🖥 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

UFC 202: 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 UFC 202. 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: 19-10

Jason's Record: 18-11

Without anymore waiting, here are our picks and analysis for the main card at UFC 202.

 

Tim Means vs Sabah Homasi

Justin’s Pick 

The main card starts off with a few cut and dry matchups. Sabah Homasi will be making his UFC debut on short notice. He has displayed good power throughout his career, but he hasn’t ever fought anyone as good as Tim Means. Means has a 5-2 record in the UFC, and he has 17 career knockouts. He has been fighting at a much higher level of competition than Homasi, and he has more ways to win this fight. Homasi certainly has a puncher’s chance, but Means is the better fighter, and he should have too many problems throughout this fight.

Tim Means via TKO, 1st Round

 

Jason’s Pick

It would be unwise to consider Sabah “The Problem” Homasi a favorite against Tim “The Dirty Bird” Means. Means will likely handle this fight fairly easily. As Justin mentioned, this is Homasi’s UFC debut, and it is on short notice. It is respectable that Homasi picked up the fight, but he is going to lose. This one is rather straightforward. It would be extremely surprising to see Means not finish within the distance.

Tim Means via TKO, 1st Round

 

Hyun Gyu Lim vs Mike Perry

Justin’s Pick

Hyun Gyu Lim is in the same boat as Tim Means this weekend. Mike Perry is an undefeated powerhouse who will be making his UFC debut. He has finished each of his six fights via KO or TKO within the first 10 minutes of the fight. Lim is another powerful fighter, as he has ended 10 of his 13 career wins with a KO or TKO. He has fought much tougher competition than Perry, and that experience will make all of the difference this weekend. Similarly to Homasi, Perry will have a puncher’s chance, but Lim should be able to get back on the winning track at UFC 202.

Hyun Gyu Lim via TKO, 1st Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This is boring, but Justin is correct again. Hyun Gyu “The Ace” Lim is going to defeat Mike “Platinum” Perry without too many issues. Perry is extremely dangerous, but he is making his UFC debut, and Lim’s experience gives him a huge advantage. It will be interesting to see what fight Perry takes next, but as for UFC 202, he is going to walk out of the octagon without his hand raised. Lim will advance to 14-5-1.

Hyun Gyu Lim via TKO, 1st Round

 

Rick Story vs Donald Cerrone

Justin’s Pick

This is one of the most difficult fights to pick on a card that has a lot of close matchups. Cerrone is now fighting at 170 lbs, which will help his already good cardio, as he doesn’t have to cut much weight. With that being said, he’ll give up a bit of strength to Rick Story, who loves grinding out his opponents. Cerrone will have the advantage if he can keep his distance, but that is much easier said than done. Story’s way to victory is by out-grappling Cerrone and landing takedowns to score points. Cerrone has good takedown defense, though, and it’s more likely that he can keep his range while landing strikes in the clinch every now and then on his way to the decision victory.

Donald Cerrone via Unanimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick

There is definitely a disagreement in regards to this fight. Rick “The Horror” Story is ranked number nine for a reason. Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone is definitely one of the best fighters in the UFC, but Story has the edge. He is the bigger and stronger of the two opponents, and he has great defense while on his feet. It is going to be difficult for Cerrone to take advantage while standing, and Story should be able to secure a takedown or two just based on his raw power. He will grind out the decision victory this weekend.

Rick Story via Unanimous Decision

 

Anthony Johnson vs Glover Teixeira

Justin’s Pick

Anthony Johnson and Glover Teixeira are two of the hottest fighters in the UFC right now. Johnson’s only recent loss was against current light-heavyweight champion, Daniel Cormier, while Teixeira has won three straight fights. Both men have power in their strikes, especially Johnson, who has become known for his knockouts. He should be able to stuff Teixeira’s takedown attempts before landing a big shot and solidifying another shot for the title.

Anthony Johnson via TKO, 2nd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This is definitely an interesting fight, but Anthony “Rumble” Johnson has the edge against Glover Teixeira. He has great takedown defense, and Teixeira is going to want to see this fight get to the ground. Johnson is not going to allow that to happen. With precision striking and great stand-up defense, the number one ranked light-heavyweight in the world will edge out the victory, likely before the judge’s get a chance to pick the winner.

Anthony Johnson via TKO, 3rd Round

 

Nate Diaz vs Conor McGregor

Justin’s Pick

It’s confusing as to why these two are fighting their rematch at 170 lbs rather than 155 lbs because they both have a full training camp. My head says that Diaz is going to eat a bunch of shots once again before landing a big shot on McGregor and pulling out another submission victory. My heart, on the other hand, is saying that McGregor will learn to utilize his cardio better before scoring a late TKO of Diaz. It’s tough to go against someone as fixated as McGregor is on winning this fight, and I’m siding with my heart.

Conor McGregor via TKO, 4th Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This fight is horrible to pick. My heart says Conor “The Notorious” McGregor, but my brain says Nate Diaz. Diaz has one of the best chins in UFC history, so it’ll be difficult for McGregor to end this fight via KO or TKO. Fighting at 170 pounds, it’ll also be difficult for McGregor to defend Diaz if the fight does end up on the ground. Diaz is the favorite via Vegas, and there is a reason for that. McGregor obviously has a chance to win, but it is going to be very difficult.

Nate Diaz via Submission, 3rd 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

Blake Corum

Leads Rams Backfield With Phenomenal Week 14 Showing
Michael Wilson

Enjoys Heavy Involvement in Week 14
Puka Nacua

Enjoys Best Game of the Season in Rout of Cardinals
Harold Fannin Jr.

Eclipses Century Mark, Scores Touchdown Sunday
CFB

Mississippi State, Rice Accept Bowl Bids as 5-7 Teams
CFB

Auburn, Florida State, Baylor Among Teams to Decline Bowl Bids
Paul George

Available on Sunday Evening
Joel Embiid

Available Against Lakers
Lauri Markkanen

Ruled Out Versus OKC
Geno Smith

Doesn't Return to Week 14 Game Against Broncos
DK Metcalf

Totals Almost 150 Yards in Big Win Over Ravens
Jimmy Butler III

Officially Active on Sunday Night
CFB

Rob Aurich Set to Become Nebraska's Defensive Coordinator
LeBron James

Available Versus Philadelphia
Geno Smith

Questionable to Return With Shoulder Injury
Joe Burrow

Throws Four Touchdowns in Snowy Conditions
Tee Higgins

Finds the End Zone Twice in Loss to Bills
Tony Pollard

Stuns Browns, Breaks Off Two Huge Touchdowns
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Scores Twice in Victory Over Falcons
Shedeur Sanders

Racks Up Four Touchdowns in Narrow Loss to Titans
Josh Allen

Totals Four Touchdowns in Win Over Bengals
MON

Samuel Montembeault Ruled Out for Sunday
Carter Hart

Available Against Rangers Sunday
Ryan Leonard

to Miss "Extended Period of Time"
De'Von Achane

Avoids a Broken Rib in Week 14
John Carlson

a Game-Time Decision Sunday
Zach Ertz

Feared to Have Torn ACL
Jordan Kyrou

Unavailable Against Canadiens
Daniel Jones

Could be Done for Season with Achilles Injury
Matt Duchene

Set to Return Against Penguins
Jayden Daniels

Will Play Again This Season
Pyotr Kochetkov

Back for Hurricanes Sunday
Evgeni Malkin

Won't Play on Sunday
CFB

Notre Dame Opting Out of Postseason Amid College Football Playoff Exclusion
Zach Ertz

Ruled Out Sunday With Serious Knee Injury
Karl-Anthony Towns

Ruled Out Against Orlando
Draymond Green

Remains on the Shelf Versus Chicago
Jimmy Butler III

Expected to Return on Sunday
Jayden Daniels

Questionable to Return in Week 14 With Left-Elbow Injury
Immanuel Quickley

Now Probable Versus Boston
Bhayshul Tuten

Returns in Week 14 After Injury Scare
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Will Miss First Game of the Year on Sunday
De'Von Achane

Questionable to Return in Week 14 with Rib Injury
Joel Embiid

Upgraded to Probable Against Lakers
Ja Morant

Doubtful Against Portland
Robert Williams III

Now Questionable Versus Memphis
Donovan Clingan

Questionable Versus Grizzlies
CFB

Kendal Briles a Candidate for South Carolina Offensive Coordinator Job
CFB

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

Notre Dame, Miami, Alabama on College Football Playoff Bubble
CFB

Brent Pry Could Return to Virginia Tech as Defensive Coordinator
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
LaMelo Ball

Won't Suit Up Against Denver
Immanuel Quickley

Questionable for Sunday Afternoon
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
Cody Bellinger

Drawing Interest From the Phillies
MacKenzie Gore

Will the Nationals Trade MacKenzie Gore?
Byron Buxton

Twins Not Planning to Trade Joe Ryan, Byron Buxton
Petr Yan

Looks To Reclaim Bantamweight Belt
Merab Dvalishvili

Set For His Fourth Title Defense
Joshua Van

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fifth Title Defense At UFC 323
Tatsuro Taira

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Brandon Moreno

Searches For His Third Win In A Row
Payton Talbott

A Favorite At UFC 323
Henry Cejudo

Set For His Retirement Fight
Jan Blachowicz

Set To Open Up UFC 323 Main Card
Bogdan Guskov

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
CFB

Emmett Johnson Leaving Nebraska for 2026 NFL Draft
CFB

Jam Miller Unlikely to Play in SEC Title Game
CFB

Penn State Expected to Hire Matt Campbell from Iowa State
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
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

RANKINGS

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