Get ready for an action-packed UFC Fight Night in Oklahoma City, a city that hasn't hosted a UFC event since 2017. This highly anticipated card is headlined by a main event featuring two former champions, Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman, who will undoubtedly deliver an exciting battle. The event kicks off at 5:00 p.m. ET with the Prelims and concludes with the Main Card at 8:00 p.m. ET, exclusively on Paramount+.
For those of you who love the thrill of fantasy MMA, this is your chance to shine. Set your DraftKings lineups and get ready for an intense battle. With a $300K Throwdown contest and $100K up for grabs for the first-place finisher, the stakes are high. Let's dive into some of the key fighters and their potential impact on your fantasy lineup.
Studs
Christian Leroy Duncan ($9,100)
In the co-main event, we have a fascinating matchup between two top-15 Middleweight contenders. No. 10 Jared Cannonier, an experienced veteran, takes on the rising star No. 12 Christian Leroy Duncan (CLD). Despite Cannonier's impressive record, his recent form has been questionable, with a 3-4 record in his last seven fights. On the other hand, CLD is on a roll, with four consecutive wins and a dominant performance against Roman Dolidze in his last outing.
What makes this fight particularly intriguing is the physical advantage CLD holds. He is taller and has a longer reach, which could be a significant factor in this contest. Additionally, CLD's striking statistics are impressive, with a higher accuracy and a better defense. I believe CLD has the potential to dominate Cannonier, who has shown signs of passivity in his recent fights. With CLD's recent fantasy point tallies, he could be a game-changer for your lineup.
Austin Bashi ($7,900)
Austin Bashi, a young and talented fighter, is looking to make a statement in the UFC. After a disappointing debut loss, he bounced back with a first-round submission victory. Bashi's record speaks for itself, with nine career finishes, and he has a well-rounded game, excelling both on his feet and on the ground.
His opponent, Delgado, is a formidable foe, but Bashi has proven that he can overcome physical disadvantages with his aggressive style. Despite Delgado's size advantage, Bashi's defensive prowess and takedown ability make him a formidable opponent. With his potential to finish fights, Bashi could be a valuable asset in your fantasy lineup, especially considering his age and untapped potential.
Value Play
Kamaru Usman ($7,200)
The former UFC Welterweight Champion, Kamaru Usman, is making a return to the Middleweight division. Known as the "Nigerian Nightmare," Usman is a seasoned veteran with gold on his mind. Despite a recent loss to Khamzat Chimaev, Usman put on a spectacular performance in his last fight, showcasing his skills and earning a unanimous decision victory.
Usman's move up in weight class is an intriguing strategy, and his matchup with Dricus Du Plessis is an exciting prospect. Both fighters have similar physical attributes, but Usman's experience and accuracy give him an edge. With his ability to land takedowns and his defensive prowess, Usman could be a fantasy point machine. Despite being the sixth-cheapest fighter on the card, Usman averages an impressive number of fantasy points, making him a valuable pick for your lineup.
As we gear up for this thrilling UFC Fight Night, remember to set your DraftKings lineups and stay tuned for more UFC content on DraftKings Network. The action-packed card promises to deliver, and with the right picks, you could be the one walking away with the top prize. Good luck, and may the best fighter win!
