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UFC of Fox 25: MMA Main Card Predictions and DFS Picks

Justin Bales gives his DraftKings MMA DFS lineup picks for the UFC on Fox 25 Main Card. Get a head start on your UFC DFS lineups for DraftKings.

What's up RotoBallers. In this column, I will be taking a look at the main card for UFC on Fox 25. Our analysis will help you with your DraftKings MMA lineups. 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: 137-65).

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 on Fox 25.

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.

 

Jimmie Rivera vs Thomas Almeida

This is one of my favorite fights on the entire card. Two rising stars in the bantamweight division will collide in what should be a fast paced striking match. Almeida was a hyped prospect before his career was derailed by Cody Garbrandt, but that Garbrandt has now proven to be an elite fighter in the UFC. Rivera has taken on everyone and anyone, and he has found ways to win each fight. Both fighters possess elite striking defense. Almeida is the slightly more accurate striker, though, and he does come with some power. I expect that to be the difference here, and Almeida will once again begin his journey for a rematch with Garbrandt.

Thomas Almeida, TKO, 2nd Round

 

Patrick Cummins vs Gian Villante

This is a great matchup between two top-15 fighters in the light heavyweight division. Cummins is a wrestling, who has shown an ability to strike on the feet when his wrestling fails. Villante has flashed great takedown defense throughout his career, and he has the kind of power to end the fight with one punch. Both fighters have been susceptible to knockouts, as they have combined to be knocked out in three of their last 10 fights. I see Villante has the more powerful striker, and he is more likely to land the knockout shot this weekend.

Gian Villante, TKO, 2nd Round

 

Dennis Bermudez vs Darren Elkins

This fight seems favors Bermudez on paper, but it’s difficult to count Elkins out of any fight. He was nearly finished multiple times in his last fight against Mirsad Bektic before somehow winning by knockout in the third round. Bermudez is the better striker and better grappler, though. He should mix in smooth striking with takedowns to control the pace of this fight. Elkins, on the other hand, will be looking to grind out a victory. If he begins to find trouble, he has the power to knockout Bermudez, who has been finished in each of his six losses. As long as Bermudez can avoid that, this is his fight to lose.

Dennis Bermudez via Unanimous Decision

 

Chris Weidman vs Kelvin Gastelum

Weidman has been on a skid recently, losing each of his last three fights by knockout. He has only lost to elite competition, but unfortunately for him, he will be fighting another elite competitor this weekend. Gastelum has only lost two fights in his career, both of which came by split decision, and one was against the current welterweight champion, Tyron Woodley. Gastelum is a quick fighter on his feet, and he tends to outpace his opponents. He also has the wrestling to keep this fight standing, which will give him the advantage over Weidman. Gastelum has the ability to mix in grappling with striking, wearing out his opponents as the rounds go on. He also has the power to end this fight before the final round.

Kelvin Gastelum, TKO, 3rd Round




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