👉 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

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

#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

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?
Blake Corum

2026 Role Appears Secured
Jaxson Dart

The Arrow is Pointing Way Up for Jaxson Dart Ahead of Second Season
Calvin Ridley

Can Calvin Ridley Earn Back a Starting Role?
David Montgomery

Escapes NFL Draft Unscathed
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Talladega Lineups?
Chris Godwin Jr.

an Offseason Winner
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
Emil Andrae

Won't Play Saturday
Arturs Silovs

Starting Game 4 Against Flyers
Dan Vladar

Cleared for Game 4
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