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
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

UFC 209 : MMA Main Card Predictions and DFS Picks

What's up RotoBallers. In this column, Jason and I will be taking a look at the main card for UFC 209. Our analysis will help you with your DraftKings MMA lineups. 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: 91-42, Jason's Record: 74-59).

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. Without anymore waiting, here are our DFS lineup picks and DraftKings analysis for the main card at UFC 209.

Editor's Note: Interested in RotoBaller's MMA DFS Cheat Sheet with advanced fighter statistics, deep analysis and detailed insights from MMA DFS Experts Jason and Justin Bales? Let us know here.

 

Alistair Overeem vs Mark Hunt

Justin’s Pick 

The main card opens with a fight that could realistically go either way. Mark Hunt is a fighter that relies on a great chin and heavy hands. Alistair Overeem, on the other hand, has multiple tools to win this fight. Overeem beat Hunt with a keylock in the first round all the way back in 2008. Both fighters have had plenty of fights since then, and either fighter could land a big shot and end this fight early, but I’ll be siding with the fighter who has more ways to win.

Alistair Overeem via Submission, 2nd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This is a very interesting fight between two colossal heavyweights. Mark “Super Samoan” Hunt is looking to move past his loss to Brock Lesnar, which is no longer being seen as a loss now that Lesnar was caught taking steroids, and Alistair “The Reem” Overeem will look to get back on the right track after losing to champion Stipe Miocic. It is true that Overeem has more ways to win this fight, and he is far from being at the end of his career, but Hunt simply has more power and good enough takedown defense to keep this fight standing. All in all, Hunt gets a slight edge, but as with any heavyweight fight, it could go either way.

Mark Hunt via KO, 2nd Round

 

Lando Vannata vs David Teymur

Justin’s Pick

David Teymur is not a fighter to overlook, but Lando Vannata will be showcasing his striking in this fight. Vannata has a near perfect record with his only loss coming to Tony Ferguson on a short notice fight that Vannata nearly pulled off the upset. Teymur is also near perfect, winning five consecutive fights after losing his first ever professional fight. Teymur certainly has the power to end this fight in a flash, but this will be another masterful performance for the ascending Vannata.

Lando Vannata via TKO, 1st Round

 

Jason’s Pick

Lando “Groovy” Vannata catapulted into the forefront of UFC discussion after he almost beat Tony Ferguson back in July of 2016. After that, he fought John Makdessi is December of the same year, and won Performance of the Night for one of the best knockouts in UFC history. As a reward, Dana White scheduled him on the main card of UFC 209. He will fight David Teymur, an up-and-coming Swedish fighter with wins over Jason Novelli and Martin Svensson. Teymur wins a majority of his fights via KO/TKO, but Vannata has too good of a chin for that to happen this week. Vannata has inferior defense, but that always seems to be the case. His aggressive style will confuse Teymur, and Vannata will pick up another UFC win.

Lando Vannata via TKO, 3rd Round

 

Rashad Evans vs Daniel Kelly

Justin’s Pick

This is a tough fight for me to pick. My brain and logic is telling me Rashad Evans should easily pick up the victory, as he has been fighting elite competition for years in the UFC. Daniel Kelly, on the other hand, has not been fighting the competition of Evans. Kelly has, however, represented Australia in the Olympics four times for Judo. I’m going to reluctantly side with my gut on this fight.

Daniel Kelly via Unanimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick

The odds for this fight are not out quite yet, but it is likely that Rashad “Suga” Evans will be the favorite over Daniel Kelly. With that said, Daniel Kelly gets the edge. He has great defense while on his feet, and he should be able to defend Evans’ takedown attempts, while landing his own. Evans is a great fighter, but his prime is gone. Kelly, despite his age, is really starting to come into his own after beating Steve Montgomery, Antonio Carlos Junior, and Chris Camozzi. He has more ways to win this fight, and his defense is slightly stronger.

Daniel Kelly via Unanimous Decision

 

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Tony Ferguson

Justin’s Pick

This is an extremely difficult fight to pick. Both of these men are elite fighters, who have the ability to beat anyone in their division. Tony Ferguson will have the advantage on the feet, but Khabib Nurmagomedov has a knack for taking his opponents down before laying on elite ground and pound with a solid submission game. It wouldn’t be surprising if Ferguson shocks Nurmagomedov with a takedown early, but it’s unlikely he’ll be able to keep him down. Eventually, Nurmagomedov will wind up on top of Ferguson before finishing him in another impressive victory.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via TKO, 2nd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This is the fight that UFC fans around the world have been waiting for! I’ve been practicing to take over for Bruce Buffer when he retires. Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson recently said that he is going to out-wrestle Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov. Realistically speaking, that will not happen. Ferguson is going to want to keep this fight standing, while Nurmagomedov will want to take the fight to the ground. Ferguson has great takedown defense, but Nurmagomedov is too good to be thwarted for three rounds. He is better defensively, and does have the edge on the ground. Ultimately, the Russian wins this fight.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via TKO, 3rd Round

 

Tyron Woodley vs Stephen Thompson

Justin’s Pick

I picked Stepehn Thompson to beat Tyron Woodley in the first matchup, and I’m going to pick him again this weekend. Thompson was only taken down once in their first fight, and it would have won likely won the fight if it weren’t for a 10-8 round, in which Thompson was in serious trouble. I expect him to try to keep his distance in this fight, while picking apart Woodley for five rounds. If Woodley can close the distance and land another power shot, he could walk away the winner, but Thompson proved to have an elite chin, and he showed that he can keep his cool when he’s put in dangerous situations. That will be enough to bring home the belt this time around.

Stephen Thompson via Unanimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick

This is a fantastic rematch. In the first fight between these two, Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley seemingly knocked out Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, but Thompson recovered and ended up out-pointing Woodley more often than not. If Woodley does not have a very dominant round, Thompson wins the fight on the scorecard. This is a very even matchup, but ultimately, Thompson will win the championship. He has been adding weight during his training camp, and he will come out stronger than ever. It is not often that UFC fighters get a second chance – Thompson will not let his slip.

Stephen Thompson via TKO, 4th Round




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Malik Monk29 mins ago

Sidelined On Tuesday Versus Bucks
David Montgomery32 mins ago

Practicing In Full
Tom Kim2 hours ago

Looking To Bounce Back At American Express
Diontae Johnson3 hours ago

Cut Loose By Texans
Wyndham Clark4 hours ago

Looking To Keep Momentum Going At La Quinta
PGA4 hours ago

Sungjae Im Is A Hot Commodity At The American Express
Christiaan Bezuidenhout4 hours ago

Makes 2025 Debut At PGA West
Harry Hall4 hours ago

In Great Form Ahead Of American Express
Eric Cole4 hours ago

Seeking First Tour Victory At American Express
Tony Finau4 hours ago

Eyeing Victory At American Express
Ben Griffin4 hours ago

Looks To Stay Hot At La Quinta
Billy Horschel4 hours ago

A Fade Candidate At American Express
Kurt Kitayama4 hours ago

In Solid Form Ahead Of American Express
Keith Mitchell4 hours ago

Tough To Trust At American Express
Patrick Rodgers4 hours ago

A Player To Fade At The American Express
PGA4 hours ago

Ben Silverman A Risky Option At PGA West
Nick Taylor4 hours ago

Aims For Back-To-Back Victories At American Express
Cameron Young4 hours ago

A Golfer To Watch At American Express
Brian Harman5 hours ago

Leaking Oil As He Heads To PGA West
PGA5 hours ago

Nico Echavarria An Intriguing Play Again This Week At PGA West
Sam Burns5 hours ago

A Popular Play At The American Express
Jarred Vanderbilt8 hours ago

To Remain Out This Week
Deandre Ayton8 hours ago

Ready To Return On Tuesday
Robert Williams III8 hours ago

Questionable For Tuesday
Dalano Banton8 hours ago

Iffy With An Illness
Jerami Grant8 hours ago

Remains Out On Tuesday
Derrick Jones Jr.8 hours ago

"Fine" Despite Monday's Early Exit
Luis Arraez9 hours ago

Padres Would Prefer To Hold Luis Arraez
Sam Reinhart9 hours ago

Nets Two Goals In Loss
Noah Cates9 hours ago

Strikes Twice On Monday
Yegor Sharangovich10 hours ago

Tallies Goal, Assist On Monday
Jakob Pelletier10 hours ago

Tallies Three Points In Victory
Connor McDavid10 hours ago

Scores In Monday's Victory
Stuart Skinner10 hours ago

Blanks Los Angeles
Tyler Higbee17 hours ago

In Stable Condition At Hospital, Expected To Be OK
Los Angeles Rams17 hours ago

Rams Defense Wreaks Havoc Monday
Chicago Bears19 hours ago

Mike McCarthy Set For Meeting With Chicago
Deni Avdija19 hours ago

Questionable Versus Brooklyn
Dallas Cowboys19 hours ago

Deion Sanders In Talks With Cowboys About Head-Coaching Vacancy
Anthony Davis19 hours ago

Will Suit Up Versus San Antonio
Patrick Fishburn19 hours ago

Starts 2025 Season Strong
LeBron James19 hours ago

Active Versus The Spurs
Jeremy Sochan19 hours ago

Won't Play On Monday Night
Ben Simmons19 hours ago

Uncertain For Tuesday Night
Cameron Johnson20 hours ago

Has A Chance To Return On Tuesday
Bam Adebayo20 hours ago

Ruled Out On Monday Night
D'Angelo Russell20 hours ago

In Danger Of Missing Another Game
Kyle Lowry20 hours ago

Remains Sidelined
Nicolas Claxton20 hours ago

Considered Questionable For Tuesday
Caleb Martin20 hours ago

May Miss Second Straight Game
Nick Dunlap20 hours ago

Aims To Defend His American Express Title
Andre Drummond20 hours ago

Ruled Out Tuesday
Grayson Allen21 hours ago

Likely Good To Go Tuesday
Julian Strawther21 hours ago

Probable Tuesday Against Dallas
Jackson Suber21 hours ago

Shines In First PGA Tour Start Of 2025
MLB21 hours ago

Dodgers, Padres, Blue Jays Finalists For Roki Sasaki
Donovan Solano21 hours ago

Inks One-Year Deal With Seattle
Vladislav Namestnikov23 hours ago

Not Ready To Return On Tuesday
Filip Hronek23 hours ago

Regarded As Game-Time Decision For Tuesday
Alexander Wennberg23 hours ago

Expected To Return To Action On Tuesday
Rory Kerins24 hours ago

Set For NHL Debut On Monday
Craig Smith24 hours ago

Remains Out On Monday
Ilya Sorokin24 hours ago

Returns To Practice Monday
Jayden Reed1 day ago

Doesn't Need Shoulder Surgery
Zay Flowers1 day ago

Ravens In "We'll-See" Mode With Zay Flowers
Lamar Jackson1 day ago

Not Expected To Be Limited In Practice This Week
Justin Verlander1 day ago

Feeling Good
Las Vegas Raiders1 day ago

Raiders "Enamored" With Ben Johnson
Dallas Cowboys1 day ago

Mike McCarthy Out In Dallas
Jayden Reed1 day ago

Suffers Dislocated Shoulder
Philadelphia Eagles1 day ago

Nakobe Dean Done For Playoffs With Torn Patellar Tendon
Amanda Ribas1 day ago

Loses Second Fight In A Row
Mackenzie Dern1 day ago

Scores Submission Victory At UFC Vegas 101
Carlston Harris1 day ago

Gets TKO'd At UFC Vegas 101
Santiago Ponzinibbio1 day ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Saquon Barkley1 day ago

Anchors Eagles Offense Yet Again
Abdul Razak Alhassan1 day ago

Gets Knocked Out At UFC Vegas 101
Cesar Almeida1 day ago

Scores Knockout Victory
Robert Suarez1 day ago

Padres Have "Entertained" Trade Talks For Robert Suarez
Pavel Dorofeyev1 day ago

Tallies Three Points In Victory
Lukas Dostal1 day ago

Stands Tall On Sunday
Nikita Kucherov1 day ago

Tallies Three Points In Victory
Leevi Merilainen1 day ago

Wins Second Straight Contest
Dylan Larkin1 day ago

Tallies Goal, Assist On Sunday
Mike Evans2 days ago

Hauls In Touchdown Pass Against Washington
Terry McLaurin2 days ago

Scores In Wild-Card Victory
Josh Jacobs2 days ago

Notches 121 Total Yards, Keeps Touchdown Streak Intact In Loss
Uros Medic2 days ago

Gets Knocked Out At UFC Vegas 101
Punahele Soriano2 days ago

Gets A Knockout Win At UFC Vegas 101
Austin Bashi2 days ago

Suffers First Career Loss At UFC Vegas 101
Christian Rodriguez2 days ago

Pulls Off Upset At UFC Vegas 101
Chris Curtis2 days ago

Gets Finished At UFC Vegas 101
Roman Kopylov2 days ago

Scores Last-Second Knockout At UFC Vegas 101
Romeo Doubs2 days ago

Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs Questionable To Return
Cade Otton2 days ago

Active For Sunday Night
James Cook2 days ago

Dominates Denver’s Defense On Wild-Card Weekend
Aaron Ekblad2 days ago

To Sit Out At Least Two More Games
Jordan Staal2 days ago

Looks To Take Goal Streak To Four Games
Adin Hill2 days ago

Scheduled To Start On Sunday
Michael Bunting2 days ago

Misses Sunday's Action
Bo Bichette2 days ago

Has "No Real Interest" In Re-Signing With Toronto
Yandy Díaz2 days ago

Yandy Diaz Not Expected To Be Traded
New England Patriots2 days ago

Mike Vrabel, Patriots Officially Agree On Multi-Year Deal
Sean Sullivan2 days ago

Invited To Spring Training
Sandy Alcantara3 days ago

Will Not Be Traded Before Opening Day
Jeff Hoffman4 days ago

Inks Three-Year Deal With Toronto
Amanda Ribas4 days ago

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Mackenzie Dern4 days ago

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 101
Zac Gallen4 days ago

Diamondbacks Avoid Arbitration With Zac Gallen
Josh Jung4 days ago

Will Be Full-Go For Spring Training
Santiago Ponzinibbio4 days ago

Set For Co-Main Event
Carlston Harris4 days ago

Set For Welterweight Matchup
Pete Alonso4 days ago

No Deal Close Between Pete Alonso And The Mets
Abdul Razak Alhassan4 days ago

Returns To Action At UFC Vegas 101
Cesar Almeida4 days ago

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Uros Medic4 days ago

Opens Up UFC Vegas 101 Main Card
Punahele Soriano4 days ago

Remains At Welterweight At UFC Vegas 101
Christian Rodriguez4 days ago

Looks To Start Off 2025 On Right Note At UFC Vegas 101
Josh Naylor4 days ago

Diamondbacks Avoid Arbitration
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.4 days ago

Blue Jays Avoid Arbitration
Andrew Kittredge4 days ago

Inks One-Year Deal With Baltimore
Framber Valdez5 days ago

Astros Avoid Arbitration
Randy Arozarena5 days ago

Mariners Avoid Arbitration
Luis Arraez5 days ago

Padres Settle On $14 Million Deal
Tarik Skubal5 days ago

Tigers Avoid Arbitration
Dylan Cease5 days ago

And Padres Avoid Arbitration

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
Jahmyr Gibbs - Fantasy Football, Rankings, Draft, Sleeper, DFS, Running Back

Divisional Round PPR Rankings for Fantasy Football - Jahmyr Gibbs, Derrick Henry, Patrick Mahomes, Jayden Daniels, Mark Andrews, Puka Nacua, Joe Mixon

Only eight NFL teams remain in the fight for postseason glory, meaning fantasy and DFS options are limited moving forward. If you're taking part in any postseason fantasy football contest or DFS tournament, we have you covered. To get things kicked off, dig into the rankings below to see where Jahmyr Gibbs, Derrick Henry, Patrick […]


Isiah Pacheco - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News

Divisional Round PPR FLEX Rankings for Fantasy Football - Khalil Shakir, DeVonta Smith, Jameson Williams, Isiah Pacheco, Rashod Bateman, Cooper Kupp

The 2024 NFL season has been a blast, but there is more action set to take place, meaning more DFS and fantasy football contests. Dig into the rankings below to see where Khalil Shakir, DeVonta Smith, Jameson Williams, Isiah Pacheco, Rashod Bateman, and Cooper Kupp stand, among other flex options. Let's get it! Lead-ranker Nick […]


James Cook - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Divisional Round PPR Running Back Rankings for Fantasy Football - Derrick Henry, Jahmyr Gibbs, Joe Mixon, James Cook, Kareem Hunt, Austin Ekeler

Running backs stole the show during the fantasy football regular season, and a few of them have productive days in the Wild Card Round. Hopefully, they continue to carry the load in Round 2 of the NFL postseason. Dig into the rankings below to see where Derrick Henry, Jahmyr Gibbs, Joe Mixon, James Cook, Kareem […]


A.J. Brown - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS and Betting Picks

Divisional Round PPR Wide Receiver Rankings for Fantasy Football - Nico Collins, Amon-Ra St. Brown, A.J. Brown, Terry McLaurin, Puka Nacua, Xavier Worthy

There were a few big spike weeks from wide receivers during the Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs, so hopefully we see more in the Divisional Round. Whether you're set to draft your Divisional Round playoff team or crush a DFS contest, we're here to assist your efforts. Dig into the rankings below to […]


Divisional Round Quarterback Rankings for Fantasy Football - Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels, Patrick Mahomes, Jared Goff

It's time for the next round of the NFL playoffs, and just eight teams remain on the quest for a Super Bowl title. We have you covered for Divisional Round playoff leagues or DFS contests through the Super Bowl. Below, you'll find out where quarterbacks such as Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels, […]


Dallas Goedert - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Divisional Round PPR Tight End Rankings for Fantasy Football - Mark Andrews, Travis Kelce, Dallas Goedert, Dalton Kincaid, Sam LaPorta, Zach Ertz

Whether you're taking part in a playoff league or grinding rankings for DFS purposes, RotoBaller has you covered through Super Bowl 59. Tight ends don't get any easier to navigate in the playoffs, so we're here to help. Dig into the rankings below to see where Mark Andrews, Travis Kelce, Dallas Goedert, Dalton Kincaid, Sam […]


Jake Bates - Fantasy Football Rankings, Kicker Waiver Wire Pickups, Streamers

Divisional Round Kicker Rankings for Fantasy Football: Jake Bates, Harrison Butker, Justin Tucker, Tyler Bass, Jake Elliott, Joshua Karty, Zane Gonzalez

Wild Card weekend has come and gone, and it's time for Round 2 of the NFL postseason. To get things started, let's talk kickers. Sure, they aren't the most exciting position in fantasy football, but they can be the difference between winning and losing tournaments, leagues, or DFS contests. Dig into the rankings below to […]


Chiefs Defense - Fantasy Football D/ST Streamers, Team Defense Rankings, IDP Waiver Wire

Divisional Round Team Defense Rankings for Fantasy Football: Chiefs D/ST, Lions D/ST, Eagles D/ST, Rams D/ST, Ravens D/ST, Bills D/ST, Texans D/ST

The 2024 NFL Playoffs are set to move to the Divisional Round, and whether you're taking part in playoff leagues or DFS contests, we have you covered. While defenses are an overlooked piece of fantasy football playoff leagues and DFS tournaments, they can make the difference between winning and losing. Dig into the rankings below […]


Derrick Henry - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Fantasy Football Rankings For Divisional Round Playoff Leagues - Derrick Henry, Josh Allen, Jahmyr Gibbs, A.J. Brown, Travis Kelce, James Cook, Zay Flowers

After an eventful Wild Card weekend, it's time to dig into our 2025 Divisional Round NFL playoff league rankings. Fantasy football contests continue all season long, so we'll provide coverage through Super Bowl 59. Below, you'll see where key Divisional Round options such as Derrick Henry, Josh Allen, Jahmyr Gibbs, A.J. Brown, Travis Kelce, James Cook, […]


Xavier Worthy - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Fantasy Football FLEX Rankings For Divisional Round Playoff Leagues - Zay Flowers, James Cook, Xavier Worthy, Jameson Williams, Isiah Pacheco

In-season fantasy football leagues are now a thing of the past, but that doesn't mean fantasy football is entirely over. Our 2025 Divisional Round NFL playoff league FLEX rankings are here to guide your playoff roster decisions or start-sit calls. Below, you'll see where key FLEX options such as Zay Flowers, James Cook, Xavier Worthy, […]


Saquon Barkley - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings For Divisional Round Playoff Leagues - Jahmyr Gibbs, Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, James Cook, Kareem Hunt

It's time for another great week of NFL action, and there are still ways to compete in DFS or fantasy football! Our 2025 Divisional Round NFL playoff league running back rankings are here to help you with any contest you are taking part in. Below, you'll see where key running backs such as Jahmyr Gibbs, Saquon […]


Lamar Jackson - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings For Divisional Round Playoff Leagues - Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Jared Goff

Traditional fantasy football leagues are over, and Wild Card Weekend has wrapped up, but there are still ways to compete! Our 2025 Divisional Round NFL playoff league quarterback rankings are here to help you with whatever contest you are participating in. Below, you'll see where key quarterbacks such as Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, […]


Amon-Ra St. Brown - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings For Divisional Round Playoff Leagues - A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Xavier Worthy, Puka Nacua, Khalil Shakir

The NFL postseason is heating up, and only eight teams remain in the quest for a Super Bowl ring. If you're still competing in fantasy football of any format, our 2025 Divisional Round NFL playoff league wide receiver rankings are here to help. Below, you'll see where key wideouts such as A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, […]