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

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

UFC 217: MMA Main Card Predictions and DFS Picks

Justin Bales gives his DraftKings MMA DFS lineup picks for the UFC 217 Main Card. Get a head start on your UFC DFS lineups for DraftKings.

What's up RotoBallers. In this column, I will be taking a look at the main card for UFC 217. 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: 158-79).

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 217.

Editor's Note: Interested in RotoBaller's MMA DFS Cheat Sheet with advanced fighter statistics, deep analysis and detailed insights from MMA DFS Expert Justin Bales? Let us know here.

 

John Hendricks vs Paulo Borrachinha

I wish the UFC would give Johny Hendricks a winnable fight to call it a career. That is not this fight. Hendricks has been on a skid recently, including his recent move to middleweight. Borrachinha, on the other hand, has looked outstanding in two UFC fights. He has not fought the competition of Hendricks, nor has he ever fought anyone as good as Hendricks used to be, but who knows exactly how much he has left in the tank? Borrachinha will have a significant size advantage and he should be able to pressure Hendricks from the start of the fight until he picks up the finish. Keep in mind, Hendricks does have a great wrestling background, which could keep him in this fight against the much less experienced Borrachinha. With that being said, the physical advantage is drastically in Borrachinha’s favor, which should be enough to pick up the win.

Paulo Borrachinha, TKO, 1st Round

 

Stephen Thompson vs Jorge Masvidal 

This is an interesting fight. Jorge Masvidal is the more active and accurate striker, while also possessing better striking defense. With that being said, Thompson’s unorthodox style and diverse striking gives him a small advantage in the standup department. Thompson also possesses more knockout power in his striking than Masvidal. Unfortunately for Thompson, Masvidal has not been knocked out since 2008, making it highly unlikely Thompson will end that streak. On the other hand, Thompson has proven to have an elite chin, as well. Thompson is elite at outpointing his opponents, giving him a slight edge in what should be a fun three round fight.

Stephen Thompson via Unanimous Decision

 

Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs Rose Ramajunas

Is Jonna Jedrzejczyk the best pound for pound fighter in the world? Potentially. She has the best striking in the strawweight division, and it does not necessarily seem as if anyone is close. She also has elite takedown defense, nearly certifying all of her fights stay on the feet. What does that mean for Rose Namajunas? Namajunas will be looking turn this fight into a grappling match, while looking for a submission. Simply put, Jedrzejczyk will not allow that to happen. Namajunas will be game for a fight, but she simply does not possess the standup to keep up with the champ.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk via Unanimous Decision

 

Cody Garbrandt vs TJ Dillashaw

This fight has so much bad blood that it certainly cannot disappoint. A good start to this matchup is simply looking at both fighter’s recent fights against Dominick Cruz. Garbrandt dominated Cruz, something no one has ever done before. Dillashaw, on the other hand, lost a questionable decision. Statistically speaking, Dillashaw has better standup than Garbrandt, but this is one of those times that the stats do not add up to the eye test. Garbrandt has flashed tremendous power for his size, something Dillashaw has not done throughout his career. Garbrandt has also never been taken down, and while Dillashaw has a great wrestling background, I’m not sure he will be able to take Garbrandt down. If this fight stays standing, Garbrandt has the advantage because of his elite power. This fight reminds me a bit of when Garbrandt and Cruz fought with many people thinking it was going to be significantly closer than it was. Garbrandt will make his case for one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world in this fight.

Cody Garbrandt, TKO, 4th Round

 

Michael Bisping vs Georges St-Pierre

I do not particularly want to pick this fight, honestly. I have always said that Bisping is a bit of an overrated champion. Luke Rockhold took a fight on short notice and was supposedly injured, which is how Bisping won the belt. He then barely beat a retiring Dan Henderson in his only defense. Georges St-Pierre has not fought since 2013, though, when he won a questionable decision against Johny Hendricks. Bisping is a cardio machine that comes with elite boxing. GSP is much more reserved when striking, coming with tremendous efficiency. The difference in this fight will be GSP’s grappling. He has elite takedown accuracy with tremendous grappling once he is on the ground. If this fight stays standing, I believe Bisping has a slight edge, but I simply cannot imagine that he is able to stop every takedown this weekend. Furthermore, people have been taking about GSP’s age as being his downfall, but Bisping is two years older than GSP. Ring rust, if one believes in it, is a much bigger factor than GSP’s age. Regardless, this should be a fight for the ages.

Georges St-Pierre via Unanimous Decision




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Trey Benson

"Gonna Play a Lot This Year"
Chig Okonkwo

"Looks Like he has an Extra Gear"
Michael Wilson

Lands in Concussion Protocol
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys "Not Considering Trading" Micah Parsons
NHL

Jakub Lauko Returns to Czechia
Nicholas Robertson

Signs One-Year Contract with Maple Leafs
Terry McLaurin

Steelers Reportedly Contact Commanders Regarding Terry McLaurin
Alex Laferriere

Kings Re-Sign Alex Laferriere to Three-Year Deal
D'Ernest Johnson

Signs with Ravens
Kyle Juszczyk

Isaac Guerendo Leave Practice Early on Saturday
Los Angeles Chargers

Denzel Perryman Arrested on Felony Charges
Miles Sanders

Could Miss "a Couple of Days" with Knee Injury
DJ Giddens

Standing Out in Colts Practice, In Line for Significant Role?
Parris Campbell

Cowboys Place Parris Campbell on Injured Reserve
Baker Mayfield

to Return Next Week
Tyler Warren

Colts Putting A Lot on Tyler Warren's Plate
RJ Harvey

a Joker Candidate in Broncos Offense
Tank Bigsby

Featured Heavily in Friday's Scrimmage
Bryce Young

Tetairoa McMillan Working on Improving Timing with Bryce Young
Duop Reath

Has Salary Guaranteed by Portland
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Agrees to Contract Extension with the Lakers
Shedeur Sanders

Sits Out Team Drills with Arm Soreness
Cam Skattebo

Suffers Setback in Recovery From Hamstring Injury
Isaiah Davis

Standing Out in Jets Practice
Breece Hall

Set for Big Role in Passing Game
Denver Broncos

Zach Allen Agrees to a Four-Year Extension with the Broncos
William Contreras

Goes Deep in Five-Hit Night
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Exits Early Friday, Expects to Play Saturday
Randy Rodríguez

Randy Rodriguez Named New Giants Closer
Jaden Springer

Signs Exhibit-9 Deal with New Orleans
Julian Champagnie

has Salary Guaranteed by San Antonio
Jackson Chourio

Could be Out a Month
Aaron Judge

Yankees Eyeing Return for Aaron Judge Next Week
Juan Soto

Back in Lineup Against Giants
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Reinstated and Starting on Friday
George Springer

Goes on Concussion Injured List
JoJo Romero

the Top Candidate for Saves in St. Louis
Nolan Arenado

Going on Injured List With Shoulder Injury
Conor McGregor

Enters UFC Testing Pool
Grayson Rodriguez

Considering Having Surgery
Devin Williams

Yankees Plan to Keep Devin Williams in Closer's Role
HyunSung Park

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Tatsuro Taira

Set For UFC Vegas 108 Main Event
Mateusz Rębecki

Mateusz Rebecki Looks For His Second Consecutive Win
Chris Duncan

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Elves Brener

Looks For His Fourth UFC Win
Esteban Ribovics

Set For UFC Vegas 108 Main Card Bout
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos

Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos Aims To Bounce Back
Karol Rosa

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Nora Cornolle

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Neil Magny

Returns At UFC Vegas 108
Kevin Vallejos

Set To Open Up UFC Vegas 108 Main Card
Danny Silva

Set For His Third UFC Fight
Mikal Bridges

Signs Extension with Knicks
Jackson Chourio

Expected to Go on Injured List With Hamstring Strain
Jonathan Aranda

Rays Hope Jonathan Aranda Can Return in September
Shelby Miller

Brewers Acquire Shelby Miller
José Caballero

Jose Caballero Shipped to the Bronx
Bailey Falter

Traded to Royals
Charlie Morton

Headed to Detroit
Camilo Doval

Yankees Acquire Camilo Doval
Griffin Jax

Traded to Tampa Bay
Connor McDavid

Oilers Hope to Finalize Connor McDavid's Contract Extension Soon
Willi Castro

Joining Cubs
BUF

Devon Levi Re-Signs With Sabres for Two Years
Martin Pospisil

Signs Three-Year Extension
Dario Šarić

Dario Saric Hoping to Have Meaningful Role with Kings
Donte DiVincenzo

to Skip EuroBasket Due to Injury
Ayo Dosunmu

Set to Remain in Chicago
Malevy Leons

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Thunder
Daeqwon Plowden

Kings Pick Up Daeqwon Plowden on Two-Way Deal
Bryce McGowens

Signs Two-Way Deal with Pelicans
Jonathan Kuminga

Declines Latest Offers from Golden State
Gary Woodland

Eyeing Strong Finish to Reach Playoffs
Max McGreevy

Chasing a Miracle at Wyndham
Stephan Jaeger

a Solid Value Play at Wyndham Championship
Max Homa

Fighting to Salvage Disappointing Season
Nicolai Hojgaard

a Sleeper at Wyndham Championship
Rickie Fowler

Riding Quiet Momentum Into Wyndham
Brian Campbell

a Wild Card at Wyndham Championship
Akshay Bhatia

Looking to Flip the Script at Wyndham Championship
Aaron Rai

Finishes Tied For 34th at Open Championship
Andrew Novak

Finishes Tied For 63rd at Open Championship
Hideki Matsuyama

Finishes Tied For 16th at Open Championship
Kurt Kitayama

Wins 3M Open
Tom Kim

Finishes Tied For 28th at 3M Open
PGA

Sungjae Im Misses Cut at 3M Open
Max Greyserman

Misses Cut at 3M Open
Jordan Spieth

Looks to End Regular Season on a High Note at Wyndham Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Finishes Tied For Fourth at Open Championship
Eric Cole

Misses Cut at 3M Open
Keith Mitchell

Needs a Big Week at Wyndham Championship
Robert MacIntyre

is the Perfect Kind of Ball-Striker for Wyndham Championship
Charlie McAvoy

Ready to Go for Next Season
Dylan Samberg

Agrees to Three-Year Contract with Jets
Michael Kim

Needs More Solid Finishes
NBA

Thanasis Antetokounmpo Added to Greece Training Camp Roster for EuroBasket 2025
Los Angeles Clippers

Patrick Baldwin Jr. Waived by Clippers
Josh Green

May Not be Ready for Start of Hornets Training Camp
NBA

Thomas Bryant Set to Move to Greece
Cam Thomas

Nets Far Apart in Contract Talks
Kristaps Porzingis

Feeling "Great" Ahead of New Season
Chris Paul

Hints He Could Extend His Career Beyond the 2025-26 Season
Brandon Miller

Close to 100 Percent
Jayden Struble

Canadiens Lock Up Jayden Struble for Two Years
Robert Whittaker

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Reinier de Ridder

Gets Split-Decision Win
Conor Timmins

Avoids Salary Arbitration with Two-Year Deal
Marcus McGhee

Drops Decision At UFC Abu Dhabi
Toronto Raptors

Colin Castleton Waived by Raptors on Monday
Petr Yan

Extends Win Streak
Marc-Andre Barriault

Suffers Decision Loss
Shara Magomedov

Gets Back In The Win Column
Jose Ochoa

Dominated At UFC Abu Dhabi
MMA

Asu Almbayev Dominates At UFC Abu Dhabi
Kyle Larson

Falls Short of Back-To-Back Victories at Indianapolis
Denny Hamlin

Rallies Into Third Place At Indianapolis
Chase Briscoe

Pit Strategies End up Failing Chase Briscoe at Indianapolis
Ty Gibbs

Wins NASCAR's Inaugural In-Season Challenge Tournament
Ryan Preece

Finishes Fourth but Loses Ground to Playoff Cutline
Brad Keselowski

Has Good Strategy, but Not Enough to Win
Ryan Blaney

Bails from Hail Mary Strategy Attempt but Recovers to Finish Seventh
Tyler Reddick

Eliminated from Brickyard 400 in Crash After Top Five Run
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF