👉 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 98: 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 98. 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: 48-20

Jason's Record: 38-30

Without anymore waiting, here are our picks and analysis for the main card at Fight Night 98.

 

Alexa Grasso vs Heather Jo Clark

Justin’s Pick

Alexa Grasso is a young fighter and this is essentially a showcase fight for her. She has won all eight of her professional fights, while Heather Jo Clark has lost three of her last five fights. Grasso should have no problem picking up points throughout the fight, and while she does have a bit of finishing ability, it’s much more likely that she takes this to the judge’s scorecards in an easy win.

Alexa Grasso via Unanimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick

This is one of the easiest fights of the night to predict. There is little to no reason to assume that Heather Jo “Hurricane” Clark is going to defeat Alexa Grasso. Clark is likely on her way out the door, and Grasso is ready to step in and take her place. This fight should end up rather one-sided.

Alex Grasso, via Unanimous Decision

 

Beneil Dariush vs Rashid Magomedov

Justin’s Pick

This fight is as close as it gets. Both fighters have the takedown defense to keep this fight standing, and this is most likely what will happen. It then turns into the speed of Dariush against the pressure of Magomedov. Dariush looked outstanding against James Vick in his last fight, while Magomedov is undefeated in four UFC fights. Both fighters will face a step up in competition from their last fight, and it really is a toss up. Magomedov has a small advantage in that he should control the octagon and pace, and for that reason, he will edge out the victory.

Rashid Magomedov via Unanimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick

While it is true that Rashid “Goretz” Magomedov will push the fight forward, Beneil Dariush is too quick and too good defensively. This is going to be a very close fight, and if Magomedov does end up the victor, it would be far from surprising. However, I’m inclined to give a slight edge to Dariush due to his defensive presence. He also has a slight reach advantage, which can, in very close fights, create a mismatch.

Beneil Dariush via Unanimous Decision

 

Martin Bravo vs Claudio Puelles

Justin's Pick

These two fighters are trying to win The Ultimate Fighter Latin America. They both displayed promise on the show, but this will be a whole new story, as they get time to prepare for the fight. They are very evenly matched, and this fight is anyone’s game. I’ll give a slight edge to Puelles, although neither man stands out much more than the other to me.

Claudio Puelles via Unanimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick

As Justin indicated, this fight is going to be very close. Both fighters are attempting to win this season’s The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America, making this fight a lifechanging experience. The fighter better equipped to handle the flashing lights and loud crowd is going to step away with the victory. Unfortunately, that fighter is not yet known. Due to his slightly height advantage, Claudio “El Nino” Puelles gets a very small amount of leverage over Martin “El Toro” Bravo.

Claudio Puelles via Unanimous Decision

 

Ricardo Lamas vs Charles Oliveira

Justin’s Pick

Oliveira is an interesting fighter. He has lost two of his last three fights, but he was dominating Anthony Pettis until he got caught in a choke and he was forced to quit against Max Holloway because of an injury. Lamas has also lost two of his last three fights, but they were against two elite competitors. I expect Oliveira to bully Lamas to the ground where he has a much better chance to dominate the fight. Oliveira could look to grind out a win, but I expect him to be active in looking for a submission and finish Lamas late in the fight.

Charles Oliviera via Submission, 3rd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

Ricardo “The Bully” Lamas may be ranked higher than Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira, but Oliveira is ever-so-slightly better in almost every fighting category. Both fighters are a little bit too wild for their own good, but Oliveira should have little issue taking Lamas to the ground. If the fight ends up on the ground, advantage Oliveria. He will work for a submission for three straight rounds. Even if the fight stays standing, Oliveria should walk away with the victory.

Charles Oliviera via Submission, 2nd Round

 

Diego Sanchez vs Marcin Held

Justin’s Pick

Unfortunately, Diego Sanchez’s career is nearly it’s end, while Marcin Held’s is just beginning. Held has tore through Bellator, losing to only Will Brooks in his last eight fights. Held has multiple ways to winning this fight, but Sanchez is one of the toughest fighters in the UFC to finish. Ultimately, Held’s ability to attempt multiple submissions will be the difference in this fight. He’ll be the first fighter to finish Sanchez with a submission in his career.

Marcin Held via Submission, 2nd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

It would be a mistake to not take Diego “The Nightmare” Sanchez seriously, even if his career is indeed almost over. However, it would also be a mistake to think that he currently has the skill set to beat the up-and-coming Marcin Held. Held looked great while on Bellator, and he should continue to excel in the UFC. He is going to look for a submission victory, and he should eventually secure it. Sanchez always has knockout power, but it is unlikely that he walks away from this one with his arm raised.

Marcin Held via Submission, 3rd Round

 

Rafael Dos Anjos vs Tony Ferguson

Justin’s Pick

This is going to be a fun fight. Ferguson always puts on a show and Dos Anjos is no slouch himself. Both men are hungry for a title shot, although they may be waiting a while depending on the UFC’s plans. Dos Anjos has struggled against wrestlers in his career, but Ferguson isn’t known for his wrestling. He is active on his feet, though, and most importantly, unpredictable. I expect both of these fighters to look for a finish, and while Ferguson likely won’t be shooting for a takedown, he attempt multiple submissions each fight. This matchup is razor this, but Ferguson continues his winning ways on Saturday.

Tony Ferguson via TKO, 4th Round

 

Jason’s Pick

Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson did not look great in his last fight. At one point in time, it looked like he was about to lose to a kid making his UFC debut. Surprisingly, he gathered himself, slightly changed his gameplan, and came away with the victory. Regardless of his last fight, he is still one of the best currently competing in the octagon, as is Rafael Dos Anjos. Ferguson simply has more ways to win. Vegas thinks that Dos Anjos has the advantage, but both Justin and I are leaning toward Ferguson here. It should be an interesting fight either way.

Tony Ferguson via KO, 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

Kyren Williams

Becoming a Better Dynasty Value by the Day
Ben Sinnott

Is it Time to Move on From Ben Sinnott?
Sam Darnold

Still a Reliable Dynasty Hold
Brandon Hagel

Pops Up With Two Goals in Sunday's Win
Justin Fields

Could Dynasty Managers See One More Sell Window for Justin Fields?
Nathan MacKinnon

Records Three Points in Series-Clincher
Dallas Goedert

a Dynasty Bargain After Flurry of Eagles' Moves
Bowen Byram

Extends Goal Streak to Three Games
John Carlson

Delivers Two Assists in Game 4 Victory
Connor McDavid

Bags Pair of Power-Play Assists in 100th Playoff Game
Jason Zucker

Makes Early Exit in Blowout Win
De'Aaron Fox

Notches Game-High 28 Points Sunday
Joel Embiid

Returns With Double-Double
Jayson Tatum

Logs 30-Point Double-Double in Sunday's Win
LeBron James

Quiet in Game 4 Loss to Rockets
Julius Randle

Handed $35K Fine for His Part in Game 4 Altercation
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Fined $50K for Game 4 Incident
Collin Murray-Boyles

Continues to Shine for Raptors
Deni Avdija

Returns to Form Sunday
Victor Wembanyama

Stuffs Stat Sheet in His Return
Austin Reaves

Won't Suit Up Sunday
Jonathan Isaac

Likely to Remain Out Monday
Isaiah Joe

Available for Game 4 Monday
Aaron Gordon

Uncertain for Monday
Jordan Goodwin

Considered Questionable for Monday's Elimination Game
Joel Embiid

Ready to Return Sunday
Mark Williams

to Remain Out Monday
Kevin Huerter

Listed as Questionable for Monday
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Cleared to Play Sunday
Anthony Edwards

Faces Multi-Week Absence
Kevin Durant

Remains Out Sunday
Emil Andrae

Expected to Rejoin Flyers Lineup Monday
Matvei Michkov

Set to Be Scratched for Game 5
Radko Gudas

Remains Sidelined Sunday
Jason Dickinson

a Game-Time Decision Sunday
Maxwell Crozier

to Replace Declan Carlile Sunday
Alexander Nikishin

Diagnosed With Concussion
Viktor Arvidsson

Exits Early Sunday
Theo Johnson

a Dynasty Faller After Busy Giants Offseason
Kyle Monangai

Remains a Dynasty Hold
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Remains a Locked-in Dynasty Stud
Jonah Coleman

Could Have Immediate Impact as Broncos' Short-Yardage Back
Jerry Jeudy

Browns Say Jerry Jeudy Will Not Be Impacted by Rookies
Logan O'Hoppe

Placed on 10-Day Injured List Due to Left-Wrist Fracture
Denny Hamlin

Is Denny Hamlin Worth Rostering for Talladega?
Xavier Worthy

a Buy-Low Candidate for Dynasty Managers Following NFL Draft?
NASCAR

Is Bubba Wallace Playable in Talladega DFS Lineups?
Skyler Bell

Earning Comparisons to Elite NFL Wideout Following NFL Draft
Jayden Daniels

' Supporting Cast in Washington Remains Similar Following NFL Draft
Joe Burrow

Dynasty Value Remains Impacted by Injury Concerns
Josh Naylor

Absent on Sunday With Quad Tightness
Andrei Iosivas

Facing New Competition for Bengals' WR3 Role After NFL Draft
Tyjae Spears

Facing Competition in a Contract Year
Jaylen Wright

Remains an Appealing Handcuff Option Following NFL Draft
Ollie Gordon II

Fighting for a Roster Spot?
Ryan Helsley

Returns From Bereavement List on Sunday
Colby Parkinson

Facing More Competition Than Ever Before
Steven Kwan

Back in Sunday's Lineup
Brent Rooker

Activated and Starting on Sunday Against Rangers
Omarion Hampton

Faces Minimal Competition After the NFL Draft
Roman Anthony

Returns as DH on Sunday
Brandon Aiyuk

Commanders Interested in Brandon Aiyuk, Waiting for His Release
Tyler Reddick

Stay Away From Tyler Reddick at Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Shake Off The Bad Luck at Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Could Contend For Another Talladega Win
Kyle Busch

an Easy DFS Pick at Talladega
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. a High-Risk, High-Reward Pick at Talladega
Todd Gilliland

a Sleeper to Watch at Talladega
Brad Keselowski

Is Brad Keselowski Worth Rostering for Talladega Lineups?
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Talladega Lineups?
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Managers Trust Christopher Bell at Talladega?
Ty Gibbs

Is A DFS Risk for Talladega Lineups
Arturs Silovs

Steps in and Saves Pittsburgh on Saturday
Sidney Crosby

Helps Lead Pittsburgh to Road Win Over Philadelphia
Brock Faber

a Huge Factor in Minnesota's Overtime Victory
Matt Boldy

Evens Series Between Minnesota and Dallas in Big Way
Frederik Andersen

a Game-Changer as Carolina Closes Out Ottawa
Logan Stankoven

Scores Yet Again as Carolina Sweeps Ottawa
Desmond Bane

Nails Seven Triples En Route to 25 Points
Boston Red Sox

Red Sox Fire Manager Alex Cora and Other Coaches
Josh Manson

Not Expected to Play Sunday
Mason Lohrei

Set to Miss Game 4 as Healthy Scratch
Steven Kwan

Scratched With Neck Stiffness
Trey Yesavage

Returning From Injured List on Tuesday
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Heading to the Injured List With Oblique Strain
MLB

Saturday's Mets-Rockies Game Postponed Due to Weather
Giancarlo Stanton

Exits With Leg Tightness on Friday
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Scratched on Friday With Mid-Back Pain
Jackson Holliday

Receives Positive Test Results, Will be Shut Down for a Week
Jeff Hoffman

Out as Blue Jays Closer
Youssef Zalal

Set For UFC Vegas 116 Main Event
Aljamain Sterling

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Set For UFC Vegas 116 Co-Main Event
Norma Dumont

Looks To Extend Her Win Streak
Alexander Hernandez

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 116
Rafa Garcia

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Set For His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Francisco Lindor

Expected to Miss "Significant Time"
Francisco Lindor

Mets Officially Place Francisco Lindor on Injured List With Calf Strain
Michael Harris II

Removed Early With Quad Tightness
Francisco Lindor

Likely Headed to the Injured List
Michael Harris II

Continues to Heat Up With Two-Homer Game on Wednesday
Francisco Lindor

Leaves Wednesday's Game Early With Calf Tightness
CFB

Beau Pribula Leading Virginia Quarterback Competition
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
Luke Clanton

Hoping to Find Form in New Orleans
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
CFB

Ashton Daniels Named Florida State's Starting Quarterback
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF