What's up RotoBallers. In this column, Jason and I will be taking a look at the main card for UFC on Fox 23. 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.
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 on Fox 23.
Justin's Record: 79-33, Jason's Record: 61-51
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.
Alex Caceres vs Jason Knight
Justin’s Pick
Alex Caceres is an unpredictable fighter, but he generally needs room to work in his striking. Jason Knight is an active fighter that tends to keep pressure on his opponents. Both have good submissions, but Knight has the edge in that category. I’m not sure he’s going to be able to finish Caceres, but he will work pressure striking into this fight, while also controlling Caceres on the ground for some time. He will likely take this fight on the judge’s scorecard.
Jason Knight via Unanimous Decision
Jason’s Pick
This is going to be a great start to the main card. Alex “Bruce Leeroy” Caceres is a very exciting fighter, and Jason “The Kid” Knight will test him at various positions inside the octagon. Ultimately, Knight gets a slight edge due to his ability to keep Caceres grounded and control him during that time. While Caceres does have flash knockout potential, the gambler is best served to bet on Knight.
Jason Knight via Submission, 3rd Round
Andrei Arlovski vs Francis Ngannou
Justin’s Pick
Jason and I recently saw Francis Ngannou in Albany, and he was an otherworldly physical specimen. He displayed elite power in that fight, and I don’t believe Arlovski is going to be able to match that. Arlovski does have the power to win this fight, but he has lost each of his last three fights after going on a four fight UFC win streak. Ngannou is the guy that called Arlovski out, which means his team likely saw something they believe they can win with. He isn’t a fighter that generally goes the distance, and he will pick up another finish this week.
Francis Ngannou via TKO, 1st Round
Jason’s Pick
This is a popularity fight for Francis “The Predator” Ngannou. Andrei “The Pit Bull” Arlovski is a household name in the MMA community, and after his easy win, Ngannou will be too. He is the superior fighter at this point in time. In his prime, Arlovski would likely be the favorite, but he has taken one too many punches to the chin to stand in the octagon with an up-and-comer like Ngannou.
Francis Ngannou via KO, 1st Round
Donald Cerrone vs Jorge Masvidal
Justin’s Pick
Jorge Masvidal has looked good recently, but he’s taking on a whole new beast in Donald Cerrone this week. Cerrone has looked elite at his new weight, as he has finished each of his first four opponents at 170 lbs. Masvidal has great striking defense, but Cerrone has slick combinations that can knock anyone out. It’s never a great idea to bet that Masvidal will get finished, but Cerrone isn’t a fighter that likes to go to decision, and he will likely win this fight. He could potentially finish Masvidal late in this fight with another impressive performance.
Donald Cerrone via Submission, 3rd Round
Jason’s Pick
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone is getting a little bit too cocky of recent, as he is already scheduling his next couple of fights, assuming he is going to win this week against Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal. Cerrone is undoubtedly the favorite, especially in his hometown of Denver, Colorado, but Masvidal is no joke in the octagon. He is going to test Cerrone, but ultimately, Cerrone is bound to pass this exam with flying colors. He is the better striker, and he will outstrike Masvidal for three rounds.
Donald Cerrone via Unanimous Decision
Valentina Shevchenko vs Julianna Pena
Justin’s Pick
This is a great fight that will determine the next contender for the belt. Valentina Shevchenko has looked great in the UFC, losing only a close decision to the current champion, Amanda Nunes. Julianna Pena has also looked outstanding with a 4-0 record in the UFC. Each fighter has a clear path to victory, as Shevchenko would like to keep this standing, while Pena will be looking to take her to the ground. I expect Pena to be able to drag this fight to the ground before potentially finishing Shevchenko late in the fight.
Julianna Pena via Submission, 5th Round
Jason’s Pick
Well, we finally disagree! This is a great fight between two potential champions in Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko and Julianna “The Venezuelan Vixen” Pena. Ultimately, it could go in either direction, as Justin mentioned – both fighters have a clear path to victory. Pena wants to get this fight on the ground, but Shevchenko has solid takedown defense, and if the fight stays standing, the advantage swings in her favor. This is the toughest fight to pick on the main card, but I’ll throw in a vote for Shevchenko via the hands of the judges.
Valentina Shevchenko via Unanimous Decision