Let’s talk about fights! More importantly, let’s talk about specific fights at UFC Orlando. This slate is absolutely stacked. In fact it very likely could be the most entertaining lineup of fights we have for the remainder of the year now that the main event has changed for the upcoming pay per view.
In this article we are going to look at three of the fights at UFC Orlando that are the most likely to finish and will probably do so in a way that will give us a big time FanDuel fantasy score. Targeting these fights in your lineup can help push your tournament lineups to the top. You will need to pick a side for single entry contests, but you will likely want exposure to all of the fighters for your multiple entries. The only decision for multiple entry will be if you want to be over or under the field in terms of ownership.
Below you will see my recommended fights to target on the FanDuel slate for UFC Orlando. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to tweet @WeWantPicks on Twitter and they will definitely get back to you ASAP.
FIGHT #1 TO TARGET (-750 FDGTD)
SERGEI PAVLOVICH ($19) vs. TAI TUIVASA ($11)
Once again we have a heavyweight banger in the top spot. Last week this fight was canceled at the last minute so both sides ended up being terrible plays by random chance. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for this one, because not only can it potentially affect our fantasy contests, but it is also likely one of the most anticipated fights on the slate.
As always with two heavy handed heavyweights, you really can’t predict what will happen. No matter how many analysts tell you then can, it just isn’t a thing. You can certainly make an educated guess, but that is about where research stops in a fight like this. Of course those that end up being wrong will acknowledge that after the fact, while those that were right will profess their genius to the fantasy/betting community as if they, and they alone, have the ability to see how the fight is going to go.
Both of these men are dangerous, and both can end a fight very quickly. Get yourself exposed to both of them heavily in your multiple entry contests, and my recommendation would be to build one lineup with each of them in it for your single entries and then use the lineup that looks better outside of that fight. There is a solid chance that it is the lineup with Tuivasa in it, but it is worth looking at a lineup with Pavlovich in it as well.
Good luck with this one, it should be a highly entertaining fight between these twos.
FIGHT #2 TO TARGET (-285 FDGTD)
NATAN LEVY ($19) vs. GENARO VALDEZ ($12)
The name in this fight is Natan Levy and he is getting most of the hype. Levy has proven to be an amazing offensive grappler and employs a very heavy takedown based game plan. His opponent, while he doesn’t come with the same level of hype, has advantages in this fight that he could use in his favor.
Natan Levy is averaging over five takedowns per fight. Most of these seem to be trip style takedowns from the clinch or a scramble as opposed to true wrestling style takedowns, but the ground is ultimately where the fight ends up regardless. From a pure striking perspective Levy seems adequate but low volume and not overly technically impressive. The larger question mark with Levy for me would be his takedown defense. He was taken down three times in his last fight against Mike Breeden and seven times in his loss against Rafa Garcia.
The reason that I believe Levy’s takedown defense is a potential issue in this matchup is because while Genaro Valdez is getting tons of recognition for being heavy handed and willing to brawl, he is also a pretty effective wrestler himself who is more than capable of getting this fight to the ground like he did in his Contender Series fight. Valdez’s loss to Frevola came largely because he was overwhelmed with striking, and I just don’t think that Levy is capable of that kind of volume.
Both sides of this fight have merit in my opinion, and even with the question marks I think I am leaning Levy, but if I only have a little bit of salary left Valdez would definitely not be a waste in my lineup.
FIGHT #3 TO TARGET (-250 FDGTD)
NICO PRICE ($16) vs. PHIL ROWE ($14)
This is one of the more interesting fights on the slate. The betting line and salaries here are completely backwards in my opinion. I believe that Rowe should be the slight favorite and Price be the live dog. That is not what we ended up with however and for that reason I believe Rowe is going to get heavy ownership and most likely I will be eating that chalk with a smile. For those that need to get different however Price could be a way to do that as I doubt he draws the same level of ownership as Rowe.
Rowe is the bigger and probably more skilled fighter in every aspect, with the exception that he is a self described slow starter and can struggle to keep the fight on the feet. To make that even a bit more concerning, Nico Price is the opposite of a slow starter, and will push the pace heavily in a kill or be killed fashion to start the fight.
Again, I will be on the Rowe side here because I play small field single entry and playing the more popular side of fights is actually a bit safer for me, but there could be a massive leverage spot for those in large contests on the Nico Price side. Either way, a great fight to target.
GOOD LUCK THIS WEEKEND
Good look to all heading into this event. If you are watching it at home make sure to follow along with @WeWantPicks on Twitter for live bets. Also make sure to 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.
