The UFC 280 prelim card features four bouts, all of which will be previewed in this post. It will be capped by a pivotal welterweight battle between top contender Belal Muhammad (pictured above left) and undefeated rising star Sean Brady (pictured above right). It will also feature a ranked battle of light heavyweights Volkan Oezdemir and Nikita Krylov. 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.

Abubakar Nurmagomedov vs. Gadzhi Omargadzhiev (Men’s Welterweight)

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: All eyes will be on the Dagestani contingent that is well-represented on this fight card. Among them is Abubakar Nurmagomedov, cousin of lightweight legend Khabib. After a disappointing submission loss his first time out, Nurmagomedov recovered with a dominant win next time with superior wrestling. Omargadzhiev, a fellow Russian, suffered his first pro defeat in his debut. He was dominated by Caio Borralho in most aspects. Given Nurmagomedov’s going to come in with a better grappling pedigree, don’t expect this bout will go much differently.

Editor’s Pick: Nurmagomedov

[12] Volkan Oezdemir vs. [10] Nikita Krylov (Men’s Light Heavyweight)

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: Oezdemir (#12 CC, #8 UFC) has faced a murderer’s row of the light heavyweight division in his last four fights, taking on four top 10 fighters, with three being in the top 5 (including current champion Jiri Prochazka). He’s come out 2-2 in those bouts. Despite his 3-5 record in his last eight bouts, he’s been better than his record and has beaten lower output fighters. Krylov (#10 CC, #10 UFC) is not one such guy. He has an absurdly high finish rate, given the number of fights he’s had in his career. He can truly get you from anywhere. He has heavy hands and an outstanding submission game. There’s nowhere for a fighter like Oezdemir to get comfortable.

Editor’s Pick: Krylov

[15] Makhmud Muradov vs. Caio Borralho (Men’s Middleweight)

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: Muradov (#15 CC, NR UFC) came into his last bout with a ton of momentum, looking to assault the top 15. He was stalled by wily veteran and middleweight submission king, Gerald Meerschaert. He was coming off two straight KO wins and he’ll look to add another KO to his resume against the youngblood Borralho. Borralho is a very well-hyped prospect. He has a lot of talent in the grappling, but also has the ability to end a fight with his fists. He could look to take advantage of Muradov’s susceptibility to submissions. However, he’ll have to fight through the fire of Muradov’s power and has likely not experienced hands that dangerous before.

Editor’s Pick: Muradov

[3] Belal Muhammad vs. [10] Sean Brady (Men’s Welterweight)

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: This fight likely won’t be anyone’s pick for fight of the night. However, this will shake up the welterweight division, one way or another. Muhammad (#3 CC, #5 UFC) has been controlling people on the ground with ease lately and he’s done it to some of the most dangerous fighters in the division. He neutralizes people with relentless top control. As evidenced by his 23.8 percent finish rate, he’s not much of a submission threat or a KO artist. However, a win is a win. Brady (#10 CC, #8 UFC) is also a supreme grappler and is starting to make quick work of the division’s best. He’s not also known for finishes, but chases submissions more efficiently than Muhammad. This might be the difference, as Muhammad can’t afford to be complacent on the ground as he has been.

Editor’s Pick: Brady

Photo Credit: MMA News