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
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

UFC 207: MMA Main Card Predictions and DFS Picks

By Marty Rockatansky (talk).Marty Rockatansky at en.wikipedia [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons

Justin and Jason Bales give their predictions and analysis of the UFC 207 Main Card. Use their research to get a head start on your UFC DFS lineups on DraftKings.

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 207. 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. Without anymore waiting, here are our picks and analysis for the main card at UFC 207.

Justin's Record: 74-33, Jason's Record: 58-49

 

Louis Smolka vs Ray Borg

Justin’s Pick 

This is an interesting matchup between two of the best flyweights in the world. Smolka is the better striker of the two, but I expect this fight to feature quite a bit of grappling. Smolka is coming off a tough loss to Brandon Moreno, and he seems to find himself in bad situations when he grapples too much throughout fights. Borg could have a slight edge, and while I don’t believe he’s going to dominate this fight, I do believe he will wait for his opportunity, and sink in a submission for the win.

Ray Borg via Submission, 3rd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This is definitely going to be a back-and-forth battle, but Louis “Da Last Samurai” Smolka, despite his horrible loss to Brandon Moreno, has the edge. If he can keep his distance, Smolka will easily out-strike Ray “The Tazmexican Devil” for three rounds. If if this fight ends up in the clinch or on the ground, Smolka has the skills to defend and weather the storm. This is going to be a bounce back fight for one of the world’s best flyweights.

Louis Smolka via Unanimous Decision

 

Dong Hyun Kim vs Tarec Saffiedine

Justin’s Pick

Kim has had three hiccups in the UFC, but all three of them are elite competition. Tarec Saffiedine has also lost to solid competition, but he has dropped two of his last three fights. The big story in this fight will be Kim’s ring rust, as he has not fought in over a year. I expect Kim to pressure Saffiedine, while working in the clinch and working to takedowns. Once he secures top position, he can work his ground and pound on the way to another impressive victory.

Dong Hyun Kim via TKO, 3rd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This fight was thrust into the main even after Dana White decided to not allow Fabricio Werdum to fight. Turning down a fight because the UFC refuses to pay enough money is the fault of the UFC, not the fighter, but that is a different story. Back to “The Stun Gun” Dong Hyun Kim and Tarec “Sponge” Saffiedine. Kim is simply the better fighter. Saffiedine has great takedown defense, but Kim will figure out a way to get him to the ground over three rounds. When he does, he will end it.

Dong Hyun Kim via TKO, 3rd Round

 

TJ Dillashaw vs John Lineker

Justin’s Pick

Lineker has been on a tear through the 135 lbs division, but he hasn’t faced anyone as good as Dillashaw. Dillashaw has continuously proven that he’s one of the best in the division, and he recently lost a controversial decision to Dominick Cruz to lose the belt. This fight is going to go one of two ways. Dillashaw will work his striking from a distance and avoid Lineker’s power shots on the way to a decision or Lineker will be able to walk through Dillashaw’s attacks before landing power shots that will end the fight. I believe the former is more likely to happen in a three round fight.

TJ Dillashaw via Unaimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick

Well, Vegas is completely wrong on this one. There is no argument about who the better striker is – TJ Dillashaw can run circles around John “Hands of Stone” Lineker, but Lineker has a great chin and fantastic power in his hands. Dillashaw is going to look to keep his distance, but that distance will close eventually. Lineker recently won a fight against John Dodson that went much of the same way this fight is going to go. If Dillashaw gets too cocky, expect that big punch to land flush.

John Lineker via KO, 2nd Round

 

Dominick Cruz vs Cody Garbrandt

Justin’s Pick

This is the fight I’m most looking forward to. Cruz is the better fighter, but Garbrandt has fight changing power in his hands. Cruz seemingly knows what his opponents are going to do before they do it, which has led to elite defense. Garbrandt is an active fighter, who throws with fight ending intentions in every shot. He has destroyed everyone in his path early in his career, but he also has yet to fight anyone in the top-5 of the division. I believe Cruz will give Garbrandt fits early in the fight, but it’s going to be difficult to avoid his power for five rounds. Eventually, he lands a shot that rocks Cruz before putting him away.

Cody Garbrandt via TKO, 2nd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

Again, toss those Vegas odds out the window. Dominick “The Dominator” Cruz is undoubtedly a fantastic fighter. He is one of the best in the world. However, Cody “No Love” Garbrandt has a certain kind of power that most fighters in the Bantamweight division do not possess. Garbrandt will eventually find a spot for his powerful hands, and that spot will likely be on Cruz’s face. In a perfect world, Garbrandt wins the title and John Lineker beats TJ Dillashaw. That would lead to one of the most exciting fights in UFC history.

Cody Garbrandt via TKO, 2nd Round

 

Amanda Nunes vs Ronda Rousey

Justin’s Pick

I think this fight is much more black and grey than people are making it. Yes, Rousey is the favorite by Vegas, but that likely has more to do with her name than the two fighters. She has been dealing with personal demons during her break after the Holm fight, and she is likely dealing with some doubts, as she won’t be addressing the media. Fighters can’t doubt themselves in the octagon, and I believe Rousey is filled with doubt right now. She’s going to be facing someone who has fight ending power, and Nunes will likely start quick and look to put Rousey away before she can gain any confidence. Rousey certainly has a path to victory, but I see Nunes dominating her early and scoring another first round finish.

Amanda Nunes via TKO, 1st Round

 

Jason’s Pick

Okay, forget about Vegas completely on this card. In a popularity contest, "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey would take home the belt without question. In an actual fight, she will have to avoid the powerful hands of Amanda “The Lioness” Nunes. Nunes is one of the best fighters in the world, obviously. She is the champion for a reason, but she is getting absolutely no credit. There is a huge chip on her shoulder, and if she puts away Rousey early, the UFC will have to start respecting her. If Nunes gasses herself out, and Rousey can weather the storm, it will start looking better and better for the ex-champ. The longer this fight goes, the more likely Rousey is to win. Unfortunately for Rousey, it is not going to last all that long.

Amanda Nunes via TKO, 1st Round

 

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jayden Higgins

Impresses During Minicamp
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

on the Move to Memphis
Cole Anthony

Dealt to the Grizzlies
Seattle Seahawks

DeMarcus Lawrence Making an Impression With his New Team
Isaiah Simmons

Being Used Exclusively as a Linebacker
Tyler Mahle

Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Travis Etienne Jr.

the Jaguars Lead Back?
Luis Robert Jr.

Scratched with Thumb Soreness
Desmond Bane

Traded to Orlando
Byron Buxton

Scratched from Sunday's Lineup
Daniel Jones

the Favorite in Colts QB Competition?
Brendan Donovan

Returns to the Lineup
Steven Adams

Rockets Agree to Three-Year Contract Extension
Royce Lewis

Hits 10-Day Injured List
Ty Dillon

Is a Respectable Cap Flexiblity-Focused DFS Option For Mexico City
Corey Perry

Produces 10th Postseason Goal
Connor McDavid

Scores First Finals Goal
John Hunter Nemechek

Is John Hunter Nemechek Worth Rostering In Mexico City DFS Lineups?
Shohei Ohtani

Blasts Two Homers in Win
Sam Bennett

Nets Another Road Goal in Game 5 Win
Eetu Luostarinen

Earns Two Points Saturday
Michael King

Not Making Progress
Brad Marchand

Pots Two Goals in Game 5 Victory
Jackson Merrill

Removed Early on Saturday
Sergei Bobrovsky

Ties NHL Record with 10th Road Win
Ross Chastain

Trackhouse Racing's Mexico Focus Makes Ross Chastain a Leading Contender for the Win
Kyle Busch

One of Two Past Mexico City Winners in the Field
Ryan Preece

Earns Surprising Front-Row Start
Austin Cindric

Not as Strong of a Road Racer as People Think
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Stronger on Infield Road Courses Than Purpose-Built Ones
Joey Logano

Seemingly Alternating Between Good and Mediocre Races
Brad Keselowski

One of the Few Drivers with Mexico City Experience
Denny Hamlin

Ryan Truex Makes First Cup Series Start Since 2014
Erik Jones

Mexico City Will Likely be a Struggle for Erik Jones
Noah Gragson

Front Row Motorsports' Speed May Make Noah Gragson a Decent DFS Option
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Road Courses Are Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s Worst Track Type
Riley Herbst

Surprisingly Outqualifies 23XI Racing Teammates at Mexico City
Cody Ware

a Very Experienced Road Racer but Still a Long Shot
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite to Win in Mexico City
Christopher Bell

the Chalk DFS Play in Mexico City
Tyler Reddick

Has a Lot of Work To Do To Be Competitive in Mexico
AJ Allmendinger

Struggling to Find Speed in Mexico City
Chris Buescher

Says Car is "Bad Fast" Heading into Mexico City Race
Michael McDowell

Confident Heading into Viva Mexico 250
Giancarlo Stanton

Likely Returning Early Next Week
Spencer Strider

Registers 13 Strikeouts
Hunter Brown

s Records 12 Strikeouts
Emeka Egbuka

"the Talk" of Bucs Minicamp
Royce Lewis

to be Placed on Injured List
Byron Buxton

Exits Early on Saturday
Evander Kane

Drops to Fourth Line Saturday
Kasperi Kapanen

Won't Play on Saturday
Calvin Pickard

Starts Game 5 for Oilers
Jaxson Dart

Working as No. 2 QB During Offseason Workouts
Xavier Gipson

Roster Spot Could be in Jeopardy
Josh Reynolds

the Front-Runner for WR2 Duties
Garrett Wilson

Stock Up This Offseason
Breece Hall

Motivated Going into 2025 Season
Brandon Aiyuk

Making Good Progress From Knee Injury
Keon Coleman

Inconsistent at Minicamp
Mitchell Trubisky

Not a Lock for Backup Job
Dalton Kincaid

Adds Strength and Bulk
James Cook

a Full Participant in Mandatory Minicamp
Tyrese Haliburton

Struggles in Friday's Loss to OKC
Jacob Misiorowski

Expected to Make Next Start
Chet Holmgren

Dominates the Glass in Game 4
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Leads the Way in Game 4
Jalen Williams

Has a Quality Showing on Friday Night
Charlie Morton

Continues Good Work With 10 Strikeouts
James Wood

Homers, Drives in Four
Agustín Ramírez

Agustin Ramirez Homers Twice to Snap Skid
Isaac Paredes

Astros Hopeful Isaac Paredes Can Avoid the Injured List
Royce Lewis

Dealing With Hamstring Strain
Kodai Senga

Diagnosed With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain
Gleyber Torres

Goes Deep Twice on Friday
Anthony Richardson

Should be Fine for Training Camp
Russell Westbrook

to Decline Player Option
Kevin Durant

Trade Could Happen in the "Next Few Days"
Cam Akers

Joining Saints
Michael Mayer

to Get More Involved
Aaron Rodgers

DK Metcalf Building Chemistry with Aaron Rodgers
Colston Loveland

Likely to be Primary Tight End
Joaquin Buckley

Set For Main Event
Kamaru Usman

An Underdog At UFC Atlanta
Miranda Maverick

Set For Co-Main Event
Rose Namajunas

Looks To Bounce Back
Andre Petroski

Looks To Extend His Win Streak To Four
Edmen Shahbazyan

A Favorite At UFC Atlanta
Raoni Barcelos

Set To Take On Former Champion
Cody Garbrandt

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Mansur Abdul-Malik

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Cody Brundage

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Alonzo Menifield

Opens Up UFC Atlanta Main Card
Oumar Sy

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Connor Hellebuyck

Wins Vezina And Hart Trophies
Aleksander Barkov

Records Two Power-Play Assists Thursday
Sam Reinhart

Collects Three Points in Thursday's Loss
Matthew Tkachuk

Notches Three Points in Losing Effort
Calvin Pickard

Joins Exclusive List with Thursday's Win
Mattias Ekholm

Logs Two Assists in Comeback Victory
Leon Draisaitl

Delivers Victory in Overtime Thursday
Myles Turner

Playing Through Illness
Reed Sheppard

Will Play in the NBA Summer League
Kevin Durant

Deal Could Come Sooner Rather Than Later
Dorian Finney-Smith

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Anze Kopitar

Wins Third Lady Byng Trophy
Sergei Bobrovsky

Heading Out for Win No. 15
John Klingberg

Won't Play in Game 4 Against Panthers
Viktor Arvidsson

Sits Out Game 4 Against Panthers
Stuart Skinner

Remains in Oilers Crease Thursday
Jalen Williams

Leads Thunder in Scoring Wednesday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Settles for 24 Points in Game 3 Loss
Pascal Siakam

Does Everything for Pacers Wednesday Night
Tyrese Haliburton

Gets Close to Triple-Double in Game 3 Win
Bennedict Mathurin

Leads All Scorers with 27 Points Wednesday
Brandin Podziemski

Has Second Offseason Surgery
Jaylen Brown

Undergoes Successful Knee Procedure
Matt McCarty

Comes Off Season-Best Showing at RBC Canadian Open
Justin Thomas

Desperate to Continue Good 2025 Season
Jon Rahm

Seeks Revenge at U.S. Open
Tom Kim

Aiming for Improvement in U.S. Open
PGA

Sungjae Im Expects Solid Performance at Oakmont
Brian Harman

Aims to Rebound From the Memorial
Tony Finau

has Been Up and Down at U.S. Open
Patrick Cantlay

Hoping This is the Year at Oakmont
Akshay Bhatia

Improving in Time for U.S. Open
Xander Schauffele

Primed for Another Major Championship Run
Cameron Young

May Struggle at U.S. Open
Collin Morikawa

Eyeing Third Major Championship Title
Matt Fitzpatrick

Seeks to Avenge Oakmont Collapse
Jordan Spieth

Can Contend at Oakmont
Shane Lowry

a Strong Value Play at U.S. Open
Brooks Koepka

Seeks Another Major Win at Oakmont
Viktor Hovland

Still Can Improve at U.S. Open
Michael Kim

a Boom-or-Bust Value Play at U.S. Open
Russell Henley

Looking to Play the Weekend at Oakmont
Tyrrell Hatton

a Safe Option at U.S. Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Eyeing Third U.S. Open Title
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF