UFC DFS Picks for DraftKings + FanDuel | UFC 251

Hello, UFC fans. This weekend, we have a 13-card in the UFC 251 Fight Island at Abu Dhabi, including a main event between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal. The main GPP has $1,000,000 going to first place with a total of $2,500,000 being paid out. Here I will offer the fighters I feel have the most upside and value on DraftKings and FanDuel. Let’s dig into some UFC 251 DFS picks and analysis.

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Core UFC DFS Picks

Amanda Ribas | DraftKings: $9,500, FanDuel: $20

Ribas is 3-0 in the UFC, and I have been quite impressed with her performances. She is a dangerous submission grappler, and I feel her black belt in Judo and jiu-jitsu has been the root of her success. Ribas is the better fighter, whereas I think VanZant will press in this fight, which will leave her in a bad spot against an opponent like Ribas. I foresee this fight ending via second-round submission. Ribas also happens to be Awesemo’s third-highest projected fighter on the slate with 88% win odds and 46% chance of a knockout.

Petr Yan | DraftKings: $9,300, FanDuel: $19

Yan can and will effectively damage his opponents. His hand speed is elite mixed in with his boxing skills, which can lead to overwhelming his opponents. Aldo is a legend in the UFC no doubt, but I also think he doesn’t have a lot left in his tank. I foresee Yan ending this fight via TKO late third round. Yan also happens to be Awesemo’s fourth-highest projected fighter on the slate with a 67% chance of a knockout, according to Awesemo’s Top Fighters Tool.

Alexander Volkanovski | DraftKings: $9,100, FanDuel: $18

Volkanovski lands volume at a high rate, which is why I am recommending him as a core play. I think he brings the same game plan he used seven months ago, attacking the calf and legs once again with his devastating kicks. Even if Volkanovski wins by decision, he should score 100-plus, which makes a solid play for DFS purposes. I foresee this fight ending via decision because Holloway is not a fighter that gets finished. Volkanovski is Awesemo’s highest projected fighter on the slate with 66% win odds and a 51% chance at being top 6%.

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Mid-Priced UFC DFS Picks

Muslim Salikhov | DraftKings: $8,200, FanDuel: $16

Salikhov is known as the “King of Kung Fu” for good reason. He is a dangerous fighter that has a solid spinning attack. He has 11 knockouts to his record and is 16-2 in his professional UFC career. This is a high-risk play, but also can be high reward with a knockout. Awesemo’s projections gives Salikhov a 55% win odds against just 20% ownership, so I think he is worth a shot considering his upside potential.

Volkan Oezdemir | DraftKings: $8.400, FanDuel: $17

Oezdemir is a powerful and dangerous striker. He is the more experienced fighter and a big step up in competition for Prochazka. He is a durable fighter that packs power in his hands, and I think some of that power will land due to Prochazka being very hittable. Awesemo’s projections gives Oezdemir 59% win odds and a 41% chance for a knockout.

Value UFC DFS Picks

Jorge Masvidal | DraftKings: $7,300, FanDuel: $18

Masvidal is a dangerous and deadly striker. He lands 4.33 significant strikers per minute and only absorbs 2.94 per minute. He is taking this fight on a week’s notice, but that does not concern me in the least. Usman will try and pressure Masvidal, looking to force him against the cage. I do not think Usman will want to stand and trade blows with Masvidal. My pick is Masvidal ending this fight late third round via TKO. Awesemo’s projections has Masvidal at 23% ownership and a 30% chance at a knock.