Last week we got to see UFC 299 deliver as advertised with exciting action from start to finish in Miami. O’Malley put on a clinic to defend his belt in his rematch with Chito Vera. Dustin Poirier also showcased the levels present in the UFC by shutting down rising star Benoit Saint Denis.

This week the UFC is headed back to the Apex in Las Vegas. While this card is not nearly as star-studded as UFC 299 was, we still have fan favorite Tai Tuivasa making his return to face off in the main event against Marcin Tybura. Let’s take an early look at 3 fights that standout from a FanDuel DFS perspective.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to tweet @WeWantPicks on Twitter and we will get back to you ASAP.

FIGHT #1 TO TARGET (-650 FDNGTD)

TAI TUIVASA ($20) vs. MARCIN TYBURA ($18)

Tai Tuivasa's aggressive style and knockout power have positioned him as a high-risk, high-reward fighter in this main event, attracting a lot of attention from DFS players looking for an early finish. Tuivasa is known for his striking ability, and his strategy is based on overwhelming his opponents from the start, with the goal of winning quickly. However, his recent performances have revealed flaws, particularly in his chin and defensive ability against technical strikers. The dynamic of this fight suggests that if Tuivasa does not secure an early knockout, the momentum could shift dramatically, making the fight an important consideration for DFS lineups due to its volatility and potential for high points.

Marcin Tybura, on the other hand, has a different style that could cause problems for Tuivasa if the fight goes beyond the first few rounds. Tybura's wrestling prowess and superior cardio position him to seize control in the later stages, potentially through ground control and submission attempts. His experience and toughness make him a formidable opponent, especially if he can withstand Tuivasa's initial barrage. Tybura's strategy will most likely include closing the distance, using his grappling to counter Tuivasa's striking, and taking advantage of any opportunities for takedowns. This approach, combined with his ability to absorb punishment and rally, highlights Tybura's potential value in DFS, especially as an underdog pick.

The matchup promises to be exciting and unpredictable, providing strategic depth for DFS players. Tuivasa's quest for redemption and a return to his knockout ways against elite competition is a compelling story, but his recent vulnerability casts doubt on his ability to withstand a seasoned grappler like Tybura. Meanwhile, Tybura's comeback from a quick defeat demonstrates his durability and adaptability, which could swing the fight in his favor if he survives the initial onslaught. Because both fighters have demonstrated a proclivity to finish fights or be finished, incorporating them into DFS lineups at their current salaries could be a wise move, ensuring a stake in a bout with a high likelihood of not making the judges' decision.

FIGHT #2 TO TARGET (-400 FDNGTD)

OVINCE SAINT PREUX ($8) vs. KENNEDY NZECHUKWU ($23)

Kennedy Nzechukwu enters this fight as the clear favorite, a position supported by his impressive physical characteristics and a track record that speaks volumes about his resilience and power inside the octagon. Despite a recent loss to Dustin Jacoby, Nzechukwu's ability to stage dramatic comebacks, combined with an 80% takedown defense rate, positions him as a formidable opponent. His tendency to be gun-shy, a trait that frequently necessitates come-from-behind victories, may be viewed as a weakness, but it also highlights his ability to unleash devastating power when he engages. Against an opponent like Ovince Saint Preux, whose recent performances indicate a decline, Nzechukwu's youth and hunger could be decisive.

Ovince Saint Preux, aged 40, appears to be at a crossroads in his career. Despite having a commendable skill set that includes striking prowess and a knack for securing takedowns, Saint Preux's recent performances have left fans and analysts frustrated by his reluctance to engage and a noticeable decline in his ability to absorb punishment. Coming off a quick knockout loss to Philipe Lins, Saint Preux's tendency to let fights slip through his fingers by failing to capitalize on his abilities appears to put him at a significant disadvantage against the younger, more aggressive Nzechukwu. The disparity in their recent performances, particularly Saint Preux's inability to withstand heavy hits, creates a difficult environment for him in this matchup.

This fight features an intriguing dynamic, with Nzechukwu's power and aggression pitted against Saint Preux's experience and technical striking. While Nzechukwu's reluctance to throw punches may level the playing field, the overall narrative suggests that Saint Preux's best days are behind him, making Nzechukwu the safer bet, especially in GPPs where his likelihood of securing a quick knockout aligns with the desire for rostering high-scoring fighters. Despite the cost of including him in lineups, Nzechukwu's matchup advantage and Saint Preux's recent vulnerability to knockouts suggest a compelling case for favoring the younger fighter, making him a must-have for DFS players looking to capitalize on the bout's dynamics.

FIGHT #3 TO TARGET (-220 FDNGTD)

JAFEL FILHO ($17) vs. ODE OSBOURNE ($13)

Jafel Filho is the favorite in this bout, owing primarily to his superior grappling abilities, which became apparent following Ode Osbourne's recent vulnerability to takedown attempts. Despite this advantage, dismissing Osbourne's abilities completely would be a mistake. Osbourne, known for his strong striking and scrambling skills, promises to make Filho earn every advantage. The dynamic of this fight suggests a nuanced contest in which Filho's ground game could dictate the pace, but Osbourne's resilience and striking power cannot be overlooked, resulting in a matchup that is difficult to predict but leans towards Filho winning.

Osbourne, a skilled southpaw striker, excels at maintaining distance and utilizing his power, especially in the flyweight division. With a UFC record that includes significant victories, Osbourne has demonstrated his ability to combine takedowns and striking, but his recent submission loss highlights potential weaknesses in his ground game. This fight gives him the opportunity to rebound and demonstrate his comprehensive skill set against a formidable opponent like Filho, who brings a relentless pace and a striking-grappling combination that has overwhelmed previous opponents.

Filho's aggressive style, which is defined by his quick pace and willingness to engage in both stand-up and ground exchanges, makes this fight interesting. Despite his preference for striking, Filho's adaptability allows him to switch to grappling under pressure, a strategy that has resulted in notable victories, including a memorable submission win over Daniel Barez. With both fighters capable of ending the fight abruptly, either by knockout or submission, this matchup stands out in fantasy lineups. Filho's versatility and finishing ability, as evidenced by his striking and groundwork, position him as a potential key performer, making this fight an appealing option for fantasy players seeking a high-stakes, high-reward type of outcome.

GOOD LUCK THIS WEEKEND

Good look to all heading into this event. If you are watching it at home, follow along with @WeWantPicks on YouTube for live bets on the fight companion. Also, tweet your winning lineups at us and we will do our best to recognize your greatness. 

Enjoy the event, and make sure to keep it locked on We Want Picks for tons of great MMA content.