🖥 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE THANKS
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 205: 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 205. 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: 50-24

Jason's Record: 41-33

Without anymore waiting, here are our picks and analysis for the main card at UFC 205.

 

Miesha Tate vs Raquel Pennington

Justin’s Pick

Miesha Tate is a fighter that starts slow, but gets better as the fight progresses. She doesn’t have a high takedown rate, but she relentlessly attempts them, which generally puts her opponent on their back. That leaves her open for striking, though, and Raquel Pennington is a smooth fighter on her feet. I don’t believe she has the power to knock out Tate, but she does have the accuracy to score with the judges. If Pennington can stop Tate from taking her down, which seems likely early in the fight, she should be able to score enough with the judges to pick up the victory.

Raquel Pennington via Unanimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick

Raquel “Rocky” Pennington is definitely smooth on her feet, and she does have rather solid takedown defense, but it is not going to be enough to thwart the efforts of Miesha “Cupcake” Tate. This fight will likely go decision. If it stays standing, Pennington has a huge advantage. If it goes to the ground, Tate has a huge advantage. Tate has the ability to get this fight to the ground, so the advantage has to go to her.

Miesha Tate via Unanimous Decision

 

Kelvin Gastelum vs Donald Cerrone

Kelvin Gastelum didn’t weight-in, which means this fight will not happen.

 

Chris Weidman vs Yoel Romero

Justin’s Pick 

These are two of the best fighters in the UFC, and Romero may have already had a title shot if he didn’t fail a drug test. Weidman’s only loss came in a fight that he was winning before losing after failing to hit a kick that never should have been attempted. Romero, on the other hand, has never lost in the UFC and hasn’t lost in MMA since 2011. This fight will essentially come down to who’s wrestling is able to win. If Weidman can take Romero down and control him, it’s his fight to lose. If this fight stays standing, Romero will have the slight advantage, though. I believe the former is slightly more likely to happen, though.

Chris Weidman via Submission, 3rd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This is going to be a very interesting fight. The UFC did not hold back on UFC 205. Chris “The All-American” Weidman is one of the best wrestlers in the sport. Yoel “Soldier of God” Romero is also great when it comes to takedowns and takedown defense. Unfortunately for him, Weidman is slightly better. He should be able to take control of this fight later on. Whether via submission or ground and pound, it does not matter. Weidman will be victorious.

Chris Weidman via TKO, 2nd Round

 

Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs Karolina Kowalkiewicz

Justin’s Pick

Karolina Kowalkiewicz has looked good in her MMA career, but she isn’t ready to take on Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Jedzejczyk has been an elite fighter her entire life, and she is continuously progressing. She looked outstanding in her rematch against Claudia Gadelha, and she should have no problems out-striking Kowalkiewicz. Best of luck to Kowalkiewicz, but this is going to be a one sided fight in favor of the champion.

Joanna Jedzejczyk via Unanimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick

This is definitely the easiest fight on the main card to predict. As Justin accurately mentioned, Karolina Kowalkiewicz, despite her impressive career, is not ready to fight Joanna Jedrzejczyk (good luck spelling that correctly five times straight). In the battle of Poland, Jedrzejczyk will defeat Kowalkiewicz fairly easily.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk via Unanimous Decision

 

 

Tyron Woodley vs Stephen Thompson

Justin’s Pick

Woodley shocked the world when he beat Robbie Lawler for the title in July, but then he shocked the world when he told Stephen Thompson that he wasn’t going to fight him because he wants the money fight. Ultimately, Thompson received his much deserved title fight. He has won seven consecutive fights, and none of them have looked too strenuous for him. He’ll be looking to fight at a distance and pick apart Tyron Woodley because he has the takedown defense to keep this fight standing. The major equalizer for Woodley is his powerful right hand. Lawler overlooked Woodley’s power, which is why he lost the tile. Thompson tends to keep his distance with kicks, which also helps keep himself out of dangerous positions. This may not be the most exciting fight, but Thompson will come away with the belt.

Stephen Thompson via TKO, 4th Round

 

Jason’s Pick

Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson will be the next welterweight champion. He is simply a better fighter than Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley. Granted, Woodley has huge power – Robbie Lawler learned that quickly – but Thompson will not allow him to hit him flush. At the time, I predicted a Woodley victory over Lawler, but if that fight happened again, the money should be on Lawler. Woodley is an impressive fighter, there is no question about that. However, he is not long-lasting champion material. Thompson, on the other hand, is.

Stephen Thompson via Unanimous Decision

 

Eddie Alvarez vs Conor McGregor

Justin’s Pick

This fight is going to go one of two ways. Alvarez fights smart and uses his wrestling to neutralize the power of McGregor or McGregor baits Alvarez into a brawl on their feet. I expect Alvarez to try to impose his wrestling on McGregor, who has shown that he is slick on the ground. Ultimately, McGregor’s ability to get back to his feet will be the difference maker. He should be able to make his way to his feet fairly quickly, which will result in major trouble for Alvarez.

Conor McGregor via TKO, 2nd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

“The Notorious” Conor McGregor will be the new lightweight champion. Eddie Alvarez is not going to be able to take him to the ground effectively enough to eventually walk away with the victory. McGregor is going into the fight more determined than ever. When he sets his mind to something, it happens. He has the power to knockout Alvarez, which is something that he didn’t have against Nate Diaz. He is one of the best boxers in the world. Look for him to utilize his boxing to finish this fight early.

Conor McGregor via TKO, 1st 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

Cam York

Out on Tuesday
Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies Extend Manager Rob Thomson Through 2027 Season
Paolo Banchero

Remaining on a Minutes Limit Tuesday
Michael King

the Mets' Top Rotation Target?
Dru Smith

Will Be Available Tuesday
Pelle Larsson

Will Be Available Against Orlando
Davion Mitchell

Listed as Available for Tuesday
Tyler Herro

Will Be Available Tuesday Against the Magic
Aaron Gordon

Christian Braun Likely Out Until After Christmas
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Could Move Back to Leadoff Spot
Immanuel Quickley

Downgraded to Questionable Tuesday
Indianapolis Colts

Colts Officially Sign Philip Rivers
CFB

Florida, Wisconsin Among Suitors for QB Transfer Kenny Minchey
DK Metcalf

"Moving in the Right Direction" for Week 15
CFB

Bryan Harsin, Justin Wilcox Candidates for Washington State Head Coach Job?
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Agrees to Deal With the Dodgers
Kyle Schwarber

Returning to Phillies on Five-Year Deal
Riley Leonard

Diagnosed With Grade 1 PCL Sprain
Jamison Battle

Unlikely To Suit Up Against Knicks
Derik Queen

Posts Massive Triple-Double In Loss To Spurs
Jacob Toppin

Out For Season After Shoulder Surgery
Ben Sheppard

Out At Least 10 Days With Calf Strain
Miles McBride

Ruled Out With Ankle Sprain Against Raptors
CFB

Ole Miss Hiring John David Baker as Offensive Coordinator
Victor Wembanyama

Travels For NBA Cup Clash Against Lakers
CFB

Ty Howle the Top Target for Virginia Tech Offensive Coordinator Job
John Gibson

Secures Third Consecutive Win With Shutout
Nazem Kadri

Bags Three Points as Flames Offense Explodes
Joel Eriksson Ek

Ends Dry Spell With Three-Point Effort
Dennis Hildeby

Records First Career Shutout
Dakota Mermis

to be Evaluated Tuesday
Jacob Middleton

Hurt in Monday's Win
Mats Zuccarello

Exits Early Monday
Jamal Shead

Uncertain for Tuesday
Dru Smith

Questionable to Play Tuesday
Pelle Larsson

Listed as Probable for Tuesday
Davion Mitchell

Expected Back Tuesday
Tyler Herro

Likely to Return for Cup Clash Against Magic
RJ Barrett

to Miss at Least One More Week
Karl-Anthony Towns

Iffy for Tuesday
A.J. Brown

Continues Dominant Stretch With 100 Yards in Monday Night Loss
Saquon Barkley

Rips Off Long Touchdown Run in Monday Night Loss
Shohei Ohtani

to be Used More as Traditional Starting Pitcher Next Year
Yordan Alvarez

to Become Full-Time DH in 2026?
Mason Miller

Padres Plan to Keep Mason Miller in the Bullpen
Ranger Suárez

Orioles Interested in Signing Ranger Suarez
Anthony Volpe

Yankees Don't Expect Anthony Volpe to be Ready in April
Gerrit Cole

Targeting a Return in May/June
Riley Leonard

"Week-to-Week" With Strained Knee
NFL

Patriots-Ravens Week 16 Game Flexed to Sunday Night Football
Omarion Hampton

Making his Return on Monday Night
CFB

Heisman Trophy Finalists Announced on Monday
Justin Herbert

Officially Active Against Eagles
Indianapolis Colts

Colts Bringing Philip Rivers in for a Workout
Justin Herbert

Expected to Start on Monday Night
Trey Benson

Cardinals Could Hold Trey Benson Out Another Week
Keegan Murray

Available on Monday
Jack Roslovic

Not Close to Returning
Jake Walman

to Miss at Least Two More Weeks
Berkly Catton

Out Week-to-Week
Nils Hoglander

Set for Season Debut Monday
Elias Pettersson

Misses Second Straight Game
Logan Cooley

Out Indefinitely
Brayden Point

Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point Back for Lightning Monday
CFB

Anthony Hill Jr. Declaring for 2026 NFL Draft
CFB

Ryan Walters a Candidate for Tennessee Defensive Coordinator Job?
Trey Hendrickson

Set for Core-Muscle Surgery, Expected to Miss Around Six Weeks
Drake London

Considered Day-to-Day Going into Thursday Night
Jayden Daniels

No Long-Term Concerns for Jayden Daniels
Zach Ertz

MRI Confirms Season-Ending Torn ACL for Zach Ertz
Tee Higgins

Back in the Concussion Protocol
Riley Leonard

Week 15 Status Uncertain Due to Knee Injury
Mike Evans

Could Return on Thursday Night
De'Von Achane

May Require Rest This Week
Daniel Jones

' Season Over With Torn Achilles
Rory McIlroy

Ends 2025 as the Year's Most Unburdened Player
Aaron Rai

Needs to Figure Out Putting Woes This Offseason
Jordan Spieth

Plays Better on Paper in 2025 Than Results Show
PGA

Chris Gotterup Needs to Find Better Touch and Consistency This Offseason
Hideki Matsuyama

Ends 2025 Season With a Bookend Victory
CFB

Tennessee Fires Defensive Coordinator Tim Banks
Scottie Scheffler

Comes Up Just Shy of Hero World Challenge Victory
Merab Dvalishvili

Drops A Decision At UFC 323
Petr Yan

Reclaims Bantamweight Title
Alexandre Pantoja

Era Ends With Gruesome Injury
Joshua Van

Becomes Second-Youngest UFC Champion
Brandon Moreno

Suffers His First TKO Loss
Brandon Moreno

Tatsuro Taira Becomes First Fighter To Finish Brandon Moreno
Henry Cejudo

Payton Talbott Retires Henry Cejudo
Henry Cejudo

Retires After UFC 323 Loss
Jan Blachowicz

Bogdan Guskov Vs. Jan Blachowicz Ends In A Majority Draw
Jan Blachowicz

And Bogdan Guskov Fight To Majority Draw
CFB

Texas RB CJ Baxter Entering Transfer Portal
Mark Stone

Records Two Assists in Sunday's Win
Carter Hart

Defeats Rangers Sunday
Cutter Gauthier

Delivers Two Assists Sunday
Leo Carlsson

Nets Two Goals in Blowout Win
Logan Thompson

Posts First Shutout of the Season
Brayden Schenn

Leads Blues to Victory Sunday
San Francisco Giants

Jeff Kent Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
Ketel Marte

Red Sox Interested in Trading for Ketel Marte
Kyle Schwarber

Pirates Make Four-Year Offer to Kyle Schwarber
CFB

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

Auburn, Florida State, Baylor Among Teams to Decline Bowl Bids
CFB

Rob Aurich Set to Become Nebraska's Defensive Coordinator
CFB

Notre Dame Opting Out of Postseason Amid College Football Playoff Exclusion
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
Jose A. Ferrer

Mariners Acquire Jose A. Ferrer from the Nationals
Harry Ford

Traded to the Nationals
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

RANKINGS

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