👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Fight Night 101: MMA Main Card Predictions and DFS Picks

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 101. 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: 56-26

Jason's Record: 45-37

Without anymore waiting, here are our picks and analysis for the main card at Fight Night 101.

 

Seo Hee Ham vs Danielle Taylor

Justin’s Pick

This is a tough matchup to predict. Both women will be looking to showcase their striking, although Taylor could score with the judges with a takedown or two. They are two different strikers, as Ham works at an extremely fast pace, while Taylors packs more power in her punches. Taylor also focuses much more on defense, which will be a problem for Ham. I expect Taylor’s power to play a major role in this matchup, as her punches wear Ham down on the way to a decision victory.

Danielle Taylor via Unanimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick

If this fight goes to decision, Seo Hee Ham gets the edge over Danielle “Dynamite” Taylor. Ham absorbs punches and continues to pressure her opponents. That is going to shock Taylor, and Ham should be able to make her uncomfortable in the octagon. Taylor needs to set up her punches, and Ham is not going to let that happen. She does not have the power to finish the fight, but if she flusters Taylor early, she should pick up the decision victory.

Seohee Ham via Unanimous Decision

 

Tyson Pedro vs Khalil Rountree

Justin’s Pick

This should be a fun matchup. Both fighters come with tremendous power, but in different ways. Rountree displayed great power in his punches and kicks throughout the Ultimate Fighter, while Pedro has displayed some powerful takedowns. If Pedro can get this fight to the ground, he should be able to pick up the win. If he can’t, he will be in a world of trouble against the power of Rountree. Rountree likely spent most of his camp working on his takedown defense, which will result in a highlight reel knockout.

Khalil Rountree via TKO, 2nd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

There are two ways this fight can go – Khalil Rountree out strikes Tyson Pedro on his way to victory, or Tyson Pedro takes Khalil Rountree to the ground and makes him tap. The slight advantage may go to Rountree, but he has yet to prove that he has the takedown defense necessary to keep this fight standing. This fight will end up on the ground, and Pedro will lock in the submission.

Tyson Pedro via Submission, 2nd Round

 

 

Yusuke Kasuya vs Alex Volkanovski

Justin’s Pick

Alex Volkanovski has been dominant recently, as he has won 10 consecutive fights with eight finishes. He has flashed solid chokes with great power in his hands. Yusuke Kasuya is no slouch, though, as he has finished all nine of his victories. Volkanovski will need to be on the lookout for Kasuya’s submissions, but if he is able to do that, he should be able to be victorious in his UFC debut.

Alex Volkanovski via TKO, 3rd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This prediction is spot on. Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski is the better fighter, but if he is not careful with Yusuke Kasuya’s submission attempts, he will find himself either tapping out or asleep on the mat. If he can avoid those submission attempts, he will walk away with the victory. He is far better standing, and he should be able to use his knockout power to end this one early. This is a fight that UFC fans will not want to miss.

Alexander Volkanovski via KO, 2nd Round

 

 

Omari Akhmedov vs Kyle Noke

Justin’s Pick

Both of these fighters have been struggling recently, as they both have dropped three of their last five fights. Both fighters are well rounded and matchup great together. Akhmedov may have a slight advantage in both wrestling and striking, which will make the difference in this fight. He should dictate where this fight takes place, and I expect him to find a finish in the middle rounds.

Omari Akhmedov via TKO, 2nd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

I wholeheartedly disagree. Kyle Noke is the better fighter in almost all categories. Omari “Wolverine” Akhmedov is no slouch on the ground or on his feet, but Noke is simply superior. He has a reach advantage while standing, and he also lands at a more effective rate with better standing defense. He has better takedown defense, so he should be able to keep this fight standing, if he wishes to do so. Noke wins this fight.

Kyle Noke via Unanimous Decision

 

Andrew Holbrook vs Jake Matthews

Justin’s Pick 

Both of these fighters are good prospects that have had a knack for finishing fights throughout their careers. Matthews has faced better competition in his career, though, specifically in the UFC, which will give him a small advantage. He should be able to get back on track and control the fight while handing Holbrook his second consecutive loss.

Jake Matthews via TKO, 3rd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This is going to be one of the best fights on the card. Both Jake “The Celtic Kid” Matthews and Andrew Holbrook are up-and-coming in the UFC. Holbrook currently has an 11-1 record. Matthews currently has an 11-2 record. Matthews is good enough on the ground to thwart submission attempts from Holbrook, and he has the advantage, if the fight stays standing. He is more likely to walk away victorious here.

Jake Matthews via TKO, 3rd Round

 

Robert Whittaker vs Derek Brunson

Justin’s Pick

Derek Brunson has been on an unbelievable run, as he has finished four consecutive fights in the first round. Whittaker has also looked great since losing to Stephen Thompson in 2014. This fight will likely play out one of two ways. Brunson could clip Whittaker and knock him out, or Whittaker could use his defense, avoid the knockout shot, and outpoint Brunson in a decision victory. If this fight were three rounds, Whittaker may be the favorite. That isn’t the case, though, and it’s unlikely that Whittaker will be able to avoid Brunson for five rounds. Since he only needs to land one big shot, the advantage goes to Brunson.

Derek Brunson via TKO, 4th Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This is going to be a very close fight. Do not underestimate Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker’s finishing potential. Of course, Derek Brunson has one-punch knockout power, and Justin is correct – it is going to be difficult for Whittaker to avoid Brunson for five rounds. Brunson has a reach advantage, as well, which will allow him to stay away from any attempt at a takedown, if the fight goes south for Whittaker. Brunson gets the edge here.

Derek Brunson via TKO, 2nd Round




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Isaiah Davis

Remains Without a Clear Pathway to Playing Time in New York
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Chiefs Looking to Acquire Kyle Pitts Sr. From the Falcons?
Kaleb Johnson

Does Kaleb Johnson Still Carry Dynasty Buy-Low Appeal?
DK Metcalf

Should Dynasty Managers Be Looking to Sell on DK Metcalf?
Trey McBride

Is Trey McBride Currently Undervalued in Dynasty Leagues?
Carolina Panthers

Kenyon Sadiq Linked to Panthers in Mock Drafts
Wan'Dale Robinson

Could Be Primed for Breakout Year with the Titans
Brock Purdy

Is Brock Purdy a Sneaky Buy-Low Candidate for Dynasty Managers?
Arizona Cardinals

Jeremiyah Love a "Logical Pick" if Cardinals Stay at No. 3 in NFL Draft
CFB

Beau Pribula Leading Virginia Quarterback Competition
Jalen McMillan

a Low-Cost Buy Who Can Provide Spike Weeks
Jack Eichel

Sets Up Two Goals Tuesday
Justin Jefferson

Buy Window is Closing Fast
Artemi Panarin

Records Another Power-Play Goal
Dylan Guenther

Enjoys Multi-Point Outing Tuesday Night
J.J. McCarthy

Is J.J. McCarthy Worth Buying Low?
Viktor Arvidsson

Strikes Twice in Game 2 Win
Drake Maye

Is it Still Possible to Acquire Drake Maye in Dynasty Leagues?
Lane Hutson

Nets First Career Postseason Goal
Brandon Hagel

Records Tampa Bay's First Postseason Gordie Howe Hat Trick
Garrett Wilson

Stock Up Heading into NFL Draft
Nikita Kucherov

Ends 16-Game Postseason Goal Drought
Scoot Henderson

Erupts for 31 Points in Series-Tying Victory
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Fills Stat Sheet in Losing Effort
Kevin Durant

Commits Nine Turnovers in Game 2 Loss
Marcus Smart

Catches Fire in Game 2
LeBron James

Leads Lakers to Victory With Game-High 28 Points
Jake LaRavia

Exits Early Tuesday
Harrison Barnes

Injures Left Wrist in Game 2
Marco Penge

Trending Down Entering Zurich Classic
Sahith Theegala

Eyes Another Strong Week at Zurich Classic
Brooks Koepka

Shane Lowry Teams Up with Brooks Koepka at Zurich Classic
Si Woo Kim

Adds Another Strong Finish at RBC Heritage
Elly De La Cruz

Early-Season Breakout Continues on Tuesday
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Linked to Ty Simpson, Willing to Trade Up for him?
Jimmy Garoppolo

Rams Not Rushing Jimmy Garoppolo to Make a Decision
Harold Fannin Jr.

Taking Part in Voluntary Offseason Workouts
Jaylen Brown

Leads All Scorers With 36 Points in Game 2
Deshaun Watson

Going First in Early Offseason Drills
VJ Edgecombe

Has Historic Outing in Game 2 Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Wins Clutch Player of the Year Award
Austin Reaves

Begins Return-to-Play Protocol
Wyatt Langford

Pulled Early on Tuesday With Forearm Tightness
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Not Expected to Play in First-Round Series
Luke Clanton

Hoping to Find Form in New Orleans
Kevin Durant

Good to Go Tuesday
Jackson Holliday

Leaves Rehab Game With Hand Discomfort
Victor Wembanyama

Lands in Concussion Protocol, Won't Return Tuesday
Corbin Carroll

Returns to Arizona's Lineup Against White Sox
Scottie Scheffler

is Starting to Hit His Stride
Brooks Koepka

Looking for Progress in PGA Return With Partner at Zurich Classic
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looks to Share Recent Form at Zurich Classic
Jonathan Isaac

Unlikely to Play in Game 2
Mark Williams

Could Sit Again in Game 2
Grayson Allen

Questionable for Game 2
Jordan Goodwin

Iffy for Game 2
Chicago Bulls

Billy Donovan Exiting as Bulls Head Coach
Ron Harper Jr.

Available for Game 2 Against 76ers
Zack Wheeler

to Make Season Debut on Saturday
Jonathan Toews

Undecided on NHL Future
Jonathan Huberdeau

Expects to Be Ready for Training Camp
DAL

Nathan Bastian Not Expected to Play Before Round 2
Roope Hintz

Doubtful for Game 4
Adam Henrique

Won't Play in Game 2 Against Ducks
Victor Hedman

Doubtful to Play in Round 1
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Unavailable Tuesday
Dalton Kincaid

Sell Window in Dynasty Formats May Be Closing Ahead of NFL Draft
Alvin Kamara

Remains a Top Dynasty Sell Candidate Ahead of NFL Draft
Jordan James

Offers Sneaky Buy-Low Potential Ahead of NFL Draft
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Back in Leadoff Spot on Tuesday After Injury Scare
CFB

Ashton Daniels Named Florida State's Starting Quarterback
Juan Soto

Expected to Return on Wednesday
Royce Lewis

Twins Reinstate Royce Lewis From Injured List on Tuesday
Adley Rutschman

Activated From Injured List on Tuesday
Dylan Cease

Continues Strong Start With 12-Strikeout Performance
Raisel Iglesias

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Shoulder Inflammation
Jake Sanderson

Records Two Assists in Losing Effort
Brock Faber

Bags Two Goals in Monday's Defeat
Wyatt Johnston

Notches Two Goals in Game 2 Win
Troy Terry

Has Special Playoffs Debut
Dan Vladar

Leads Flyers to Victory With 27-Save Shutout
Yakov Trenin

Suffers Upper-Body Injury in Game 2
Rasmus Sandin

to Miss Start of 2026-27
CJ McCollum

Shines at MSG in Game 2
Max Muncy

With Another Two-Homer Game, Becoming Must-Add Off Waiver Wire
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Day-to-Day After Being Hit on the Hand on Monday
Mick Abel

Injury Described as "Not Too Serious"
Brendan Donovan

Mariners Place Brendan Donovan on Injured List With Groin Strain
Sonny Gray

Heading to the Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Expected to Miss Around Three Months
Edwin Uceta

Shut Down for 2-3 Weeks; Is he Still Stash-Worthy?
Brad Keller

Will "Probably" Earn First Save Situation in Modified Phillies Bullpen
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Elbow Injury
Tyler Reddick

Earns His Fifth Win of the 2026 Season at Kansas
Kyle Larson

Finishes as the Runner-Up at Kansas
Chase Briscoe

Rallies for A New Career-Best Finish at Kansas
Denny Hamlin

Leads the Most Laps at Kansas but Misses Out on Victory
Christopher Bell

Falls Out of Contention for Kansas Victory on Final Restart
Mike Malott

Scores Third-Round TKO Win
Sonny Gray

Leaves Monday's Start Early With Hamstring Tightness
Gilbert Burns

Retires After UFC Winnipeg Loss
Charles Jourdain

Extends Winning Streak
Kyler Phillips

Drops Decision At UFC Winnipeg
Mandel Nallo

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss In His UFC Debut
Jai Herbert

Scores First-Round TKO Win
Karine Silva

Gets Dominated at UFC Winnipeg
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Dominates Karine Silva
Kyle Larson

Should not be Underestimated for the Win at Kansas
Denny Hamlin

Can Denny Hamlin Dominate at Kansas Again?
NASCAR

Christoper Bell Should Contend for First Win at Kansas
Tyler Reddick

Fastest in Practice and Qualifying for Kansas Race
Ryan Blaney

Could Score another Top-10 Finish at Kansas
Ty Gibbs

Poised to Continue Hot Streak at Kansas
Chris Buescher

Always Consistent, Has Speed Heading Into Kansas
William Byron

is A Solid DFS Option for Kansas Lineups
Carson Hocevar

Poised for Career-Best Run at Kansas
Chase Briscoe

Is Chase Briscoe Worth Rostering for DFS at Kansas?
Chase Elliott

Is A Favorable DFS Option for Kansas Lineups
Joey Logano

Could Joey Logano be Considered Playable In DFS This Week at Kansas?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace is A Favorable Driver to Consider for Kansas Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain A Worthy DFS Option for Kansas?
Brad Keselowski

Could Brad Keselowski be A Sneaky DFS Option for Kansas?
Daniel Suarez

Should DFS Managers Roster Daniel Suarez at Kansas?
Mike Malott

A Favorite At UFC Winnipeg
Gilbert Burns

Set For UFC Winnipeg Main Event
Kyler Phillips

Set UFC Winnipeg Co-Main Event
Charles Jourdain

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Jai Herbert

An Underdog At UFC Winnipeg
Mandel Nallo

Set For His UFC Debut
Karine Silva

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Looks To Bounce Back
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF