UFC 319 is here, and we have an epic main event with Dricus Du Plessis putting his title belt on the line. He is a decently sized underdog against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev, and rightfully so.
Getting that fight right is just half of the battle, of course, as there are several intriguing fights and some money to be made in MMA DFS at DraftKings this week. My goal is to get you started off on the right foot with a winning MMA DFS core.
The core went 3-0 last week, so if we can do that again your lineups will be in position for success. With that, here are the three fighters I am building around at UFC 319.
MMA DFS Core: Khamzat Chimaev, Chase Hooper, and Michael Oleksiejczuk
This is a pricey core, but these are my three favorite plays of the slate. First we have Chimaev, who seems prime to take over the UFC. The guy is a straight up beast, as he is 14-0 for his career and six of his 8 UFC fights have ended early.
You’re getting elite versatility, a path to 2+ takedowns, KO upside, and 5 rounds of one of the best MMA stars. He’s also favored to win. All things told, he’s an absurd value at $8.9k. The only issues at all are that he will be very owned and he’s facing Du Plessis, who is also very good (and cheap).
Hooper is expensive, but he has been very productive, getting fantasy players 93+ fps in 6 of his last 7 fights and 100+ in three straight. He definitely can have issues with KO power, but he’s improving in the striking/defense department and his takedown offense and submission skills give him a clear edge. He’s a huge favorite and we’re getting massive upside with the takedowns and potential for a win by stoppage.
Lastly, I hate betting against the grizzly Gerald Meerschaert, but he is 37 now and in less than reliable form. He definitely has the edge on the mat, but Oleksiejczuk is a serious problem, having notched 15 KOs in 20 wins. He is absolutely vulnerable to a takedown and tapping out, but the upside is pretty damn appealing here.
GPP: Du Plessis, Hernandez, Cannonier, and Meerschaert
I think this core looks rock solid, but if entering a lot of lineups, I’d definitely pivot off of one play and use the fighter from the other side. ie, pla chimaev/hooper, but fade oleksiejczuk and play meerschaert instead, etc.
These fights are just style contrasts, so if things go a certain way, Meerschaert could get a submission, Hernandez could get a KO, and Du Plessis is just a really nice value for a champ in 5 rounds.
Cannonier has KO upside and is cheap. He’s just as likely to get knocked out, himself, but I don’t mind taking a shot on him at that price.
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