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
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

DraftKings MMA, UFC DFS Lineup Picks - UFC Tampa: Covington vs. Buckley

Colby Covington - UFC DFS Picks, MMA DFS Lineups

DraftKings MMA, UFC DFS lineup picks for UFC Tampa: Covington vs. Buckley on 12/14/24. MMA DFS analysis to build winning daily fantasy UFC lineups.

The final UFC event of 2024 takes place this Saturday in Tampa, Fla. The event will mark the promotion's fourth visit to Tampa and first since UFC on ESPN+ 19 in October 2019. The UFC Tampa main event will have former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington returning to face up-and-coming Joaquin Buckley. Originally, Buckley was supposed to take on Ian Machado Garry, but Garry was moved to 310 a week earlier to face off against Shavkat Rakhmonov and was replaced by already mentioned Covington.

In the co-main event, we have legendary Cub Swanson facing off against Billy Quarantillo in a featherweight bout. Other interesting matchups on the UFC Tampa main card include Manel Kape vs. Bruno Silva, Vitor Petrino vs. Dustin Jacoby, and Adrian Yanez vs. Daniel Marcos. Also, the last fight on prelims is set to feature Michael Johnson and Ottman Azaitar in the lightweight division.

In this article, I will be providing you with my fantasy MMA lineup picks for UFC Tampa: Covington vs. Buckley on 12/14/24. Give me a follow on X @sumpor5. Good luck!

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 50% off using code SUMMER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

DraftKings MMA Welterweight - UFC DFS Lineup Picks 

Colby Covington, $7,200 - vs. Joaquin Buckley

Nearly a full year after his last appearance in the UFC, former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington returns to competition to take on surging Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Tampa.

Covington looks to get back on track and in the win column after losing his last bout to former welterweight champion Leon Edwards, while Buckley looks for his sixth win in a row. The bout will serve as the final UFC fight of 2024.

Covington was last seen in action at UFC 296, where he lost a clear-cut 49-46 unanimous decision to former champion Edwards, which was his third title fight, the first two being against Kamaru Usman.

In his bout against Edwards, Covington didn't look like himself and was soundly defeated in a fight that was most likely his last title fight. The loss to Edwards dropped Covington to 2-3 in his last five fights. His wins were against former BMF champion Jorge Masvidal and former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. Before his first fight with Usman, Covington was on a seven-fight win streak.

Buckley was originally scheduled to take on Ian Machado Garry before Machado Garry was pulled to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 after Belal Muhammad was forced to pull out of his fight against Rakhmonov. In contrast to Covington, Buckley has been on a tear, winning five fights in a row, three by knockout.

However, in his last fight against Stephen Thompson, Buckley was on his way to losing by a unanimous decision until he landed a devastating right hook in the third round that knocked Thompson out cold.

Covington enters this fight with an MMA record of 17-4 and is 12-4 in the UFC. He is averaging 3.88 strikes per minute and has a striking accuracy of 38%. Covington has a striking defense of 55% and is absorbing 2.98 strikes per minute. Regarding his grappling, Covington is averaging 3.79 takedowns every 15 minutes. He has a takedown accuracy of 44% and a takedown defense of 67%.

Buckley enters this fight with an MMA record of 20-6 and 10-4 in the UFC. He has a striking accuracy of 36% and is averaging 4.13 strikes per minute. Buckley is absorbing 3.20 strikes per minute and has a striking defense of 57%. His grappling is solid, averaging 1.96 takedowns every 15 minutes. He has a takedown defense of 69% and a takedown accuracy of 44%.

This is an obvious “Wrestler vs. Striker” matchup. There's no doubt in my mind that a prime Covington would have been able to beat Buckley, but Covington at this stage of his career might struggle. On the other hand, we just saw Buckley struggle against a 41-year-old Thompson.

Although Buckley is on a five-fight win streak and Covington lost his last fight, I'm still picking Covington to win this one. I think his wrestling and cardio are going to be too much for Buckley. My prediction is that Covington is going to win this via unanimous decision.

 

DraftKings MMA Featherweight - UFC DFS Lineup Picks 

Cub Swanson, $7,800 - vs. Billy Quarantillo

Cub Swanson and Billy Quarantillo are scheduled to face off in a featherweight bout in the co-main event of UFC Tampa on Saturday. Both fighters are looking to get back in the win column after losses, Swanson to Andre Fili in June at UFC 303 and Quarantillo to surging Youssef Zalal in March at UFC Vegas 89.

Swanson has been alternating wins and losses since 2020. Most recently, he lost a split decision to Andre Fili in a Fight of the Night bout at UFC 303. Known for his dynamic striking and slick submissions, Swanson has faced some of the toughest names in the featherweight division. Swanson is set to fight for the 32nd time in his UFC/WEC career this weekend, which is the most appearances of any 145-pound fighter.

Since a 3-0 start to his UFC tenure, Quarantillo has struggled to find consistent results. Just like Swanson, Quarantillo has alternated wins and losses, and just like Swanson, Quarantillo is 3-3 in his last six. Quarantillo is known for his cardio and pressure, as he can break opponents on the feet. He is also known as a reckless brawler with great cardio and pressure.

Swanson enters this fight with an MMA record of 29-14 and is 19-13 in the UFC. He is averaging 4.67 strikes per minute and has a striking accuracy of 50%. Swanson is absorbing 3.86 strikes per minute and has a striking defense of 59%. When it comes to his grappling, Swanson is averaging 1.06 takedowns every 15 minutes. He has a takedown accuracy of 50% and a takedown defense of 63%.

Quarantillo enters this fight with an MMA record of 18-6 and is 7-4 in the UFC. He is averaging 7.36 strikes per minute and has a striking accuracy of 56%. Quarantillo is absorbing 5.57 strikes per minute and has a striking defense of 43%. His grappling is decent, as he's averaging 1.24 takedowns every 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts during the same period. He has a takedown accuracy of 23% and a takedown defense of 61%.

As stated before, Quarantillo is known for his pressure and he likes to brawl. He's a volume striker but he absorbs nearly as many punches as he lands. And although he's 41 years old, Swanson still hits hard and uses footwork to find his shots. His defense is also good enough for him to deal with Quarantillo's striking.

If Quarantillo plans to fight like he usually does, I see Swanson catching him and knocking him out. I see Swanson winning this by a third-round knockout.

 

DraftKings MMA Flyweight - UFC DFS Lineup Picks 

Manel Kape, $9,200 - vs. Bruno Silva

On the main card of UFC Tampa, we have a flyweight showdown between No. 12 flyweight Bruno Silva and No. 9 Manel Kape. Silva has been on a four-fight winning streak, while Kape will try to bounce back from a unanimous decision loss he suffered to Muhammad Mokaev.

Kape debuted in the UFC in 2020, and although his early UFC record wasn't stellar, Kape managed to bounce back and win his next four fights. Kape last appeared at UFC 304, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Mokaev that snapped his four-fight winning streak. He has a strong Muay Thai base but is also capable on the ground. He has notable victories in Rizin, where he was the flyweight champion.

After going winless in his first three UFC bouts, Silva got back on track by winning four fights in a row. He was last seen in action at UFC Vegas 94, where he defeated Cody Durden by a second-round TKO. Other than Durden, those wins haven’t come against particularly established names, as none of those previous opponents are still in the UFC. He is primarily a striker with a strong emphasis on Muay Thai, but he is well-rounded and can mix it up with takedowns and ground control when needed.

Kape enters this fight with an MMA record of 19-7 and is 4-3 in the UFC. He is averaging 4.44 strikes per minute and has a striking accuracy of 53%. Kape has a striking defense of 59% and is absorbing 4.06 strikes per minute. When it comes to his grappling, Kape is averaging just 0.54 takedowns every 15 minutes. He has a takedown accuracy of 33% and a takedown defense of 73%

Silva enters this fight with an MMA record of 14-5-2 and is 4-2 in the UFC. He is averaging 3.32 strikes per minute and has a striking accuracy of 48%. Silva absorbs 3.14 strikes per minute and has a striking defense of 58%. His grappling is solid, averaging 2.26 takedowns per every 15 minutes. He has a takedown accuracy of 28% and a takedown defense of 60%.

Silva needs to get this fight on the ground if he wants to win this fight. When it comes to striking, Kape is a much better striker than Silva. Also, Kape's takedown defense is 73% and I don't see Silva finishing him on the ground, or holding him down long enough to win the fight. My prediction is that Kape is going to win this fight via unanimous decision.

More DFS Analysis & Lineup Picks




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Lukas Dostal

Signs Five-Year Extension with Ducks
Shemar Stewart

Not Practicing With College Team
Uchenna Nwosu

Seahawks Place Uchenna Nwosu on PUP List
Taylor Decker

Alim McNeill, Taylor Decker Placed on PUP List
Tyrion Davis-Price

Titans Waive Tyrion Davis-Price
Tre Harris

Chargers Relying on Tre Harris to Be Starting X Receiver
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Expected Back Friday
Micah Parsons

Will Become Highest-Paid Non-QB
MarShawn Lloyd

Vying for RB2 Role
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith Finds End Zone in First Training Camp Practice
Tyler Shough

Pushing for Fully Guaranteed Rookie Deal
Ar'Darius Washington

Goes on PUP List
Lamar Jackson

to be Even Better in 2025?
Tre Harris

Agrees to Terms on Rookie Deal
Justin Herbert

Off to Good Start at Training Camp
Jameson Williams

Earning Rave Reviews from Lions Coaches
Christian Mahogany

Expected to Start for Lions
Zach Allen

an Extension Candidate in Denver?
Zaire Franklin

May Miss Start of Training Camp
Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard Returning to Portland
Mason Taylor

to Play "Crucial" Role in Jets' Offense
Paul Skenes

Pirates Could Preserve Paul Skenes in Second Half
T.J. Watt

Once Again Becomes Highest-Paid Non-QB
RJ Harvey

Reaches Agreement on Four-Year Rookie Contract
Rashee Rice

Chiefs Believe Rashee Rice Will Receive Two- to Four-Game Suspension
Brooks Barnhizer

Grabs 19 Points, Nine Boards in Summer League Win
Jeremiah Fears

Scores 22 Points in Summer League Loss to Thunder
Isaiah Collier

Collects 17 Points In Summer League Win
Caleb Houstan

Joins Hawks
AJ Johnson

Erupts for 25 Points in Summer League Loss
Washington Wizards

Leaky Black Logs Double-Double in Loss to Jazz
Connor Norby

Undergoes Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Trey Alexander

Tallies 25 Points in Losing Effort
Johni Broome

Records Second Consecutive Double-Double
Jahmir Young

Has Historic Summer League Outing
Rob Dillingham

Plays Big Role in Wednesday's Win
Tyrese Proctor

Erupts for 35 Points Against Kings
Cody Williams

Leads Jazz to Victory Against Wizards
LeBron James

Mavs Not Interested in "Gutting its Roster" For LeBron James
Josh Hart

Undergoes a Procedure on Right Finger
Jake Burger

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Quad Strain
Sal Frelick

Dealing With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain, TBD for Start of Second Half
Chris Sale

Plays Catch
Los Angeles Clippers

Bradley Beal Heading to Los Angeles to Join Clippers After Contract Buyout
Rayan Rupert

Scores 24 Points in Summer League Win
Derik Queen

Collects Third Consecutive Double-Double in Summer League Loss
GG Jackson II

Records 13 Points in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Johni Broome

Logs Double-Double Against Wizards
DaRon Holmes II

Records Double-Double in Summer League Loss to Raptors
Kyle Schwarber

Named All-Star Game MVP
Harris English

Takes Stellar 2025 Performance to The Open Championship
Aldrich Potgieter

Seeks Better Result in Northern Ireland
Cameron Young

Likely to Hang Around at The Open Championship
Cameron Smith

Just Trying to Make the Cut at Royal Portrush
Jordan Spieth

Is Jordan Spieth Still a Natural for Links Style Golf?
Patrick Reed

a Viable Option at The Open Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound from Last Experience at Royal Portrush
Xander Schauffele

Looks to Defend His Claret Jug at Royal Portrush
Tony Finau

Trying to Turn Tide at Royal Portrush
Daniel Brown

Seeks a Rebound at The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy

Will be the Most Watched Player This Week at Royal Portrush
Daniel Berger

Trending Poorly as The Open Championship Looms
Clayton Kershaw

Retires Both Batters In ASG Appearance
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Hit In Pinky In All-Star Game, X-Rays Negative
MLB

NL All-Stars Win On Tie-Breaker Home Run Swing-Off
Robert MacIntyre

Hoping to Bounce Back at Open Championship
Shane Lowry

Hopes to Repeat at Royal Portrush
Brian Harman

Hopes to Rekindle Some Magic at the 153rd Open
UTA

Michael Carcone Returns to Utah on One-Year Contract
Bowen Byram

Signs Two-Year Deal with Sabres
Morgan Barron

Jets Re-Sign Morgan Barron for Two Years
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Oneil Cruz

Ties Home Run Derby Distance Record
Cal Raleigh

Wins 2025 Home Run Derby
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Michael Lorenzen

Royals Put Michael Lorenzen on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Junior Tafa

Unsuccessful in his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Tosses Gem Against Giants
Shota Imanaga

Shuts Down Yankees on Sunday
Nathan Eovaldi

Dominant Again in Seventh Win
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Chicago White Sox

Billy Carlson Goes 10th Overall to White Sox
Cincinnati Reds

Steele Hall Selected Ninth by Cincinnati
Toronto Blue Jays

Blue Jays Select JoJo Parker with Eighth Overall Pick
Miami Marlins

Marlins Select Aiva Arquette With Seventh Overall Pick
Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates Select Seth Hernandez with Sixth Overall Pick
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF