The UFC Vegas 51 prelim card features eight bouts, the final four of which will be previewed in this post. It features four fights across three different weight classes, two of which will take place in the lightweight division. It will see the return of contender Lina Lansberg (pictured above right) to face off against fellow Swede Pannie Kianzad (pictured above left). 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 four bouts HERE.

Rafa Garcia vs. Jesse Ronson (Men’s Lightweight)

Rafa Garcia

• Record: 13-2-0
• Division Ranking: 57/83 lightweights
• Vegas Odds: +100 (Underdog)

Jesse Ronson

• Record: 21-10-0
• Division Ranking: 56/83 lightweights
• Vegas Odds: -120 (Favorite)

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: This fight will come down to whether or not Ronson can mitigate Garcia’s wrestling. Ronson has better height, reach, striking, cardio, and experience. The only variable is Ronson’s historic struggles against wrestlers. Garcia has a path to victory, but given his deficiencies in other areas, it’s hard to feel good about it.

Editor’s Pick: Ronson

Drakkar Klose vs. Brandon Jenkins (Men’s Lightweight)

Drakkar Klose

• Record: 11-2-1
• Division Ranking: 37/83 lightweights
• Vegas Odds: -650 (Favorite)

Brandon Jenkins

• Record: 15-8-0
• Division Ranking: 82/83 lightweights
• Vegas Odds: +475 (Underdog)

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: Klose hasn’t fought in quite some time. Maybe ring rust is his enemy. However, when he’s on, he is the better fighter of this pair. Jenkins is a little more wild and looks for finishes (sometimes to his own detriment). Klose has the talent and experience to coast to victory. Is his long layoff going to cost him. One shot from Jenkins could be all it takes? Again, we wouldn’t count on it.

Editor’s Pick: Klose

Lina Lansberg vs. Pannie Kianzad (Women’s Bantamweight)

Lina Lansberg

• Record: 10-5-0
• Division Ranking: 18/28 bantamweights
• Vegas Odds: +340 (Underdog)

Pannie Kianzad

• Record: 16-6-0
• Division Ranking: 17/28 bantamweights
• Vegas Odds: -440 (Favorite)

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: This bout is actually a trilogy of its own. These two faced off in the national Shootfighting Championship in Sweden, where Lansberg (NR CC, #11 UFC) took gold. Then, Kianzad (NR CC, #12 UFC) would TKO Lansberg in their pro MMA matchup in 2012. Lansberg typically would be able to make a match out of this, but given her age, significant amount of time off, and Kianzad’s recent momentum, it’s tough to see a path to victory. But, what a comeback it would be if she proves me wrong.

Editor’s Pick: Kianzad

Devin Clark vs. William Knight (Men’s Heavyweight)

Devin Clark

• Record: 12-6-0
• Division Ranking: 31/39 heavyweights
• Vegas Odds: -160 (Favorite)

William Knight

• Record: 11-3-0
• Division Ranking: 22/39 heavyweights
• Vegas Odds: +135 (Underdog)

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: Clark had a rough go of it his last time out with light heavyweight mauler, Ion Cutelaba. Clark reached some of the higher echelons of that division and now joins Knight in trying to move up to heavyweight. Clark will have the better cardio and wrestling. Knight, though, has one shot knockout power. The safer bet here is Clark. If it goes the other way, it should be a sight to see.

Editor’s Pick: Clark

Photo Credit: Frontkick Online