The UFC 282 prelim card features four bouts, all of which will be previewed in this post. It will feature a high octane middleweight bout between knockout artists Chris Curtis (pictured above right) and Joaquin Buckley (pictured above left). It will also see the UFC debut of the youngest fighter on the roster, Raul Rosas Jr, at just 17 years old. 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 early prelim card HERE.

[12] Chris Curtis vs. Joaquin Buckley (Men’s Middleweight)

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: Curtis (#12 CC, #15 UFC) burst onto the scene with a couple of big upset wins by KO, breaking into the rankings early. However, his momentum faltered in London in a frustrating bout with Jack Hermansson (#10 CC, #9 UFC). Curtis is still looking to prove doubters wrong and make a run up the rankings. Buckley is still living high off his all-time highlight reel KO over Impa Kasanganay. Buckley’s had a few tough losses lately, exposing some holes in his game if he’s not able to deliver the knockout blow.

Editor’s Pick: Curtis

Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Dalcha Lungiambula (Men’s Middleweight)

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: There was a time where Shahbazyan was living up to his “Golden Boy” nickname. He was 22 and already hanging out in the middleweight rankings. He’s since come down hard off that cloud with three straight losses to ranked contenders, seeing him tumble out as quickly as he came in. After a year off, he’s looking to regain that spark and it’s important to remember that, despite the ups and downs of his UFC career, he’s only 25 years old. Lungiambula has also had an up-and-down time in the UFC that’s also resulted in a three-fight losing streak. However, Lungiambula has not been losing to the same caliber opponent and could likely face being a roster cut if he can’t pull off the upset here. Don’t hold your breath. Shahbazyan is too talented and puts away opponents he’s supposed to beat.

Editor’s Pick: Shahbazyan

[15] Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Chris Daukaus (Men’s Heavyweight)

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: Both men are coming off of devastating early KO losses in main events. Rozenstruik (#15 CC, #9 UFC) got put down in the first round by Alexander Volkov (#5 CC, #8 UFC). Daukaus (NR CC, #11 UFC) was slept in the opening seconds of the second round in his bout with Curtis Blaydes (#3 CC, #4 UFC). Both men possess remarkably similar resumes if you look at the graphic above. Nearly identical records and finish rates. Don’t expect this to leave the first round. Give the slight edge to Rozenstruik, given he’s fought a tougher strength of schedule thus far.

Editor’s Pick: Rozenstruik

Jay Perrin vs. Raul Rosas Jr. (Men’s Bantamweight)

Subjective Spin on Objective Reality: It’s tough to know what to make of this one. Rosas Jr. comes out of the Contender Series undefeated, but also still in high school. He is by far the youngest fighter in the UFC (past or present). He’s exuded nothing but confidence thus far and his grappling ability is evident. Perrin has a little more experience, but is still searching for his first UFC win after two tries. Both men have submission ability, so this will potentially stay on the ground. Expect that to benefit Perrin, who is a slightly higher knockout threat. Also, subjectively, winning a UFC debut under the bright lights of a numbered card is a lot to ask for a 17 year-old. Expect some mental factors to play in this one.

Editor’s Pick: Perrin

Photo Credit: Sportskeeda