UFC 298 is finally upon us. This is the first of 3 consecutive loaded PPV cards. For the main event, featherweight contender Ilia Topuria looks to usurp the145 throne of Alexander Volkanovski. The co-main event will see fan favorite Robert Whittaker take on Paulo Costa (who is making his return to the octagon after over a year away). Several other big names are featured on this card, so with that said let’s take a little bit deeper of a look into 3 fights that stand out from a FanDuel DFS perspective.
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FIGHT #1 TO TARGET (-700 FDNGTD)
ZHANG MINGYANG ($15) vs. BRENDSON RIBEIRO ($15)
Mingyang Zhang and Brendson Ribeiro's UFC debut looks to be an exciting fight, with both fighters known for their finishing prowess, making this a fight that must be considered for DFS tournaments. Zhang enters slightly favored, having demonstrated a balance of striking power and grappling skill in the Dana White Contender Series. Ribeiro, on the other hand, brings an aggressive striking style to the octagon, having earned his UFC spot through a knockout win in the DWCS, demonstrating his ability to end fights decisively.
Despite Zhang's preferred status, Ribeiro's dangerous offense poses a significant threat, particularly given Zhang's vulnerabilities and Ribeiro's proclivity for finishes. This matchup appears to be a banger, with Zhang's ground-and-pound strategy opposing Ribeiro's preference for keeping the fight a striking affair. The fight's outcome may depend on who can better execute their game plan, making it an unpredictable bout.
The matchup between Zhang and Ribeiro is expected to be aggressive and fast-paced. Zhang's ground dominance approach will be put to the test against Ribeiro's forward-pressing attack and versatility. As they make their UFC debuts, both fighters hope to leave an impression, resulting in a fight full of tactical exchanges and the possibility of a spectacular finish. This fight offers not only entertainment but also the emergence of new fighters in the UFC's competitive arena.
FIGHT #2 TO TARGET (-325 FDNGTD)
RINYA NAKAMURA ($23) vs. CARLOS VERA ($8)
Rinya Nakamura enters the octagon this weekend not only as a favorite, but also as a phenom whose combination of elite wrestling and powerful striking has wowed UFC fans. Nakamura's aggressive style is a spectacle in and of itself, given his background in high-level wrestling and ability to finish fights. His willingness to let go of his hands, confident in his ability to avoid being taken down, distinguishes him as a unique threat. This multifaceted approach has propelled him to an impressive record, highlighted by a dominant victory over Fernie Garcia, indicating his readiness to move up the UFC rankings.
Carlos Vera, on the other hand, brings a unique set of abilities to the fight. His athleticism and fluid striking, which includes constant movement and a diverse kicking game, have served him well in previous matches. Despite being well-rounded enough to compete on the ground, Vera's takedown defense and control are areas for concern, particularly against a grappler of Nakamura's caliber. His jiu-jitsu, which he learned from Ryan Hall, is aggressive and inventive, but it's unclear whether it will be enough to overcome Nakamura's pressure. Following a setback in the Ultimate Fighter house, Vera is undoubtedly eager to demonstrate his tenacity and technical ability.
As the fight approaches, Nakamura's overwhelming favoritism, as reflected in his -1400 odds, emphasizes the expected gap between the two fighters. This matchup is not only a test for Vera, who is filling in on short notice, but also a showcase for Nakamura, whose rise in MMA has been both rapid and impressive. Vera, despite facing an uphill battle, is not to be completely counted out, but the consensus points to Nakamura's continued rise, making him an essential consideration for any lineup construction.
FIGHT #3 TO TARGET (-325 FDNGTD)
ANTHONY HERNANDEZ ($20) vs. ROMAN KOPYLOV ($11)
Anthony Hernandez enters this fight with grappling skills that have the potential to unravel Roman Kopylov's striking finesse. With a track record of nearly seven takedowns per fight and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Hernandez's strategy appears simple: get the fight to the ground and dominate. However, the intrigue in this matchup stems from the possibility of Hernandez being lured into a stand-up battle, where Kopylov's power and precision could dramatically shift the odds, creating an electrifying scenario for DFS enthusiasts looking to identify overlooked gems.
Roman Kopylov, who recovered from early UFC setbacks, has meticulously honed his craft to emerge as a formidable striker, amassing a string of knockout victories that have emphatically established his presence in the middleweight division. His evolution is characterized by a significant improvement in takedown defense, which is a valuable asset against a ground specialist like Hernandez. Kopylov's strategy is expected to revolve around deterring takedown attempts with his sharp, counter-striking ability, with the goal of keeping the fight in his striking range, where he can dictate the tempo and potentially secure a decisive victory.
This fight stands to be a fun clash of styles, with each fighter armed with a unique path to victory, bolstered by recent streaks of opponent finishes. Hernandez will undoubtedly try to smother Kopylov's striking threat with his superior wrestling and ground control, while Kopylov will try to maintain distance and unleash his striking arsenal to keep Hernandez at bay. This matchup is a goldmine for DFS players, as it allows them to back a potentially undervalued fighter in a contest that promises both action and significant fantasy points, making it a key fight for tournaments.
GOOD LUCK THIS WEEKEND
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