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.

Anyway, Jason and I will be taking a look at the main card for Fight Night 96. 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: 43-16

Jason's Record: 34-25

Without anymore waiting, here are our picks and analysis for the main card at Fight Night 96.

Louis Smolka vs Brandon Moreno

Justin’s Pick 

This should be a fun fight while these fighters stay standing. Moreno was recently on the newest TUF, and he looked solid against a tough opponent, but he will be making his UFC debut on short notice. Smolka is one of the top prospects in the division, and he’s coming off an extremely impressive win over Ben Nguyen. Smolka basically has the advantage no matter where he wants to take the fight, and he will continue his streak of impressive wins on this card.

Louis Smolka via Submission, 2nd Round

Jason’s Pick 

This is both a tough break and a great opportunity for Brandon “The Assassin Baby” Moreno. He is a very solid fighter that trains with Henry Cejudo, as seen on the newest season of The Ultimate Fighter. Moreno lost in the first round of the competition, but he also faced the stiffest competition. He is going to give Louis “Da Last Samurai” a run for his money, but he is simply not ready for this type of competition. Moreno could have a very solid career in the UFC, but it will not start with a win.

Louis Smolka via Submission, 2nd Round

Josh Burkman vs Zak Ottow

Justin’s Pick

Burkman is a man that looks as if he’s nearing the end of his career. Ottow, on the other hand, will be making his UFC debut, but it will be on short notice. He certainly has a way to victory, as Burkman has been defeated by submission quite a bit in his career, and that is Ottow’s specialty. With that being said, Ottow has not faced the level of competition that Burkman has, and I expect the latter to sneak away with the victory.

Josh Burkman via Unanimous Decision

Jason’s Pick

Zak “The Barbarian” Ottow will face off against Joshua “The People’s Warrior” Burkman on short notice, the same as the prior fight. Ottow has great submissions, and he could end up submitting the UFC veteran Burkman, but that is unlikely. Burkman’s cage experience is going to pay off in this fight. It will not be long before the well-rounded winner of this fight is on his way out of the UFC, but tonight’s matchup is not going to push him in that direction. Burkman wins this fight.

Josh Burkman via Unanimous Decision

Will Brooks vs Alex Oliveira

Justin’s Pick 

Will Brooks terrorized Bellator before looking dominant against Ross Pearson in his UFC debut. He gets a tough matchup this week against Alex Oliveira, who has tremendous power in his hands. Brooks is used to fighting five round fights, which means he will have no problems with his gas tank in this three round fight. He’ll use his high output of strikes, while avoiding the heavy shots from Oliveira. Brooks will outwork Oliveira in route to another impressive victory.

Will Brooks via Unanimous Decision

Jason’s Pick

This could be getting slightly boring, but there is just nothing to disagree with on this card, so far. Will “Ill Will” Brooks is the better fighter. Alex “Cowboy” Oliveira will not roll over and surrender to Brooks, as he always has a chance to win with one big punch, but Brooks has the cardio to withstand. He is an excellent striker, and Oliveira struggles somewhat defensively. This will not be a lopsided affair, but Brooks will come out victorious.

Will Brooks via Unanimous Decision

John Lineker vs John Dodson

Justin’s Pick

This is going to be the Fight of the Night. Lineker has tremendous power in his hands, while Dodson is the much quicker fighter. That isn’t to take away from Dodson’s power, though, as he also has tremendous power. This fight likely won’t be hitting the ground unless there is a knockdown, and there are two real ways that is can play out. Lineker could land a heavy shot early in the fight and put Dodson to sleep. The other outcome is that Dodson could use his speed and quickness to wear Lineker out before ending the fight later in the rounds. While I love both fighters, I believe the former is the more likely option, as Lineker has been on a hot streak and only needs to land one punch.

John Lineker via TKO, 1st Round

Jason’s Pick

Well, this card is filled with agreeable fights for the Bales’ household. The battle of the Johns will result in a John “Hands of Stone” Lineker knockout. John “The Magician” Dodson is no slouch, and as Justin previously stated, this should be the Fight of the Night. There is no doubt about that. Hands are going to fly. Faces are going to sting. It will be a battle. However, Lineker throws at a higher clip, and he is also slightly more accurate. The more punches Lineker throws, the less likely it is that Dodson wins this fight.

John Lineker via TKO, 2nd Round