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UFC 219: MMA Main Card Predictions and DFS Picks

What's up RotoBallers. In this column, I will be taking a look at the main card for UFC 219. Our analysis will help you with your DraftKings MMA lineups. I will be keeping track based on picking winners and losers. I will also predict how the fight will be finished, but that will not reflect in the records (Justin's Record: 178-91).

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. Without anymore waiting, here are our DFS lineup picks and DraftKings analysis for the main card at UFC 219.

Editor's Note: Interested in RotoBaller's MMA DFS Cheat Sheet with advanced fighter statistics, deep analysis and detailed insights from MMA DFS Expert Justin Bales? Let us know here.

 

Carlos Condit vs Neil Magny

Condit is returning from more than a year off since his last fight. He “retired” after a tough skid, losing five of his last seven fights. He has only fought elite competition, though, and he will somewhat see a step down in competition this weekend. He fight Neil Magny, who has only fought one truly elite fighter in his last four fights, losing in the first round to Rafael dos Anjos. Both fighters are active strikers, although I tend to side with Condit in this matchup if it stays on the feet. Magny will likely took to get this fight to the ground, though, and Condit has shown terrible takedown defense throughout his UFC career. Condit should be able to work his way back to his feet, though, and the majority of this fight should play out as a striking match. If that is the case, Condit has the advantage in volume and power.

Carlos Condit, TKO, 3rd Round

 

Cynthia Calvillo vs Carla Esparza

This is seemingly a mismatch in all facets of this fight. Calvillo is going to want to get this fight to the ground, but Esparza has defended takedowns well throughout her career. I do expect Calvillo to be able to get this fight to the ground, as she has some of the best wrestling in this division. If Esparza is able to keep this fight standing, I also feel Calvillo will be able to win the fight. She has displayed improving striking, focusing heavily on defense in the UFC. Calvillo also has more finishing potential than Esparza. Calvillo is quickly becoming one of the best in the division, and that will be on display once again this weekend.

Cynthia Calvillo via Unanimous Decision

 

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Edson Barboza

Barboza is a flashy fighter that has some of the best kicks in the UFC. He is also one of the smartest fighters in the octagon. He has good striking and takedown defense, and he is coming in with confidence after winning three consecutive fights. Nurmagomedov has never lost a fight, though, and for good reason. He would likely be labeled the best in the world already if it wasn’t for injuries and missed weight cuts. He comes with decent stand up, but his grappling is how he wins fights. He comes with elite takedowns and even someone like Barboza is going to struggle to stay off of his back. Once Nurmagomedov gets his fights to the ground, he is relentless with strikes and occasional submissions. It will be interesting to see if Barboza can keep this fight standing, but that is not the most likely scenario.

Khabib Nurmagomedov, TKO, 2nd Round

 

Cris Cyborg vs Holly Holm

Here we go. I have heard since this fight has been announced that Holm is the exact type of fighter that is going to give Cyborg problems because of her counterstriking. I find that hard to believe, though, with Holm only winning one fight since 2015, which was against Bethe Correia. Cyborg is a physically imposing fighter, who has more tools than she has displayed in the UFC. If she feels she is in trouble in terms of striking, he will likely take this fight to the ground. Outside of some type of head kick knockout, I don’t see Holm having a real chance to win this fight. Cyborg is too fast, strong, and dominant for Holm. This will be another great showing for the Brazilian.

Cris Cyborg, TKO, 2nd Round




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