This week the UFC is back at the APEX for UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Curtis 2. The main event between Brendan Allen and Chris Curtis is a rematch from their 2021 bout in which Chris Curtis saw his hand raised in the second round. There are a good chunk of fights that are expected to end ITD on this card, so let’s take a look at 3 in particular that stand out from a FanDuel DFS perspective.

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FIGHT #1 TO TARGET (-400 FDNGTD)

TREVOR PEEK ($11) vs. CHARLIE CAMPBELL ($18)

Trevor Peek and Charlie Campbell are primed to present an explosive fight that is sure to entertain spectators with its highly unpredictable nature. Campbell, the technically superior fighter, enters the fight with a significant advantage in striking prowess and a mindset focused on winning. His technical abilities contrast dramatically with Peek's, whose earlier performance exposed defensive flaws and a lack of strategic depth. Despite this, Peek's unpredictable nature and tendency to thrive in chaos make him a wildcard, offering an extra dimension of intrigue for fantasy players.

Campbell's sophisticated technique and strategic fighting style should offer him an advantage, particularly in stand-up fights where his accuracy and tactical approach are most effective. On the other hand, Peek symbolizes the typical brawler, relying on unwavering aggression and almost supernatural fortitude. While unconventional, this strategy levels the playing field against a more skilled opponent by eliminating the concept of space and technical fighting, transforming the contest into a test of sheer willpower and endurance.

This bout is more than just a showdown of talent versus force. It exemplifies the unpredictability of combat sports. Peek's exuberant, forward-charging manner stands in stark contrast to Campbell's meticulous, deliberate approach. As a bout that promises to defy expectations, it emphasizes the significance of flexibility and perseverance, making it an appealing option for fantasy lineups.

FIGHT #2 TO TARGET (-210 FDNGTD)

BRENDAN ALLEN ($22) vs. CHRIS CURTIS ($17)

In the buildup to their rematch, Chris Curtis takes the octagon against Brendan Allen, highlighting a major story of resilience and technical prowess. Curtis, recognized for his superb takedown defense at 92%, poses a unique challenge for Allen, especially given their history, since Curtis won by knockout in their first meeting. Despite failures against notable fighters such as Hermansson and Gastelum, Curtis has performed admirably against opponents such as Joaquin Buckley and Brendan Allen himself in the past, demonstrating his versatility and striking abilities. This encounter is noteworthy not only for Curtis's chance to replicate his performance in their last outing, but also for his capacity to end Allen's amazing victory run.

Brendan Allen enters this rematch on a five-fight winning streak, demonstrating significant evolution in his fighting technique. Allen's progression from a grappling-centric method to a more integrated technique that incorporates both striking and grappling is obvious. His latest victory over Paul Craig, which demonstrated his dominance in both striking and grappling and resulted in a submission win, establishes him as a serious contender just one step away from a shot at the belt. However, Allen's progress and present momentum are set against the backdrop of his previous defeat to Curtis, creating concerns about how the dynamics of this fight may evolve, particularly with Allen's grappling prowess being nullified by Curtis' defense.

The rematch between Chris Curtis and Brendan Allen is molded by a number of strategic and psychological elements, with Curtis' demonstrated knockout power and takedown resistance pitted against Allen's improved mixed martial arts arsenal and increased confidence. Despite the historical conclusion and Curtis' shown ability in the past, this match has a sense of unpredictability, given both fighters' progress since their last meeting. Allen's advantage in the betting odds appears to be based on recent performances and perceived improvements, but Curtis' resilience and tactical acumen, particularly in neutralizing Allen's grappling threats, make him an appealing choice. This matchup promises to be not only a tactical battle, but also a test of flexibility and mental fortitude, making it a fight warranting consideration for DFS lineups.

FIGHT #3 TO TARGET (-210 FDNGTD)

IGNACIO BAHAMONDES ($23) vs. CHRISTOS GIAGOS ($8)

This fight is a tale of opposing approaches and potential redemption for Ignacio Bahamondes, who comes into the cage with a reputation for powerful striking and a reach advantage that has tormented many in his category. However, his most recent performance sparked concerns about his takedown defense, which failed and resulted in a loss. The story surrounding Bahamondes implies that even if his performance against Ludovit Klein was an outlier rather than a trend, he remains a tough opponent. His height, striking volume, and previously noted takedown defense make him a top contender versus Christos Giagos. However, there is some concern about his ability to resist the wrestling strain.

Despite his lack of technical finesse, Christos Giagos poses an intriguing challenge due to his grappling prowess and surprising power on the feet. Giagos' unconventional style and ability to remain dangerous in scrambles make him a wild card. His recent submission defeat does little to reduce his threat level, especially if he chooses to exploit the wrestling flaws highlighted in Bahamondes' previous bout. The key for Giagos is closing the distance against a taller opponent, a challenge that, if done correctly, might shift the tide in his favor. Despite this, Bahamondes' stronger striking and movement are expected to be major considerations if the fight goes the distance, putting Giagos in jeopardy if he does not apply his grappling game.

The matchup between Bahamondes and Giagos has the potential to be a highlight, owing to their stylistic differences and the possibility of a dramatic conclusion. Bahamondes' striking and Giagos' grappling provide a classic striker vs. grappler matchup, with both fighters capable of ending the fight quickly. While Giagos' resilience and aggressive grappling may provide challenges, Bahamondes' striking, height, and reach are regarded as major advantages. The bout is not only a test of Bahamondes' takedown defense, but also a demonstration of Giagos' ability to contend with taller attackers. In an unsettled match, Bahamondes is the favorite, but the shadow of his previous performance, along with Giagos' grappling threat, make this an intriguing contest.

GOOD LUCK THIS WEEKEND

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