After a rare week off, the UFC is back this weekend with UFC Fight Night: Vettori vs Holland (we’ll call it UFC Vegas 23 for short). Take note that is a Saturday afternoon fight card on ABC TV, so don’t sleep in and missing cashing this UFC Vegas 23 DraftKings winning lineup.
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UFC Vegas 23 DraftKings Roster
Daniel Rodriguez – $8,800
My biggest purchase this weekend will be ‘D-Rod’ Daniel Rodriguez, going up against the erratic Mike Perry in a welterweight tilt. Rodriguez lost for the first time in a UFC cage last time out but still managed to post a respectable (for a losing effort) 39 fantasy points. Before that we won his first three UFC fights, scoring over 100 points in all three outings. I’m counting on a return to form this weekend.
Jack Shore – $8,700
Jack Shore is one of the top bantamweight prospects in the UFC, posting a perfect 13-0 record as a pro, including winning both of his UFC fights via submission. Both of these wins earned his fantasy owners triple-digit returns – 102 and 109 points. The 26-year-old ‘Tank’ is facing another top prospect in Hunter Azure on Saturday, but I think he’s got the goods to get the W and earn us some nice fantasy points.
Luis Saldana – $8,600
Luis Saldana will be making his octagon debut on this card, facing veteran Jordan Griffin. However, Saldana comes very highly regarded, impressing on Dana White’s Contender Series to earn his shot at the big time. Meanwhile, Griffin has certainly not impressed in his four-fight UFC run, only winning once. I expect Saldana to make a successful UFC debut and be worth his DK price tag.
Sodiq Yusuff – $8,500
‘Super’ Sodiq Yusuff has a tough prospect battle on Saturday against Arnold Allen, with both men only losing once in their pro MMA careers and both going undefeated in the UFC thus far. I’m given the pride of Lagos, Nigeria the nod in this matchup, and expect him to put up good fantasy numbers due to his striking edge. Yusuff is averaging a robust 93.3 FPPF and has topped the 100-point mark in two of his four Octagon appearances.
Mackenzie Dern – $7,900
Full disclosure – I picked Mackenzie Dern’s opponent, Nina Ansaroff (or Nina Nunes), to win their women’s strawweight fight on Saturday. However, it’s a toss-up to me, mostly since this will be Ansaroff’s first fight since becoming a mommy. Plus, I see a clear path to victory for jiu-jitsu wizard Dern – to get Ansaroff to the ground and tap her out. I like her for only $7,900.
John Makdessi – $7,300
Another underdog I’m adding to this lineup is my fellow Canadian John Makdessi. The 17-fight UFC veteran will be facing a newcomer come Saturday, Ignacio Bahamondes. I think Makdessi gets the win here, as Bahamondes has never fought anyone at his level of experience or skill. While ‘The Bull’ isn’t a huge fantasy point earner, he’s a decent producer and we’re getting him on the cheap here.
Listen to this:
UFC Vegas 23 Preview & Picks | MMA Gambling Podcast (Ep. 27)
