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What's up RotoBallers. In this column, Jason and I will be taking a look at the main card for UFC 210. 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: 99-47, Jason's Record: 79-67).
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 210.
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.
Will Brooks vs Charles Oliveira
Justin’s Pick
These are two incredible prospects, who both have the potential to become title contenders. Brooks is coming off a tough loss against Alex Oliveira, while Charles Oliveira has lost three of his last four fights, but has only really fought elite competition. Oliveira will have the advantage if he can take this fight to the ground, but I do not expect him to be able to do that. Brooks should be able to shake off takedown attempts, while out-striking Oliveira on the feet.
Will Brooks via Unanimous Decision
Jason’s Pick
Will “Ill Will” Brooks is the better of the two while standing, but he also has the balance necessary to keep this fight off the ground. That does not look good for Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira, as he will insist on takedowns. Brooks simply has too good of takedown defense. He is no slouch on the ground either. Brooks should be able to pick up a huge win on his way into the rankings.
Will Brooks via Unanimous Decision
Thiago Alves vs Patrick Cote
Justin’s Pick
There are multiple other fights that I would rather see on the main card than this one, but this is what we have. Alves has been struggling quite a bit recently, while Cote is 6-2 in his last eight fights, and only lost to Donald Cerrone and Stephen Thompson. I’m not sold Cote is simply the better fighter, but he’s a big welterweight, and he should be able to use that size to dictate how this fight plays out.
Patrick Cote via Unanimous Decision
Jason’s Pick
Patrick “The Predator” Cote is the favorite via Vegas, but I’m not sold. Thiago “Pitbull” Alves has better defense in regards to takedown defense and striking defense. He is not quite as accurate as Cote on his feet, but he should be able to land enough to make this a tough contest for the judges. Both fighters have knockout power, but Alves is too good defensively to allow for Cote to pick his shots. This will be a close fight, but Vegas, and Justin, has it wrong.
Thiago Alves via Unanimous Decision
Cynthia Calvillo vs Pearl Gonzalez
Justin’s Pick
This is a fight between two rising prospects in the strawweight division. Calvillo looked great in her UFC debut, although we only saw her fight for a couple of minutes. Gonzalez, on the other hand, has been deemed as “the next Ronda Rousey” by some because of her tendencies to win via armbar. That’s taking it a bit far in my opinion, as she’s far from the force Rousey used to be. Calvillo will likely be looking to take this fight to the ground in hopes of finding another submission win, but she should be in control wherever this fight takes place.
Cynthia Calvillo via Unanimous Decision
Jason’s Pick
Cynthia Calvillo is going to dominate Pearl Gonzalez. The UFC is hyping up this fight because they failed to find another solid main card contest. It doesn’t matter what anyone calls Gonzlaez; she is going to lose. Calvillo wins this contest easily.
Cynthia Calvillo via Unanimous Decision
Chris Weidman vs Gegard Mousasi
Justin’s Pick
This is the tale of two hype trains. The Weidman hype train has been derailed, as he has lost each of his last two fights. The Mousasi hype train is in full speed, though, as he has won each of his last four fights, including three knockouts. Simply put, Mousasi hasn’t fought the level of talent as Weidman has over that span. With that being said, Mousasi is overloaded with confidence right now, and he has the striking to give Weidman fits. He’s finally hitting his stride, and we could see Mousasi earning a title shot within the year.
Gegard Mousasi via TKO, 3rd Round
Jason’s Pick
Now, it is getting interesting! This fight is going to be very close. Both Chris “The All-American” Weidman and Gegard Mousasi have knockout power, but Weidman has the advantage on the ground. Mousasi has decent takedown defense, and he is sneaky off of his back, so Weidman might want to keep this fight standing, but if he finds himself in trouble, he has an out. Even so, the confidence factor has to be taken into consideration. Mousasi is really starting to take that next step up. A loss to Weidman would be devastating for his title chances, but it is not likely to happen.
Gegard Mousasi via TKO, 2nd Round
Daniel Cormier vs Anthony Johnson
Justin’s Pick
I see this fight playing out nearly the exact same way the first fight did, and I’m not sure why the odds are so close. Johnson has elite power, and if Cormier stands with him, he could certainly get clipped. That happened in the first fight, and Cormier was able to weather the storm. Ultimately, he will be able to get Johnson to the ground before locking in another slick submission to retain over the powerhouse.
Daniel Cormier via Submission, 2nd Round
Jason’s Pick
Daniel “DC” Cormier is going to experience a little bit of ring rust. Anthony “Rumble” Johnson has the advantage of the feet. Cormier recently said that he wants to keep this fight standing to show all the fans that he is more than just a wrestler. That would be the wrong game plan, and he is likely lying. Regardless, Johnson has solid takedown defense, and he only needs one big shot to defeat the champion. This fight will not go the distance.
Anthony Johnson via KO, 3rd Round
