Last week’s UFC card turned out to be fantastic for fight fans. We even got to see two fights finish back to back with the coveted slam KO finish.

This week the UFC heads back to the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The card will be headlined by Song Yadong and Chris Gutierrez. This card only has 11 fights which is a shorter slate than most but it does have some interesting fights from a DFS perspective. So with that being said let’s take a look at a few fights that potentially standout for building FanDuel DFS lineups.

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

FIGHT #1 TO TARGET (-500 FDNGTD)

HYUNSUNG PARK ($22) vs. SHANNON ROSS ($8)

Hyun Sung Park is a heavy favorite in this matchup, thanks to his formidable grappling skills and a string of finishes against his opponents. His most recent fight demonstrated both his vulnerability in stand-up exchanges and his ability to recover and win via submission. Park's strategy will almost certainly revolve around bringing the fight to the ground, where he excels. Shannon Ross, on the other hand, has struggled in the UFC despite a strong wrestling background, particularly with his striking defense. His aggressive style, which frequently results in high-impact exchanges, has resulted in three straight losses by finish. Ross' strategy may be to rely on his striking, but his proclivity to absorb significant damage raises questions about his durability against a grappler like Park.

Tactically, Park will look to capitalize on his ground game by looking for takedowns and controlling and finishing the fight on the mat. To keep the fight going, Ross must use his wrestling defensively and try to exploit Park's lack of striking comfort. Ross's path to victory is dependent on his ability to outstrike Park while avoiding takedowns, which is a difficult prospect given his recent performances and Park's grappling expertise.

Park is the clear betting and DFS favorite, though his striking vulnerabilities and Ross's potential for high-volume striking introduce an element of risk. Ross, as a deep underdog, is a high-risk option in GPPs and his recent track record paired with Park's dominance on the ground suggest potentially avoiding Ross exposure in lineups.

FIGHT #2 TO TARGET (-400 FDNGTD)

ANTHONY SMITH ($11) vs. KHALIL ROUNTREE ($19)

Anthony Smith's decision to enter this fight on short notice appears to be motivated more by financial incentives than by a desire to climb the rankings. His toughness and experience are undeniable, but facing Khalil Rountree, who is on a roll, poses a difficult task. Smith's previous fight with Ryan Spann, in which he narrowly defeated him, demonstrated his endurance and technique. Rountree's aggressive demeanor, on the other hand, stands in stark contrast to Spann's cautious demeanor. With Rountree's relentless pressure and sharper execution expected, the odds favor him, especially given Smith's recent performances and career focus shifting towards analysis.

Smith is a seasoned striker with precise hands and effective kicks, as well as commendable jiu-jitsu skills. His career highlights include first-round submission victories over notable fighters such as Devin Clark, Alexander Gustafsson, and Ryan Spann. Smith's toughness is legendary; he famously fought despite losing teeth, demonstrating his extraordinary resilience. He appears to be past his prime at the moment, juggling his fighting career with analytical pursuits. His controversial rematch victory over Spann has called into question his current competitive edge. Stepping in on short notice against a strong competitor like Rountree complicates matters even more.

Rountree, an explosive Muay Thai striker, brings a lot of power and speed to the octagon. His knockout power is lethal, especially when he controls the tempo of the fight. While his offensive wrestling is limited, as evidenced by his lack of takedowns in 15 fights, his defense is above average. Rountree is on a four-fight winning streak, including a recent KO victory over former heavyweight Chris Daukaus. Smith's durability is an issue when compared to Rountree's striking power. While Smith has the grappling skills to potentially win a decision, the possibility of him taking too many powerful strikes casts doubt on his ability to last three rounds. In this matchup, Rountree's momentum and improving skill set make him the more appealing side in this fight.

FIGHT #3 TO TARGET (-230 FDNGTD)

STEVE GARCIA ($10) vs. MELQUIZAEL COSTA ($20)

Melquizael Costa comes into the octagon with a well-rounded skill set that includes both creative striking and solid grappling. His takedown approach, while occasionally forced, demonstrates his strength and perseverance, especially when pressing opponents against the cage. Costa's striking is not only powerful but also technically sophisticated, with complex combinations and even spinning attacks frequently used. His recent win over Austin Longo exemplified these qualities, as he skillfully lured Longo into traps before countering with precision. This combination of tactics and power makes him the favorite, but his opponent, Steve Garcia, is anything but simple.

Steve Garcia, known for his unrelenting aggression and powerful grappling abilities, presents a unique challenge. He demonstrates a well-rounded combat style by combining forward pressure with powerful strikes to set up his takedowns. Garcia's striking, which is notable for its power and speed, complements his eagerness to engage. This aggression, however, can sometimes put him in perilous situations. His toughness showed in his comeback victory over Shayilan Nuerdenkeke, as he recovered from an early setback to secure a finish. Garcia's fortitude and forward momentum make him a formidable opponent, especially when compared to Costa's counter-striking strategy.

This fight looks to be an exciting contest. Garcia's relentless pressure versus Costa's composed and technical fighting style sets up a tense clash. While Costa's all-around abilities give him the advantage, Garcia's tenacity and track record of come-from-behind victories add an element of surprise. Also, Garcia's strong takedown defense could negate Costa's wrestling attempts, adding another layer of intrigue. While Costa is the more polished fighter, Garcia's unyielding spirit and demonstrated knockout power make him a dangerous underdog. This matchup is a great DFS target with the possibility of a highlight finish.

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.