🖥 CYBER WEEK - TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE CYBER
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
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
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

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

CFB

Kendal Briles a Candidate for South Carolina Offensive Coordinator
CFB

James Madison Playoff-Bound After Duke Wins ACC Title?
CFB

Notre Dame, Miami, Alabama on College Football Playoff Bubble
Garrett Wilson

Still Expected to Return and Contribute in 2025
CFB

Brent Pry Could Return to Virginia Tech as Defensive Coordinator
Mike Evans

Could Return in Week 15
Trey Benson

Might Not Return This Season
Darcy Kuemper

Ends Losing Streak With Shutout Performance
Nikolaj Ehlers

Collects Three Points in Saturday's Win
Ilya Sorokin

Ties Franchise Record With 25th Shutout
Sam Bennett

Bags Season-High Four Points Saturday
Jordan Kyrou

Sustains Lower-Body Injury Saturday
Dominic James

Hurt on Saturday
Maxx Crosby

Trending Toward Playing Against Broncos
Chris Olave

Set to Play Vs. Bucs
LaMelo Ball

Won't Suit Up Against Denver
Immanuel Quickley

Questionable for Sunday Afternoon
Deshaun Watson

Expected to Stay With Browns Next Year
Klay Thompson

Downgraded Versus Houston
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Out Again on Saturday Evening
Tyler Herro

Will Miss Another Game on Saturday
Jimmy Butler III

Out Again on Saturday Night
Draymond Green

Ruled Out Versus Cleveland
Jose A. Ferrer

Mariners Acquire Jose A. Ferrer from the Nationals
Mason Marchment

Expected to Return Saturday
Danila Yurov

Returns From Two-Game Absence Saturday
Jesperi Kotkaniemi

Available Saturday
Harry Ford

Traded to the Nationals
Shane Pinto

to Miss Two Weeks
David Pastrnak

Misses Fifth Consecutive Game Saturday
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Remains Out Saturday
Nikita Kucherov

Out on Saturday
Jayden Reed

Activated Off Injured Reserve, Will Play in Week 14
Omarion Hampton

Activated From IR, Faces Uncertain Workload Monday Night
Cody Bellinger

Drawing Interest From the Phillies
MacKenzie Gore

Will the Nationals Trade MacKenzie Gore?
Justin Herbert

Officially Listed as Questionable for Monday Night Football
Justin Herbert

Chargers "Expecting" Justin Herbert to Play in Week 14
Yves Missi

Trending Toward Game-Time Decision
Khris Middleton

Questionable With Knee Soreness Against Hawks
Noah Clowney

On Track To Suit Up Against Pelicans
De'Anthony Melton

Questionable With Knee Management
Draymond Green

Questionable With Mid-Foot Sprain
Jimmy Butler III

Day-To-Day As Warriors Prepare For Cleveland
Mikko Rantanen

Picks Up Three Points Against Sharks
Kyle Connor

Scores in Fourth Consecutive Game
Beckett Sennecke

Notches Two Points in Friday's Win
Ryan Leonard

Suffers Upper-Body Injury Friday
Carter Hart

Day-to-Day With Lower-Body Injury
Brayden Point

Questionable for Saturday
Victor Hedman

Expected to Return Saturday
Byron Buxton

Twins Not Planning to Trade Joe Ryan, Byron Buxton
Patrick Williams

Dalen Terry Available Versus Pacers
Coby White

Returns With Minutes Restriction Friday
Ayo Dosunmu

Out Friday Against Pacers
Zach Collins

Available for Season Debut Friday
Robert Williams III

Donovan Clingan Out, Robert Williams III in for Portland Friday
Evan Mobley

Ready to Play Friday
Kristaps Porzingis

Coming Off the Bench Friday
Spencer Jones

Available Against Hawks
Ozzy Wiesblatt

to Miss 8-10 Weeks With Upper-Body Injury
Rome Odunze

has Fractured Foot, Labeled Week-to-Week
Sauce Gardner

Ruled Out for Sunday
Petr Yan

Looks To Reclaim Bantamweight Belt
Merab Dvalishvili

Set For His Fourth Title Defense
Joshua Van

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Aaron Jones Sr.

Cleared to Play in Week 14
Chris Olave

Listed as Questionable for Week 14
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fifth Title Defense At UFC 323
Tatsuro Taira

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Alvin Kamara

Ruled Out for Sunday
Brandon Moreno

Searches For His Third Win In A Row
Rome Odunze

Ruled Out for Week 14
Payton Talbott

A Favorite At UFC 323
Henry Cejudo

Set For His Retirement Fight
Drake London

Ruled Out vs Seattle
Jan Blachowicz

Set To Open Up UFC 323 Main Card
Lamar Jackson

Will Play on Sunday
Bogdan Guskov

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
CFB

Emmett Johnson Leaving Nebraska for 2026 NFL Draft
Dalton Kincaid

to be Questionable for Week 14
Tee Higgins

Clears Concussion Protocol, is a Full-Go for Sunday
CFB

Jam Miller Unlikely to Play in SEC Title Game
CFB

Penn State Expected to Hire Matt Campbell from Iowa State
Mike Evans

Not Quite Ready to Return This Week
CFB

Arkansas Targeting Ron Roberts for Defensive Coordinator Job
Jhostynxon Garcia

Pirates Acquire Jhostynxon Garcia From Red Sox
Cody Bellinger

Yankees Pushing Hard to Re-Sign Cody Bellinger
CFB

Penn State Eyeing Iowa State Coach Matt Campbell For Coaching Vacancy
Alex Bregman

Cubs Have Renewed Interest in Alex Bregman
CFB

Billy Napier Finalizing Deal to Become James Madison's New Head Coach
CFB

Buster Faulkner Set to Become Florida's New Offensive Coordinator
CFB

Joe Sloan Expected to be Kentucky's New Offensive Coordinator
CFB

Lane Kiffin Working to Keep Defensive Coordinator Blake Baker at LSU
CFB

Brian Daboll a Candidate for Penn State Head-Coaching Job?
Kyle Tucker

Visits With Blue Jays
Emilio Pagán

Reds Bring Back Closer Emilio Pagan on Two-Year Deal
Cedric Mullins

Rays Agree on One-Year Deal
Freddy Peralta

Brewers Considering Trading Freddy Peralta
Kyle Schwarber

Reds Serious About Adding Kyle Schwarber in Free Agency?
CFB

Brent Key Signing Five-Year Deal to Remain at Georgia Tech
CFB

Brian Hartline Expected to Land USF Head-Coaching Job
CFB

Collin Klein Expected to be Top Target for Kansas State if Head-Coach Job Opens
CFB

Chris Klieman Considering Stepping Down at Kansas State
CFB

D.J. Durkin Staying at Auburn Under Alex Golesh
CFB

Charlie Weis Jr. Permitted to Coach Ole Miss Offense in College Football Playoff
CFB

Five-Star Quarterback Jared Curtis Flips Commitment From Georgia to Vanderbilt
Kyle Schwarber

Giants Have Checked in on Kyle Schwarber
Willson Contreras

Willing to Waive his Full No-Trade Clause?
Edwin Díaz

Mets Still Interested in Re-Signing Edwin Diaz
Devin Williams

Agrees to Three-Year Deal With Mets
Cole Ragans

Red Sox Targeting Cole Ragans in a Trade?

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP