The UFC 279 early prelim card features four bouts, all of which will be previewed in this post. It will be capped by a featherweight bout between rising star Hakeem Dawodu and Julian Erosa. It will also feature light heavyweight sensation Jailton Almeida (pictured above) facing off against UFC newcomer, Anton Turkalj. All win probabilities are based on a fighter’s CC Rating and their place in the CC Rankings.

The previews for the early prelim card can be found HERE.

Jake Collier vs. Chris Barnett (Men’s Heavyweight)

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: Barnett became just the second fighter in UFC history to miss weight for a heavyweight fight. Despite this, the fight will go on. Collier, on the other hand, is a former middleweight coming off a devastating split decision loss, that can only be described as a robbery, against Andrei Arlovski (#12 CC, NR UFC). Collier will be the lighter and faster man. Barnett’s last fight showed he has trouble against leaner fighters against the cage. Despite his extra weight, expect this fight will go no differently.

Editor’s Pick: Collier

Jamie Pickett vs. Denis Tiuliulin (Men’s Middleweight)

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: Both fighters have struggled in the UFC and both sit in the bottom five of our middleweight rankings, with Tiuliulin holding the dubious distinction of being the lowest rated in the division. However, Tiuliulin’s finish rate is impressive. He will have the power advantage. Pickett should have the wrestling advantage and stay at range. Don’t expect an exciting fight, but look for Tiuliulin to land enough good shots to disrupt Pickett’s game to make it dirty.

Editor’s Pick: Tiuliulin

[12] Jailton Almeida vs. Anton Turkalj (Men’s 220 lb Catchweight)

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: Almeida (#12 CC, NR UFC) has been a wrecking ball since coming to the UFC. He seems to have his eyes on the heavyweight division after starting at 205 lbs. However, after Shamil Abdurakhimov (NR CC, #14 UFC) dropped out, Turkalj will take this fight on short notice closer to light heavyweight. Turkalj is impressive and his high finish rate may be fun to watch in the UFC. But, taking on a finisher with the raw talent of Almeida on such short notice is not a recipe for anything other than an early finish defeat.

Editor’s Pick: Almeida

Hakeem Dawodu vs. Julian Erosa (Men’s Featherweight)

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: Dawodu was another one of the fighters to miss weight at an exciting weigh-in day. He’ll forfeit 20 percent of his purse, but the show goes on. He’s been on fire lately, winning six of his last seven, with the only loss coming to top contender, Movsar Evloev (#6 CC, #10 UFC). However, three of those six were by split decision. Erosa has won four of five since returning to the UFC. He’s been notable for weaving KOs and submissions together throughout his career. Erosa’s versatility combined with Dawodu’s struggles on the scale (and split decisions creating a broader illusion of dominance), Erosa has a good shot at pulling off this upset.

Editor’s Pick: Erosa

Photo Credit: Bloody Elbow