👉 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 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 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

MLB

Red Sox Fire Manager Alex Cora and Other Coaches
A.J. Lawson

Questionable for Sunday Due to Back Spasms
Kevin Huerter

Injures Left Hip Saturday
Green Bay Packers

Packers Take Kicker Trey Smack with Pick No. 216
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Iffy for Sunday
Victor Wembanyama

Still Questionable on Injury Report
Denver Broncos

Broncos Select Dallen Bentley with 256th Pick
Kevin Durant

Uncertain for Sunday's Action
Austin Reaves

Listed as Questionable for Sunday's Game 4
Aaron Gordon

Active on Saturday
Indianapolis Colts

Colts Select Deion Burks with Pick No. 254
Joel Embiid

Remains Doubtful Ahead of Game 4
New England Patriots

Patriots Select Jam Miller with 245th Pick
Indianapolis Colts

Colts Select Seth McGowan with Pick No. 237
New England Patriots

Patriots Take Quarterback Behren Morton with Pick No. 234
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs Draft Garrett Nussmeier With 249th Overall Pick
Cleveland Browns

Browns Draft Carsen Ryan in the Seventh Round
Tennessee Titans

Titans Select Jaren Kanak with Pick No. 225
Washington Commanders

Commanders Take Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis with Pick No. 223
Houston Texans

Texans Select Lewis Bond with Pick No. 204
Pittsburgh Steelers

Navy's Eli Heidenreich to the Steelers at No. 230 Overall
Jacksonville Jaguars

Jaguars Double Dip at Wide Receiver with C.J. Williams at Pick No. 203
Josh Manson

Not Expected to Play Sunday
Los Angeles Rams

Rams Select CJ Daniels with 197th Pick
Mason Lohrei

Set to Miss Game 4 as Healthy Scratch
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Select Jack Endries at No. 221 Overall
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Select Malik Benson with 195th Pick
Emil Andrae

Won't Play Saturday
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Select Anthony Smith in the Seventh Round
Washington Commanders

Commanders Add Running Back Competition with Kaytron Allen at Pick No. 187
Arturs Silovs

Starting Game 4 Against Flyers
Dan Vladar

Cleared for Game 4
George Kittle

Recovering Well, Could be Ready for Week 1
Mats Zuccarello

Remains Out Saturday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Buccaneers Select Bauer Sharp with Pick No. 185
Nikolaj Ehlers

Dealing With Lower-Body Injury
Cleveland Browns

Browns Continue Drafting Quarterbacks with Taylen Green at No. 182
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
Kirby Dach

Battles and Scores Two Points in Friday Triumph
Connor McDavid

Delivers Mixed-Bag Performance Friday
MLB

Saturday's Mets-Rockies Game Postponed Due to Weather
Karel Vejmelka

Saves Utah With Huge Effort Friday
Lane Hutson

Scores Crucial Overtime Goal in Montreal Win
Lawson Crouse

Cashes in With Two Goals for Utah
Mikael Granlund

Serves Up Trio of Assists in Anaheim Big Win
Giancarlo Stanton

Exits With Leg Tightness on Friday
Isaiah Joe

Likely to Miss Game 3 Against Suns
Peyton Watson

to Remain Sidelined Saturday
Aaron Gordon

Questionable for Saturday's Game 4
Jordan Goodwin

on Track to Return Saturday
Grayson Allen

Listed as Questionable for Saturday
Mark Williams

Won't Play Saturday
Victor Wembanyama

Will Miss Game 3 Against Trail Blazers
Tari Eason

Reed Sheppard Move into Starting Five on Friday
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Wins Most Improved Player Award
Immanuel Quickley

to Miss Rest of First-Round Series
Kevin Durant

is Ruled Out for Game 3 on Friday
Joel Embiid

Officially Ruled Out for Game 3
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Scratched on Friday With Mid-Back Pain
Troy Terry

Available for Game 3 Against Oilers
Radko Gudas

Misses Second Straight Game Friday
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Unavailable Friday
Dan Vladar

Considered a Game-Time Call for Saturday
Jake Sanderson

Ruled Out for Game 4 Due to Concussion
Yakov Trenin

Won't Play in Game 4 Against Stars
Mats Zuccarello

a Game-Time Decision Saturday
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
Jaden McDaniels

Records Double-Double in Game 3
Jordan Kyrou

Recovering From Minor Knee Procedure
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
JR Ritchie

Earns Promotion, Will Make MLB Debut on Thursday
Wyatt Langford

Expected to Go on Injured List With Flexor Strain
Maikel Garcia

Leaves Early on Wednesday With Elbow Soreness
Roman Anthony

Day-to-Day With Sore Back
Juan Soto

Officially Back in Mets Lineup on Wednesday
J.T. Realmuto

Phillies Place J.T. Realmuto on Injured List With Back Injury
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
Tyler Reddick

Earns His Fifth Win of the 2026 Season at Kansas
Kyle Larson

Finishes as the Runner-Up at Kansas
Chase Briscoe

Rallies for A New Career-Best Finish at Kansas
Denny Hamlin

Leads the Most Laps at Kansas but Misses Out on Victory
Christopher Bell

Falls Out of Contention for Kansas Victory on Final Restart
Mike Malott

Scores Third-Round TKO Win
Gilbert Burns

Retires After UFC Winnipeg Loss
Charles Jourdain

Extends Winning Streak
Kyler Phillips

Drops Decision At UFC Winnipeg
Mandel Nallo

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss In His UFC Debut
Jai Herbert

Scores First-Round TKO Win
Karine Silva

Gets Dominated at UFC Winnipeg
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Dominates Karine Silva
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF