The UFC Vegas 50 prelim card features eight bouts, the first four of which will be previewed in this post. All win probabilities are based on a fighter’s CC Rating and their place in the CC Rankings.

Tafon Nchukwi vs. Azamat Murzakanov (Men’s Light Heavyweight)

Tafon Nchukwi

• Record: 6-1-0
• Division Ranking: 36/40 light heavyweights
• Vegas Odds: +155 (Underdog)

Azamat Murzakanov

• Record: 10-0-0
• Division Ranking: 27/40 light heavyweights
• Vegas Odds: -180 (Favorite)

Nchukwi is coming off a win after his brief trip down to middleweight was unsuccessful. He is 2-1 since joining the UFC, but is still looking for his first finish in the big promotion, after carrying a perfect 100 percent finish rate in his pre-UFC career. His strength of schedule has not been terribly impressive and he still sits near the bottom of the light heavyweight ranks despite his winning record.

It looks like the fourth time will finally be the charm for Murzakanov. He was scheduled to make his debut in November. However, three separate fighters have cancelled on him between then and now. He’ll finally get to put his undefeated record on the line in the UFC. He, like Nchukwi is an accomplished kickboxer. Murzakanov, like most Russian fighters has some grappling experience as well. Murzakanov has scored finishes in all but two of his fights.

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: Both fighters are stylistically very similar, being kickboxers who typically display very low outputs. The one distinguishing characteristic will be Murzakanov’s grappling ability. With a reach disadvantage, look for him to try and control the ground game early.

Editor’s Pick: Murzakanov

Kris Moutinho vs. Guido Cannetti (Men’s Bantamweight)

Kris Moutinho

• Record: 9-5-0
• Division Ranking: 75/79 bantamweights
• Vegas Odds: -150 (Favorite)

Guido Cannetti

• Record: 8-7-0
• Division Ranking: 79/79 bantamweights
• Vegas Odds: +125 (Underdog)

Moutinho quickly became a fan favorite after his bout with Sean O’Malley (#10 CC, #12 UFC) at UFC 264. Moutinho took the bout on very short notice and displayed an incredible ability to keep moving forward while taking heavy punishment. Prior, he had four finishes in nine wins and was a top bantamweight contender in CES MMA.

It’s a bit of an understatement to say that Cannetti has been struggling lately. He’s lost each of his last three, having been finished in two of them. He now holds the dubious distinction of being Cage Calculus’ lowest rated bantamweight fighter. He holds a less than impressive 2-5 record in seven UFC fights. Both wins came by decision. Prior to the UFC, however, he was 6-1 with all six wins being first round finishes. If there were ever a time to get back to that version of himself, it is right now.

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: All we know about Moutinho at this point in his UFC career is that he can take some punishment without batting an eyelash. That might endear him to fans, but it’s not the most inspiring quality for a high-level UFC fighter. Lean on the veteran underdog to get out of the basement of his division.

Editor’s Pick: Cannetti

Dalcha Lungiambula vs. Cody Brundage (Men’s Middleweight)

Dalcha Lungiambula

• Record: 11-3-0
• Division Ranking: 27/67 middleweights
• Vegas Odds: -130 (Favorite)

Cody Brundage

• Record: 6-2-0
• Division Ranking: 57/67 middleweights
• Vegas Odds: +110 (Underdog)

The Congolese Lungiambula carries an even 2-2 UFC record into this bout, including a 1-1 record since moving down to middleweight. He had a chilly UFC welcome when, in his second bout, he actually faced tonight’s headliner, Magomed Ankalaev (#4 CC, #6 UFC) and was knocked out in the third round. Lungiambula was a two division champion in South Africa (light heavyweight and heavyweight) prior to coming to the UFC.

Brundage dropped his UFC debut to Nick Maximov at UFC 266 back in September. He was outgrappled for a good portion of the match. He figures not to have that problem this time, as Lungiambula is primarily a striker. He may actually turn that to his advantage, as Brundage’s two most recent wins both came by submission via an arm triangle choke. That’s an uncommon submission that might give his opponent fits.

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: This fight may be closer than the forecast indicates, but Lungiambula has experience that Brundage doesn’t and has fought bigger men. He should have the advantage.

Editor’s Pick: Lungiambula

Sabina Mazo vs. Miranda Maverick (Women’s Flyweight)

Sabina Mazo

• Record: 9-3-0
• Division Ranking: 27/41 flyweights
• Vegas Odds: +270 (Underdog)

Miranda Maverick

• Record: 11-4-0
• Division Ranking: 25/41 flyweights
• Vegas Odds: -340 (Favorite)

Mazo was riding a three-fight win streak into her bantamweight bout with Alexis Davis last February. Davis won by decision and thus ended her experiment at 135 pounds. Mazo returned to flyweight only to get finished by Mariya Agapova. This lost cost her her place in the Cage Calculus top 15 rankings. Mazo’s length still makes her a decent threat in the striking game and even added a submission to her resume in her most recent win over Justine Kish.

Maverick (pictured above) has had some bad luck as of late. In a marquee matchup with Maycee Barber (#13 CC, #14 UFC), Maverick appeared to take a clear-cut decision win. However, two of the three judges gave Barber the win. Maverick then stepped in on short notice to face rising flyweight star, Erin Blanchfield (NR CC, #15 UFC). Maverick lost a convincing decision. Those losses cost her her perfect UFC record and her place in both the Cage Calculus and UFC rankings. Maverick once again takes this fight on short notice, trying to turn her trajectory around quickly.

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: Despite the relative lack of fight camp for Maverick, she remains one of the most talented young flyweight prospects out there. She’ll be the stronger fighter and the more accomplished grappler. So long as she can maintain her cardio, she is in line to get back in the win column.

Editor’s Pick: Maverick

Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports