👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Daily Fantasy MMA: DraftKings DFS Lineup Picks & Advice for UFC 194 - McGregor vs. Aldo

Welcome back RotoBallers, it's been a long couple weeks with no UFC content, but I'm back with a vengeance for UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor.

It's going to be a tough card to navigate but it will be the championship fights that determine your profit Saturday night and I suggest getting exposure to all four contenders.

As usual, I’ve broken down my DraftKings MMA picks into thee sections: Cash game targets, GPP targets and fighters to avoid. I’ll explain what each category signifies below:

  • Cash Game: These fighters are great targets in 50/50 or H2H contests, where 50 percent of the field wins money.
  • GPP: These fighters are great targets in GPPs (Guaranteed Prize Pools) or tournaments, which require riskier selection in order to win first place.
  • Avoid: These are fighters who I will be staying away from.

 

MMA DFS for DraftKings – Cash Game Targets

1. Conor McGregor AND Jose Aldo (9.9k, 9.6k)

I've said this before, but I think it's mistake if you don't play both Conor McGregor and Jose Aldo in cash games this week. The winner of this fight will be one of the highest scorers on the card and you're unlikely to win if you pick incorrectly.

There are going to be tons of players who come into DraftKings with a strong opinion on this fight, and they'll only take McGregor or Aldo, and that's super exciting because it gives me a huge edge. I'm going to win my money this week because others pick incorrectly, and I'm fine with that.

 

2. Chris Weidman (10k)

Similarly to the champs listed above, I don't think there's much of a reason not to play Chris Weidman this weekend. He's in a close fight with Luke Rockhold, but I still give Weidman the edge to win.

Per usual, he's fighting in a five-round fight which is a massive advantage for DFS purposes compared to others fighting in a three-round fight, and I expect this fight to take place on the feet for its majority.

Both Weidman and Rockhold are excellent grapplers and I think that will neutralize the ground game and force them to stand and bang, and if Weidman comes out with a win, he's likely to exceed 100 points. For only 10k, he's very difficult to pass up.

 

MMA DFS for DraftKings – GPP Targets

1. John Makdessi (10.3k)

John Makdessi is coming off a TKO loss to Donald Cerrone in which he broke his jaw and had to call time out during the fight...literally.

That makes me nervous to target him against a decent boxer like Yancy Medeiros, but I think he has upside to finish and that's what I'm looking for in GPPs. Makdessi is definitely the more technical and powerful striker here, but he'll be at a significant reach disadvantage.

Similar to his fight against Shane Campbell, I think Medeiros can land shots at range, but once Makdessi gets on the inside, I think he can put a beating on Medeiros and potentially finish the fight.

 

2. Max Holloway (10.9k)

My favorite fighter to pay up for this weekend is Max Holloway, who's taking on Jeremy Stephens in what should be a stand-up battle.

Holloway has some finishing potential, but I love his significant strike rate, which is a whopping 5.67 landed per minute. He's capable of scoring 70+ points even with a decision victory, and if he can finish, that score will top 100. There aren't many fighters on this card that I love to pay up for, but Holloway is definitely my top option.

 

MMA DFS for DrafKings – Fighters to Avoid

1. Urijah Faber (11k)

Urijah Faber is one of my favorite fighters to watch and he has been for some time, but he is just too expensive to target this weekend. At 11k, he's the most expensive fighter on the card, and he's facing a tough guy in Frankie Saenz who should at least put up a fight.

I don't expect Faber to earn an easy finish and I don't expect him to land a ton of significant strikes, so there's really no reason for me to target him.

I do think he's very safe for a win because he should outclass Saenz in nearly every aspect of this fight, but it's simply not a great stylistic fight to target from a DFS perspective and I'm going to pass on him this weekend.

 

Hope you enjoy RotoBallers! Make sure to follow me on Twitter @BrettAppley and @DailyFanMMA.

 

MMA & UFC Live Chat DFS Advice

[iflychat_embed id="c-63" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Rome Odunze

Steps Into a Larger Role for 2026
Baker Mayfield

Loses Top Receiver After Subpar Season
Ray Davis

' Fantasy Managers Continue to Exercise Patience
Ja'Marr Chase

Has Overall WR1 Upside with Quarterback Healthy
Javonte Williams

Still Penciled Into Workhorse Role
Quentin Johnston

Expected to Handle More Targets in 2026?
Los Angeles Chargers

Derwin James Suffers Minor Injury
Spencer Knight

Shuts Down the Wild on Thursday
Adam Fantilli

Scores Two Goals in Victory
Francisco Alvarez

Pulled Early Thursday With Back Tightness
Amir Coffey

Exits Early with Ankle Sprain
Daeqwon Plowden

Moves Into Starting Lineup Thursday
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

the WR1 Overall in Fantasy After Career Year?
Noah Clowney

Won't Play Friday Vs. New York
Patrick Mahomes

Is Patrick Mahomes No Longer a Trustworthy QB1 in Fantasy?
GG Jackson II

Unlikely to Play Against Boston
Naz Reid

Could Sit Again Friday
Josh Hart

Ruled Out Friday Against Brooklyn
Jalen Brunson

Set to Play Against Brooklyn
Brice Sensabaugh

Out Against Milwaukee
John Konchar

Out Thursday Against Bucks
Kyle Kuzma

Ready to Play Thursday Vs. Utah
Myles Turner

Set to Return Versus Jazz
Kevin Porter Jr.

Sidelined Against Utah
Donovan Mitchell

Ruled Out, Jaylon Tyson to Start Thursday
Auston Matthews

Ruled Out for 12 Weeks
Austin Reaves

Cleared to Play Thursday
Yaroslav Askarov

Still Out Thursday
Luis Severino

to Start for A's on Opening Day
Stephon Castle

Ruled Out Thursday Against Suns
Michael Porter Jr.

to be Re-Evaluated in 2-3 Weeks
Kirill Kaprizov

Won't Play Against Blackhawks
Nique Clifford

is Downgraded to Out
Kawhi Leonard

Ruled Out Against New Orleans
Alex Tuch

Expected to Return Thursday
Grayson Allen

to Miss Second Straight Game
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Good to Go Against Miami
Noah Laba

Unavailable Against Blue Jackets
Daniss Jenkins

Moves into Starting Five
Andrew Copp

Returns From Three-Game Absence
Josh Anderson

Won't Play Thursday
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Still Looking for Receiver to Complement Terry McLaurin
Logan Gilbert

Named Mariners Opening Day Starter
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez Back in Cactus League Lineup on Thursday
Hayden Birdsong

to Have Tommy John Surgery, Miss Entire 2026 Season
Zack Wheeler

to Pitch in Minor-League Game on Monday
Paul Skenes

Pirates Officially Name Paul Skenes Their Opening Day Starter
Justin Herbert

Will Justin Herbert Have Higher Fantasy Ceiling in New Offense?
Tank Bigsby

to be Valuable Handcuff Going into First Full Year in Philly
Dameon Pierce

Eagles Agree on One-Year Deal With Dameon Pierce
Jurickson Profar

Officially Suspended for Entire 2026 Season
Matthew Golden

Trending Up Despite Frustrating Rookie Season
Tee Higgins

Solidified as a Weekly Fantasy Contributor with QB Healthy
Evan Engram

Faces a New Challenge in 2026
Ladd McConkey

Has Terrific Opportunity to Bounce Back
Jaydon Blue

Destined for More Volume in Second Season?
Carson Williams

"Likely" to Be Rays Opening Day Starting Shortstop
Trey Yesavage

Will Open 2026 on the Injured List Due to Shoulder Impingement
Oronde Gadsden

Mike McDaniel to Maximize Oronde Gadsden's Skill Set?
Keaton Mitchell

Could "Thrive" in New Offensive Scheme in L.A.
Jake Elliott

Eagles Rework Jake Elliott's Contract
Jack Hughes

Posts Another Three-Point Performance in Victory
Jackson Blake

Collects Three Points on Wednesday
WAS

Cole Hutson Scores in NHL Debut on Wednesday
Max Fried

to Start on Opening Day for Yankees
Arizona Diamondbacks

Diamondbacks Not Naming a Closer to Begin the Season
Adrian Kempe

Could Return Thursday
Mason McTavish

Sits Out Second Consecutive Game
Ross Johnston

to Miss 3-4 Weeks
Jonathan Drouin

Back in Action Wednesday
Eric Robinson

Rejoins Hurricanes Lineup
Shayne Gostisbehere

Sits Out Another Game Wednesday
Sidney Crosby

Returns to Action Wednesday
Matthew Liberatore

Named Cardinals Opening Day Starter
Roki Sasaki

to be in Opening Day Starting Rotation
Akshay Bhatia

Withdraws From Valspar Championship
José Berríos

Jose Berrios has Stress Fracture, Won't be Ready for Opening Day
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Drawing Positive Reviews at Georgia Tech
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Impressing in Nebraska's Spring Practices
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Bags a Shutout in Vegas
J.J. Spaun

Offers Upside Despite Poor Course History at Innisbrook
Brock Boeser

Logs Three Assists Tuesday
Jeremy Peña

Opening Day "Not Ruled Out" for Jeremy Pena
Aaron Rai

Looks to Bounce Back at Valspar Championship
Johnny Keefer

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Valspar Championship
Billy Horschel

a Volatile Play at Valspar Championship
Ben Griffin

Looks to Rebound at the Valspar Championship
Corey Conners

Brings Elite Ball-Striking to Valspar Championship
Cole Ragans

Named Royals Opening Day Starter
Xander Schauffele

Trending In The Right Direction For Valspar Championship
Sahith Theegala

Has Shot to Challenge at Valspar Championship
Mackenzie Hughes

Looking to Bounce Back at Valspar Championship
Nicolai Hojgaard

Finding Rhythm For Valspar Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Continues Hot Start to 2026 Heading to Valspar Championship
Pierceson Coody

Heads to Valspar Championship Following Two Missed Cuts
Shohei Ohtani

to Pitch in Cactus League Game on Wednesday
Seiya Suzuki

has Sprained Knee, Opening Day Availability Unclear
Seiya Suzuki

Diagnosed With Strained PCL
Zach Neto

Making his Return on Tuesday
Wyndham Clark

Searching for Momentum at Valspar Championship
Justin Thomas

Is Justin Thomas Back Ahead of This Week's Valspar Championship?
Jordan Spieth

to Bounce Back at Favored Valspar Championship?
Brooks Koepka

is Starting to Find His Groove Again Ahead of Valspar Championship
Viktor Hovland

is One of The Best DFS Plays at Innesbrook
Rasmus Hojgaard

to Get Back on Track at Valspar Championship
Tony Finau

is Again a Scary Option at Valspar Championship
Blades Brown

Continues PGA Tour Run at Valspar Championship
Josh Emmett

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Kevin Vallejos

Scores First-Round TKO
Amanda Lemos

Drops Back-To-Back Fights
Gillian Robertson

Extends Her Win Streak
Andre Fili

Drops Decision on Saturday
Denny Hamlin

Dominates and Gets His Third Career Las Vegas Win
Chase Elliott

Earns Runner-Up Finish at Las Vegas
William Byron

Wins A Stage and Finishes Third at Las Vegas
Christopher Bell

Finishes Fourth at Las Vegas After Strong Run
Kyle Larson

Fades to Seventh Despite Leading Laps Early at Las Vegas
Andre Fili

Jose Delgado Edges Andre Fili in Split-Decision Win
Oumar Sy

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Ion Cutelaba

Returns To The Win Column
CFB

CJ Carr Enters Sophomore Season as Heisman Favorite
CFB

Aaron Philo Not a Lock to be Florida's Starting QB?
CFB

George MacIntyre the Favorite to Win Tennessee Quarterback Battle?
CFB

Keelon Russell, Austin Mack Battling for Alabama QB1 Duties
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption, Wins Pole at Las Vegas
Denny Hamlin

Should Contend for Another Vegas Win
Chase Briscoe

Qualifies 18th Despite Toyota Dominating at Las Vegas
Chase Elliott

May Fly Under the Radar at Las Vegas
NASCAR

Ross Chastian Has Been As Solid As They Come at Las Vegas
Ty Gibbs

Could Ty Gibbs Finally Break Through With a Win at Las Vegas?
Brad Keselowski

a Solid DFS Pick at Las Vegas
Kyle Larson

Should Kyle Larson be Considered A Favorite for Las Vegas?
William Byron

Could Compete for a Top-Five Finish at Las Vegas
Ryan Blaney

Is Ryan Blaney Worth Rostering in Tournament DFS Lineups for Las Vegas?
Tyler Reddick

Could Continue his Top-10 Streak at Las Vegas
Joey Logano

Should DFS Managers Underestimate Joey Logano for Las Vegas?
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher Worth Rostering For Las Vegas DFS Lineups?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace is A Risky DFS Option Who Could Pay Off at Las Vegas
Josh Berry

Has Plenty of Upside for Las Vegas DFS Lineups
Ryan Preece

Scores his First Las Vegas Top-10 Starting Spot in Qualifying
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF