 flyweights
• Vegas Odds: +155 (Underdog)

Mariya Agapova

• Record: 10-2-0
• Division Ranking: 22/41 flyweights
• Vegas Odds: -180 (Favorite)

The Ukrainian Moroz (#15 CC, NR UFC) has not fought in nearly two years. She’ll look to get back to her winning ways, as she was on a two-fight win streak before beginning her hiatus. Moroz began her career as a submission artist, but hasn’t managed to secure a finish since her UFC debut in 2015. Moroz has faced off against some of the division’s best in the past and will look to use that experience against her younger opponent.

The Kazakh Agapova lost to fellow flyweight Tracy Cortez in her appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series. She nevertheless secured a contract after another win in Invicta FC. Since coming the the UFC, she’s been as impressive as any woman out there. She is 2-1 with both wins being finishes and receiving performance of the night honors. She has an 80 percent finish rate for her career.

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: There is a lot going on outside the octagon for this one. How will the geopolitical situation in Ukraine impact Moroz’s mindset and did it impact her preparation at all? Also, due to the personal hatred between the two, will either fighter fight normally? On talent alone, Agapova has the wide edge. But, you never know in a matchup like this.

Editor’s Pick: Agapova

Nicolae Negumereanu vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (Men’s Light Heavyweight)

Nicolae Negumereanu

• Record: 11-1-0
• Division Ranking: 29/39 light heavyweights
• Vegas Odds: +120 (Underdog)

Kennedy Nzechukwu

• Record: 9-2-0
• Division Ranking: 30/39 light heavyweights
• Vegas Odds: -140 (Favorite)

Negumereanu suffered the first loss of his pro career in his UFC debut three years ago. He then turned it around by winning his first ever decision, a split decision over Aleksa Camur. He then stepped back up to his finishing ways, with a 78 second KO of Ike Villanueva. Despite Villanueva’s status as the lowest rated light heavyweight, there are definitely signs of Negumereanu improving. For someone with a 91 percent finishing rate, that’s a scary prospect.

The Nigerian Nzechukwu doesn’t seem to disappoint often. He’s already got one fight of the night and one performance of the night to his name. After a loss to the scary Paul Craig (#7 CC, #11 UFC) in his debut, Nzechukwu rattled off three straight wins. Unfortunately, that’s where the hot streak stopped as he was promptly finished by Da Un Jung back in November.

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: This is probably the closest fight on paper of the evening. The edge may come when you consider one of Nzechukwu’s UFC wins came as his opponent was deducted two points for groin strikes. Another came against Carlos Ulberg who was winning handily until he tired himself out.

Editor’s Pick: Negumereanu

[3] Marina Rodriguez vs. [11] Yan Xiaonan (Women’s Strawweight)

Marina Rodriguez

• Record: 15-1-2
• Division Ranking: 4/44 strawweights
• Vegas Odds: -270 (Favorite)

Yan Xiaonan

• Record: 13-2-0
• Division Ranking: 12/44 strawweights
• Vegas Odds: +220 (Underdog)

Rodriguez (#3 CC, #3 UFC) is quickly becoming one of the hottest rising stars in the strawweight division. She was not given a chance against Amanda Ribas at UFC 257. However, she delivered a stunning KO inside the first minute of round two. She then headlined two consecutive fight nights, winning dominantly each time with superior striking. The only blemish on her career is a split decision loss to former champ and upcoming title challenger Carla Esparza (#5 CC, #2 UFC) in July 2020.

Yan (#11 CC, #4 UFC) seemed unstoppable, having won each of her first six fights in the UFC. However, she too was eventually stopped by the aforementioned Esparza last May. Yan still remains one of the top female fighters in the promotion. She is well-rounded, being proficient in both Sanda and Brazilian Jiujitsu. Her recent loss shouldn’t make people forget her dominance up to that point.

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: In most scenarios, Yan should be a favorite. This isn’t one of them. Rodriguez, even at #3 is perhaps the most underrated female fighter out there. She is quite possibly the most precise striker in the game today and also managed to stuff takedowns from the best female grappler, Mackenzie Dern (#9 CC, #5 UFC) her last time out. Rodriguez likely won’t be stopped before she gets a crack at the belt.

Editor’s Pick: Rodriguez

Jalin Turner vs. Jamie Mullarkey (Men’s Lightweight)

Jalin Turner

• Record: 11-5-0
• Division Ranking: 45/84 lightweights
• Vegas Odds: -155 (Favorite)

Jamie Mullarkey

• Record: 14-4-0
• Division Ranking: 28/84 lightweights
• Vegas Odds: +130 (Underdog)

Turner is a frightening knockout artist, already having eight pro KOs at the age of 26. What is perhaps more frightening, however, is that he seems to be rounding out his game. Each of his last fights have seen him win by submission, maintaining his 100 percent finishing rate and adding new weapons to his repertoire. Despite being only 26, this will be his seventh fight inside the UFC octagon.

After two decision losses to start his UFC career, Mullarkey got back on track by delivering two straight KO victories. Mullarkey is another knockout artists, with 13 finishes in 14 pro wins, making this another contender for fight of the night. Mullarkey started off against some of the division’s best, but has settled in to hone his skills against lesser opponents for the time being. In fact, before joining the UFC and before becoming a lightweight, he face current UFC featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski for the Australian Fighting Championship’s featherweight belt. Volkanovski scored the first round KO.

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: Both men will come out swinging. Give the slight edge to Mullarkey given his strength of schedule and the fact that his career is turning around in a big way as of late.

Editor’s Pick: Mullarkey

Photo Credit: FirstSportz