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

Fight Night 101: MMA Main Card Predictions and DFS Picks

MMA has one of the best sweats in DFS. Two fighters compete at a time with only one coming out as the winner. It's the best feeling in the world when you are watching the main event of a show and know you need a first round knockout to win the entire tournament.

And nothing feels worse than when you need a first round knockout by Stipe Miocic to win thousands of dollars in a tournament, but when he lands that knockout punch, you realize that you placed 14th because Jacare Souza was too dominant in a previous fight. This was a serious scenario that I had to live through when Miocic won the Heavyweight Championship.

Anyway, Jason and I will be taking a look at the main card for Fight Night 101. We will be keeping track based on picking winners and losers. We will also predict how the fight will be finished, but that will not reflect in the records.

Justin's Record: 56-26

Jason's Record: 45-37

Without anymore waiting, here are our picks and analysis for the main card at Fight Night 101.

 

Seo Hee Ham vs Danielle Taylor

Justin’s Pick

This is a tough matchup to predict. Both women will be looking to showcase their striking, although Taylor could score with the judges with a takedown or two. They are two different strikers, as Ham works at an extremely fast pace, while Taylors packs more power in her punches. Taylor also focuses much more on defense, which will be a problem for Ham. I expect Taylor’s power to play a major role in this matchup, as her punches wear Ham down on the way to a decision victory.

Danielle Taylor via Unanimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick

If this fight goes to decision, Seo Hee Ham gets the edge over Danielle “Dynamite” Taylor. Ham absorbs punches and continues to pressure her opponents. That is going to shock Taylor, and Ham should be able to make her uncomfortable in the octagon. Taylor needs to set up her punches, and Ham is not going to let that happen. She does not have the power to finish the fight, but if she flusters Taylor early, she should pick up the decision victory.

Seohee Ham via Unanimous Decision

 

Tyson Pedro vs Khalil Rountree

Justin’s Pick

This should be a fun matchup. Both fighters come with tremendous power, but in different ways. Rountree displayed great power in his punches and kicks throughout the Ultimate Fighter, while Pedro has displayed some powerful takedowns. If Pedro can get this fight to the ground, he should be able to pick up the win. If he can’t, he will be in a world of trouble against the power of Rountree. Rountree likely spent most of his camp working on his takedown defense, which will result in a highlight reel knockout.

Khalil Rountree via TKO, 2nd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

There are two ways this fight can go – Khalil Rountree out strikes Tyson Pedro on his way to victory, or Tyson Pedro takes Khalil Rountree to the ground and makes him tap. The slight advantage may go to Rountree, but he has yet to prove that he has the takedown defense necessary to keep this fight standing. This fight will end up on the ground, and Pedro will lock in the submission.

Tyson Pedro via Submission, 2nd Round

 

 

Yusuke Kasuya vs Alex Volkanovski

Justin’s Pick

Alex Volkanovski has been dominant recently, as he has won 10 consecutive fights with eight finishes. He has flashed solid chokes with great power in his hands. Yusuke Kasuya is no slouch, though, as he has finished all nine of his victories. Volkanovski will need to be on the lookout for Kasuya’s submissions, but if he is able to do that, he should be able to be victorious in his UFC debut.

Alex Volkanovski via TKO, 3rd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This prediction is spot on. Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski is the better fighter, but if he is not careful with Yusuke Kasuya’s submission attempts, he will find himself either tapping out or asleep on the mat. If he can avoid those submission attempts, he will walk away with the victory. He is far better standing, and he should be able to use his knockout power to end this one early. This is a fight that UFC fans will not want to miss.

Alexander Volkanovski via KO, 2nd Round

 

 

Omari Akhmedov vs Kyle Noke

Justin’s Pick

Both of these fighters have been struggling recently, as they both have dropped three of their last five fights. Both fighters are well rounded and matchup great together. Akhmedov may have a slight advantage in both wrestling and striking, which will make the difference in this fight. He should dictate where this fight takes place, and I expect him to find a finish in the middle rounds.

Omari Akhmedov via TKO, 2nd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

I wholeheartedly disagree. Kyle Noke is the better fighter in almost all categories. Omari “Wolverine” Akhmedov is no slouch on the ground or on his feet, but Noke is simply superior. He has a reach advantage while standing, and he also lands at a more effective rate with better standing defense. He has better takedown defense, so he should be able to keep this fight standing, if he wishes to do so. Noke wins this fight.

Kyle Noke via Unanimous Decision

 

Andrew Holbrook vs Jake Matthews

Justin’s Pick 

Both of these fighters are good prospects that have had a knack for finishing fights throughout their careers. Matthews has faced better competition in his career, though, specifically in the UFC, which will give him a small advantage. He should be able to get back on track and control the fight while handing Holbrook his second consecutive loss.

Jake Matthews via TKO, 3rd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This is going to be one of the best fights on the card. Both Jake “The Celtic Kid” Matthews and Andrew Holbrook are up-and-coming in the UFC. Holbrook currently has an 11-1 record. Matthews currently has an 11-2 record. Matthews is good enough on the ground to thwart submission attempts from Holbrook, and he has the advantage, if the fight stays standing. He is more likely to walk away victorious here.

Jake Matthews via TKO, 3rd Round

 

Robert Whittaker vs Derek Brunson

Justin’s Pick

Derek Brunson has been on an unbelievable run, as he has finished four consecutive fights in the first round. Whittaker has also looked great since losing to Stephen Thompson in 2014. This fight will likely play out one of two ways. Brunson could clip Whittaker and knock him out, or Whittaker could use his defense, avoid the knockout shot, and outpoint Brunson in a decision victory. If this fight were three rounds, Whittaker may be the favorite. That isn’t the case, though, and it’s unlikely that Whittaker will be able to avoid Brunson for five rounds. Since he only needs to land one big shot, the advantage goes to Brunson.

Derek Brunson via TKO, 4th Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This is going to be a very close fight. Do not underestimate Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker’s finishing potential. Of course, Derek Brunson has one-punch knockout power, and Justin is correct – it is going to be difficult for Whittaker to avoid Brunson for five rounds. Brunson has a reach advantage, as well, which will allow him to stay away from any attempt at a takedown, if the fight goes south for Whittaker. Brunson gets the edge here.

Derek Brunson via TKO, 2nd Round




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

Kenley Jansen3 hours ago

Picks Up First Save With The Angels
Chris Martin4 hours ago

Secures First Save Of The Season
Kristian Campbell4 hours ago

Red Sox Are In Deep Talks About Contract Extension
Seth Halvorsen4 hours ago

Notches First Save Of The Year
Sean Murphy5 hours ago

Set For Rehab Assignment With High-A Rome
José Soriano5 hours ago

Jose Soriano Tosses Seven Shutout Innings
Anthony Volpe5 hours ago

Hits Three-Run Blast
Josh Smith5 hours ago

Exits Saturday's Game Early With Quad Contusion
Brice Turang5 hours ago

Belts Two-Run Homer
Cody Bellinger5 hours ago

Knocks In Four Runs
Jordan Westburg5 hours ago

Smacks Two Homers
Aaron Judge5 hours ago

Blasts Three Homers
Spencer Strider5 hours ago

Posts Excellent Rehab Start
Manny Machado6 hours ago

Exits Early On Saturday
Gleyber Torres8 hours ago

To Miss Saturday's Game
Gio Urshela8 hours ago

Heads To The Bench
Matt Shaw8 hours ago

Taking A Seat On Saturday
Nico Hoerner8 hours ago

Not Playing On Saturday
Mookie Betts8 hours ago

Sitting Out On Saturday
José Ramírez8 hours ago

Jose Ramirez Exits Early On Saturday
Max Scherzer10 hours ago

Pulled From Saturday's Game With Lat Soreness
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP
10
9
11
10
12
19
13
22
14
24
15
25
16
33
17
39
18
40
19
41

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
Michael Florio's Football Show - Podcast RotoBaller Network

Florio's Football Show: Scouting NFL Draft Prospects!

Michael F Florio goes over some of the top prospects from this years NFL Draft. Florio talks about what he looks for when watching prospect tape and explains what traits translate best to the NFL level. Be sure to also tune into RotoBaller Radio on SiriusXM (SiriusXM channel 87) on Sundays from 6-7 am. You can […]


Najee Harris - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Dynasty Fantasy Football Buy or Sell: Najee Harris, Rico Dowdle, Jordan Mason

One year ago, we discussed the futures of Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, and Aaron Jones as those free agents found new homes. This year's headliners are Najee Harris, Rico Dowdle, and Jordan Mason. Not quite the same. Still, with every transaction come implications for dynasty fantasy football rosters across the globe. Below, we […]


Romeo Doubs - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Early 2025 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Undervalued NFC Draft Targets

While the 2025 fantasy football redraft season is still several months away, there is no such thing as being too prepared for your fantasy draft. Fantasy football is year-round, even for those who only play in redraft leagues. The landscape of fantasy football will change between today and the start of redraft season, with the […]


Detroit Lions Defense, Aidan Hutchinson - Fantasy Football DST Rankings, Streamers, IDP Sleepers

2025 Fantasy Football IDP Sleepers: Five Draft Targets

It's notably difficult to identify sleepers in fantasy football IDP leagues. The skill of the players in question is very important, but situation also plays a large factor, as does a recent history of injuries. Rather than bucketing them into groups, it's better to analyze each one individually, look at where they are in terms […]


Ashton Jeanty - College Football Rankings, NCAA CFB DFS Lineup Picks

Ashton Jeanty's Top Potential Landing Spots For 2025: Fantasy Football NFL Draft Outlook

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty will enter the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the best prospects in the class. Jeanty just ran for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns across 14 games this past college season. Those 2,601 rush yards were the second-most of all-time in FBS history, only behind Barry Sanders's 2,628 rush yards […]


Bhaysul Tuten - NFL Draft Prospects, Rookie Rankings

2025 Fantasy Football Rookie Mock Draft: 12-Team, Single QB

The 2025 NFL Combine has now been completed, so it's worth doing another mock draft to see where everyone stands after the league's pre-draft testing event. Overall, there were a few surprises, but the order of many players will remain the same. The mental domain of the original rankings, which have been fairly set in […]


Rashid Shaheed - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2025 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Later-Career Breakout Candidates

Typically, most NFL players break out in the early parts of their careers. Between the ages of 20 and 25 is when you expect to see the majority of players have their first big season. Some waste no time and put together excellent years while they're rookies, while some need more time to develop. These […]


Davante Adams - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

NFL Free Agency Tracker - Updates On Every Free Agent Signing (2025)

HuThe NFL offseason is starting to heat up, and the league's legal tampering period is set to begin on March 10 at noon Eastern. Free agents cannot officially sign until the new league year begins on March 12 at 4 p.m. Eastern, but deals will be agreed to, and news will be coming in quickly […]


Marvin Mims Jr. - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL DFS Picks

Early 2025 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Undervalued Draft Targets For Every AFC Team

Fantasy football is year-round, even for those who only play in redraft leagues. Much will change over the next several months, including the rest of free agency, the NFL Draft, and training camp. However, it’s never too early to look at potential sleeper candidates and undervalued draft targets for next season. Therefore, let’s look at […]


Kirk Cousins - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Worst NFL Contracts: Seven Overpaid, Overvalued Players For 2025

Free agency is in full swing, and teams are handing out big contracts left, right, and center. Myles Garrett became the highest-paid non-QB just a few weeks ago, and Ja'Marr Chase broke that record almost instantly! But big contracts aren't always a success; just ask these teams. These teams had high hopes when they spent […]


Tank Bigsby - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Fantasy Football Dynasty Sleepers - Undervalued Running Backs For 2025

Getting ahead of the game is the name of the game in any game, especially if that game happens to be dynasty fantasy football and you want to find underrated running backs to add to your rosters. The shelf life for many RBs isn't very long in the NFL, so it's a position you want […]


Najee Harris - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Fantasy Football Outlooks For RBs On New Teams: Najee Harris, Javonte Williams, Rico Dowdle, Jordan Mason, Raheem Mostert, Elijah Mitchell, more

Free agency has fueled a massive wave of player movement that has transformed the fantasy landscape. This includes the results that have emerged after a collection of running backs garnered contracts that will launch them into new environments this season. These backs will be challenged to replicate the prolific numbers that were assembled by the […]


Ja'Marr Chase fantasy football rankings NFL DFS lineup picks

Dynasty Fantasy Football WR Rankings Analysis – Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Malik Nabers

There's no question that Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson, and New York Giants wideout Malik Nabers are all elite receivers with sky-high production potential for fantasy football. Lousiana State University is WRU, without a doubt. This trio, along with Brian Thomas Jr., proves it. While we won't be covering […]