UFC Fight Night: Ribas vs. Namajunas brings us back to the UFC Apex for the return of fan favorite fighter, Rose “Thug” Namajunas, taking on one of the rising stars in women’s MMA in Amanda Ribas. The co-main will see Karl Williams fighting Justin Tafa. The Tafa brothers essentially just swapped opponents due to the freak injury that occurred just before Justin’s previously scheduled bout with Marcos Rogerio de Lima.

While this card on paper may appear a touch underwhelming compared to some of the cards we have seen recently, there are still some opportunities for fantasy players to make some money. Let’s take a look at 3 fights that stand out from a FanDuel DFS perspective this week.

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 (-215 FDNGTD)

RICARDO RAMOS ($17) vs. JULIAN EROSA ($12)

Julian Erosa's ability to pull off unexpected victories makes this matchup with Ricardo Ramos intriguing, especially given Erosa's high-pressure fighting style and activity level. The key question is whether Erosa can avoid Ramos' power and avoid being knocked out. Despite his vulnerability, Erosa's ability to control rounds through relentless pressure makes him an appealing choice. Nonetheless, the unpredictable nature of this fight suggests a strategic diversification in DFS portfolios, with Ramos' potential for a knockout making him a risky but potentially rewarding choice.

Ramos, on the other hand, presents a unique challenge due to his less dominant striking ability, but his record demonstrates a talent for dramatic finishes, including two UFC knockouts via spinning back elbows. The fight dynamics indicate a clash between Ramos' fighting IQ and Erosa's vulnerability to heavy blows. While Erosa appears to be poised to outmaneuver Ramos in a 15 minute fight, his infamous glass chin raises concerns about his ability to withstand Ramos' strikes, particularly without resorting to his usual takedown strategies. This matchup is shaping up to be a pivotal GPP fight, filled with volatility and strategic depth.

The narrative surrounding this fight alternates between Ramos' finishing ability, particularly in the first round, and Erosa's tenacity and experience. Ramos is considered the favorite, but Erosa's veteran experience and durability as an underdog should not be overlooked. The betting odds hint at Ramos' finishing power while emphasizing the fight's inherent unpredictability. As the fight approaches, the balance of power and strategy between a potentially rebounding Ramos and a tenacious Erosa emphasizes the matchup's complexity and excitement, making it a compelling spectacle for both fans and fantasy players alike.

FIGHT #2 TO TARGET (-190 FDNGTD)

FERNANDO PADILLA ($19) vs. LUIS PAJUELO ($12)

Luis Pajuelo, who enters the octagon with a reputation for relentless pressure, is an interesting choice on a card where he is a notable underdog. His fighting style, which consists of non stop forward movement and a barrage of strikes, has set him apart, especially given Fernando Padilla's previous struggles against aggressive strikers. Pajuelo's UFC debut adds an element of unpredictability, given the league's history of newcomers struggling to adjust to its caliber. However, his approach may be the right formula to unsettle Padilla, who lacks the wrestling foundation to shift the fight to his preferred ground game, indicating that Pajuelo has a chance to win this bout.

Fernando Padilla, on the other hand, brings a different approach to the fight. Padilla's strategy revolves around using his length and aggressive striking to control the pace, as he prefers close-range combat and excels at working the clinch. Despite his aggressive style and ability to engage effectively on the ground through submissions, his recent performance against Kyle Nelson exposed flaws in his game, particularly his striking defense and inability to dominate stand-up exchanges. This raises concerns about his ability to withstand Pajuelo's pressure and maintain control if he is unable to bring the fight to the mat, where he appears to have an advantage.

This fight should be an intense and urgent showing from both fighters, with the odds indicating a finish before reaching the judges. Pajuelo's debut and aggressive style, combined with Padilla's eagerness to rebound from a recent setback, creates a compelling story. Both fighters have strengths and weaknesses, making this a closely contested fight with potential for surprises. While Pajuelo's unproven UFC record adds to the risk, his forward-pressure fighting style presents a difficult dynamic for Padilla, who must find a way to counter effectively to avoid succumbing to the debutant's speed. As a result, this fight stands out as a crucial test for both, providing opportunity for those looking to profit from the uncertainties inherent in such a volatile matchup.

FIGHT #3 TO TARGET (-180 FDNGTD)

KARL WILLIAMS ($21) vs. JUSTIN TAFA ($14)

Justin Tafa enters this heavyweight bout as the underdog, but his characteristics may just tip the scales in his favor, especially when analyzing his fight game against Karl Williams. Tafa, known for his devastating leg kicks and impeccable takedown defense, poses a significant challenge to Williams. Williams' vulnerability in previous bouts has been noted by both critics and fans, particularly against fighters who can resist takedowns and use effective leg kicks. Tafa's strengths directly counter Williams' weaknesses, making this matchup ripe for an upset. However, concerns remain about Williams' speed advantage and ability to outmaneuver Tafa with precise striking, which cannot be ignored despite Williams' poor performance against Chase Sherman.

Karl Williams, despite the criticism, should not be underestimated. His striking power, combined with a strong wrestling background, make him a formidable opponent. Williams has demonstrated his ability to land powerful, clean strikes and to use his wrestling skills effectively, with 12 takedowns in the UFC. However, his recent victory over Sherman revealed significant flaws in his game, most notably his vulnerability to leg kicks and ineffective takedown attempts. This creates an intriguing dynamic against Tafa, who may exploit these weaknesses. Williams' strategy may include using his speed and striking precision to maintain distance and avoid Tafa's powerful kicks, with the goal of eventually taking the fight to the ground, where he believes he can dominate.

The clash between Tafa and Williams looks to be a potentially explosive encounter. Tafa's knockout power makes him a dangerous opponent, especially if he can prevent Williams from executing takedowns while keeping the fight standing. On the other hand, Williams' ability to adapt and potentially overcome Tafa's defenses could allow him to control the fight on the ground, utilizing his wrestling and ground-and-pound to secure a victory. This fight almost boils down to a classic striker versus wrestler matchup on paper, with both fighters possessing the necessary tools to win. Given the uncertainties and the possibility of an upset, this fight could be a major swing moment for DFS players.

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.