👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
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 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Top-Rated Accuracy
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
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

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Top-Rated Accuracy
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Juan Soto

Mets Place Juan Soto on 10-Day Injured List
Matthew Boyd

Cubs Putting Matthew Boyd on 15-Day Injured List With Biceps Strain
Mickey Moniak

Goes Yard Twice Against his Old Team
Brent Rooker

Homers Twice, Drives in Six in Win Over Astros
Mike Trout

Considered Day-to-Day With Hand Contusion
New York Giants

Dexter Lawrence Requests a Trade, Won't Take Part in Offseason Program
Brooks Koepka

Needs his Putter to Work at Augusta National
Cameron Young

Playing Incredibly Well Heading into 2026 Masters
Kyle Williams

Is Kyle Williams the Latest Patriots Draft Bust at Wide Receiver?
Elic Ayomanor

Should Benefit from Improved Quarterback Play
Isaac TeSlaa

Unlikely to Repeat Touchdown Efficiency
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Remains Unsigned
Darius Slayton

Where Does Darius Slayton Fit Among a Crowd of Giants Pass-Catchers?
Vít Krejčí

Vit Krejci Still Sidelined Monday
Bruce Brown

Likely Available vs. Portland
Spencer Jones

Remains Sidelined Monday
Isaiah Stewart

Remains Out Monday vs. Orlando
Dillon Brooks

Risks Suspension After 18th Technical Foul
Daniel Gafford

Leaves Game Early with Shoulder Injury
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic to Undergo Hamstring Treatment in Europe
Will Cuylle

Grabs First Career Hat Trick in Blowout Win
Jacob Markstrom

Records First Shutout of the Season
Brady Tkachuk

Scores Twice Against Hurricanes
Sidney Crosby

Registers Three Points in Sunday's Win
Robert Thomas

Pots First Career Hat Trick
Valeri Nichushkin

Labeled Day-to-Day
Chris Duncan

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Renato Moicano

Gets Back In The Win Column
Tabatha Ricci

Gets Outgrappled
Virna Jandiroba

Bounces Back
Brendson Ribeiro

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev

Earns First-Round Submission Win
Rafael Estevam

Suffers His First Loss
Ethyn Ewing

Dominates At UFC Vegas 115
Pat Bryant

Year 2 Breakout No Longer in the Cards?
Troy Franklin

Set to Take a Step Backward in 2026?
Sam Howell

Joe Milton III to Compete for Backup Role
Cameron Ward

Working in the Building, Making Good Progress
Will Levis

Titans to Trade Will Levis Before the Draft?
Jacob Markstrom

Shuts Out the Canadiens
Brady Tkachuk

Scores Twice on Sunday
Cameron Payne

Out at Least Two Weeks
Duncan Robinson

Iffy for Monday
Jerami Grant

Out Again Monday
Tobias Harris

Questionable Vs. Magic
Karl-Anthony Towns

Back Against Atlanta
Joel Embiid

Available Monday Vs. Spurs
Mike Trout

Exits Early After Getting Hit by Pitch
Brandon Williams

Good to Go Sunday
Marvin Bagley III

Available Sunday Against Lakers
Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabate Back in Lineup Sunday
Kirill Kaprizov

Bags Sixth Career Hat Trick Sunday
Stuart Skinner

Nursing Upper-Body Injury
Charlie Lindgren

Gets the Nod Sunday
Pavel Buchnevich

Ready to Play Sunday Night
Jordan Staal

Jordan Martinook Unavailable Sunday
Frederik Andersen

Takes on Senators Sunday
Linus Ullmark

Faces Hurricanes Sunday
Trevor Lawrence

Can a Dynamic Surrounding Cast Lead Trevor Lawrence to Another Career Year?
Malik Willis

Dolphins Want to Build Around Malik Willis
Courtland Sutton

Has Courtland Sutton's Dropping Dynasty Value Made Him a Buy-Low Candidate?
Ryan Rollins

Available Against Grizzlies
David Njoku

One of the Top Remaining Free Agents
Leonard Miller

Matas Buzelis Out Sunday, Leonard Miller Joins Starting Lineup
Tyler Warren

has Room to Grow in Year 2
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Back in Action Sunday
Josh Giddey

Won't Play Against Suns
Trey Murphy III

Out Sunday
Pete Fairbanks

Serving as Opener Before Going on Paternity List
George Klassen

Called Up to Start on Sunday
Stephon Gilmore

Announces his Retirement
Hunter Brown

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Right-Shoulder Strain
Matthew Stafford

Rams to Put Matthew Stafford on Pitch Count Ahead of 2026 Season?
Isaiah Likely

John Harbaugh "Certain" Isaiah Likely Will Break Out
New York Jets

Jets "Leaning Toward" Arvell Reese at No. 2 Overall
Cleveland Browns

Browns Targeting Carnell Tate at No. 6 Overall?
Jesús Luzardo

Jesus Luzardo Dominates Rockies on Saturday
Byron Buxton

Back in Sunday's Lineup
Mookie Betts

Heading to the Injured List With Oblique Strain
Cade Horton

Cubs Place Cade Horton on 15-Day Injured List With Forearm Strain
Clayton Keller

Collects Four Points Against Canucks
Jack Eichel

Records Three Assists in Saturday's Win
Gabe Perreault

Nets First Career Hat Trick
Nicolas Hague

Exits Early Against Sharks
MacKenzie Weegar

Listed as Day-to-Day
Jack McBain

Considered Week-to-Week
Mookie Betts

Considered Day-to-Day, Heading for an MRI on Saturday
Juan Soto

Day-to-Day With Minor Groin Strain, No Decision on IL Yet
MLB

Cubs-Guardians Game Postponed on Saturday
Mookie Betts

Leaves Early With Back Injury
Alejandro Kirk

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Thumb Fracture
Juan Soto

Mets Concerned About Juan Soto's Calf Injury
Juan Soto

Removed with Calf Tightness
Byron Buxton

is Day-to-Day with Forearm Contusion
Chris Duncan

Set For UFC Vegas 115 Main Event
Renato Moicano

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 115
Tabatha Ricci

Set For UFC Vegas 115 Co-Main Event
Virna Jandiroba

Looks To Bounce Back
Brendson Ribeiro

In Desperate Need Of Win
Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev

Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Ethyn Ewing

Set For His Second UFC Bout
Rafael Estevam

Looks To Remain Undefeated
CFB

Gunner Stockton Looking "Great" After Offseason Injury
CFB

Sam Leavitt Showing "Encouraging Signs" at LSU Practice
J.J. Spaun

Needs the Putter to Cooperate in San Antonio
Thorbjorn Olesen

Trending Up in San Antonio
Denny McCarthy

Carrying Momentum into San Antonio
Chris Kirk

Has Course History on His Side in San Antonio
Billy Horschel

a Volatile Option at the Valero Texas Open
Joe Highsmith

Still Searching for Form in San Antonio
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks to Find Form at the Valero Texas Open
Jordan Spieth

a Horse for Course History at TPC San Antonio
Robert MacIntyre

Has One Flaw to Overcome at Valero Texas Open to be a Must-Play
Maverick McNealy

In Exceptional Form This Season
Michael Thorbjornsen

Playing Well But Still Searching For A Win
Hideki Matsuyama

Playing Well Heading to the Valero Texas Open
Si Woo Kim

Heads to Valero Texas Open For Final Tune-Up Before Masters
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF