The UFC Columbus main card features six bouts, the first three 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.

You can find the previews for the prelims HERE and HERE.

Marc Diakiese vs. Viacheslav Borschev (Men’s Lightweight)

Marc Diakiese

• Record: 14-5-0
• Division Ranking: 51/83 lightweights
• Vegas Odds: +125 (Underdog)

Viacheslav Borschev

• Record: 6-1-0
• Division Ranking: 64/83 lightweights
• Vegas Odds: -150 (Favorite)

Diakiese is one of the streakiest fighters you’ll find in the UFC. He began his UFC career with three straight wins, which brought his pro record to 12-0. He then followed that with three straight losses, followed by two straight wins, followed by his current two-fight losing streak. He has shown to vulnerable in the submission game during his time in the UFC. He does excel in the standup game, having two KOs while in the big promotion.

Speaking of streaks, Borschev is working on a four-fight professional win streak of his own. All four wins along the way have been knockouts. In fact, all but one of Borschev’s pro wins have come by KO. His UFC debut saw him win performance of the night, dropping Dakota Bush with a nasty liver shot. Borshcev is one of the more exciting prospects to have come from Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: This fight will largely take place on the feet. Borschev has momentum on his side and is a more efficient finisher.

Editor’s Pick: Borschev

Ilir Latifi vs. Aleksei Oleinik (Men’s Heavyweight)

Ilir Latifi

• Record: 16-8-0
• Division Ranking: 21/37 heavyweights
• Vegas Odds: -230 (Favorite)

Aleksei Oleinik

• Record: 59-16-1
• Division Ranking: 17/37 heavyweights
• Vegas Odds: +190 (Underdog)

Latifi took over a year off to get his game right, following a three-fight losing streak. In June, he was able to get back in the win column with a split decision win over Tanner Boser (#15 CC, NR UFC). He’ll now look to keep those winning ways going and add to his ten career finishes (six KOs, four submissions). This will be his 15th fight in the UFC, but only his 3rd at heavyweight.

He’ll face off against one of the most dangerous submission artists in the history of MMA, let alone the UFC. Oleinik boasts a stunning 59 career wins, with a whopping 46 of those wins coming by way of submission. At 44, Oleinik has certainly slowed a bit and is loser in each of his last three bouts. But, once the fight gets to the ground, it’s his world.

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: Normally, Oleinik’s age would be an issue. But, with Latifi being 38 himself, cardio may not play as big a factor for the 44 year-old Russian. Expect Oleinik to try and get it to the ground and do what he does best.

Editor’s Pick: Oleinik

[3] Askar Askarov vs. [6] Kai Kara-France (Men’s Flyweight)

Askar Askarov

• Record: 14-0-1
• Division Ranking: 4/36 flyweights
• Vegas Odds: -420 (Favorite)

Kai Kara-France

• Record: 23-9-0
• Division Ranking: 7/36 flyweights
• Vegas Odds: +330 (Underdog)

Askarov (#3 CC, #2 UFC) comes back for the first time in over a year, after defeating legend Joseph Benavidez last March. Askarov is one of the most talented flyweights around and has been waiting for his chance at the title. With the only blemish on his record being a draw against Brandon Moreno (#1 CC, #1 UFC), it seems only a matte of time until he’s fighting for a belt. Askarov, like most of his Dagestani compatriots, is a talented grappler, with seven of his 14 wins coming by submission. Another four have come by KO, so don’t sleep on his power.

Kara-France (#6 CC, #6 UFC) is coming off a statement win over former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt (#7 CC, NR UFC). He is now on a two-fight win streak, with both being first round KOs that earned him performance of the night. He has 11 total knockouts for his career. Despite recent losses to the aforementioned Moreno and Brandon Royval (NR CC, #4 UFC), he finds himself now in a virtual title eliminator fight.

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: Askarov, despite the time off, is one of the biggest threats in this division. He is a talented grappler and a skilled striker. Ultimately, he’ll be too well-rounded for Kara-France.

Editor’s Pick: Askarov

Photo Credit: MiddleEasy