DraftKings Network - Everything you need to know for Makwan Amirkhani vs. Danny Henry at UFC 251Another great SB Nation bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52893/DKN_Favicon_32x32..png2020-07-11T14:05:12-07:00http://dknetwork.draftkings.com/rss/stream/210805222020-07-11T14:05:12-07:002020-07-11T14:05:12-07:00UFC 251 Predictions: Alexander Volkanovski, Petr Yan Highlight DraftKings MMA DFS Fighter Picks
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<img alt="UFC 245: Holloway v Volkanovski" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YIXqg7LB_Gpibl28Fyza5SCkUwA=/0x0:3540x2360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67043781/1194022553.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC</figcaption>
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<p>Mookie Alexander lists the fighters he thinks could produce high scores for your UFC 251 DraftKings millionaire lineups. The contest takes place at 6:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 11.</p> <p id="dZ9ELe">Forget fight week, it’s fight month on Fight Island! At 6:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 11, UFC 251 takes place on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and it is an absolutely outstanding card featuring three title fights. The main event was supposed to be Kamaru Usman defending his welterweight title against Gilbert Burns, but with Burns testing positive for COVID-19, none other than Jorge Masvidal is taking his place on late notice. In the co-main event, Alex Volkanovski makes his first featherweight title defense against Max Holloway, whom Volkanovski dethroned just seven months ago. Kicking off the championship tripleheader is MMA legend Jose Aldo challenging for the vacant bantamweight belt against Russia’s Petr Yan.</p>
<p id="D8sxGw">You couldn’t ask for a much better card than this. The new main event is even more anticipated than the original, and there are so many great matchups from top to bottom that are worth your time. Before fight night begins, let’s take a look at some of the fighters on UFC 251 who could get your summer rolling with high scores for your <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/"><strong>DraftKings</strong></a> teams.</p>
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<p id="mLBhiR">To celebrate the big UFC card,<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.draftkings.com/"><strong>DraftKings</strong></a> is hosting a massive fantasy <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/draft/contest/87791146"><strong>MMA Millionaire tournament</strong></a> that gives out $2.25 million in total prizes and pays out $1 million to the winner. The contest locks at 6:00 p.m. ET on Saturday. Set your lineups here: <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/draft/contest/87791146"><strong>MMA $2.25M The Island Millionaire [$1M to 1st! + ToC Entry]</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
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<strong>Kamaru Usman ($8,900) vs. Jorge Masvidal ($7,300) - Welterweights</strong> </h3>
<p id="D9giEW">2019 was a dream year for “The Nigerian Nightmare.” He thoroughly dispatched Tyron Woodley to take his welterweight crown, then finished off the year with an extraordinary fifth-round TKO of rival Colby Covington in a thriller. Undefeated in the UFC, Usman has shown himself in recent bouts to be more than just a dominant wrestler with limitless cardio. Masvidal had a phenomenal 2019 filled with highlight-reel wins over well-known and highly respected opposition. “Gamebred” brutally knocked out Darren Till, wiped out Ben Askren with a flying knee in just five seconds, and then forced a cut stoppage TKO vs. Nate Diaz for the “BMF” belt. He may be taking this fight on short notice, but he has been training for Usman even when he didn’t get the title shot, and he is a dangerous opponent for anyone to face. </p>
<p id="RzVwcU">Masvidal tends to be either a slow starter or a quick starter with no in between, so the opening round will tell us a lot about how this fight will go. His grappling is underrated and his takedown defense is great. Usman may be an improved striker but Masvidal should have the edge there. Usman’s ability to pressure and hit takedowns against the fence is remarkable, and if he gets Masvidal down he’ll be able to neutralize Jorge’s offense. I believe we’ll see a competitive start, but eventually Usman’s strength and wrestling will be too much for Masvidal to handle. </p>
<p id="L6fVTG"><strong>Number of Note</strong>: 2. For someone who wrestles and grapples a lot, Usman has been on the bottom for only two seconds of his entire 11-fight UFC career. He’s never been taken down, never been knocked down, and if he takes you down, then good luck reversing him. </p>
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<p id="F0K2qX">Curious about when major leagues and events will return? Check out our <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/about/covid-19/updated-2020-sports-calendar/"><strong>DraftKings Sports Calendar</strong></a> for the latest updates.</p>
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<strong>Alex Volkanovski ($9,100) vs. Max Holloway ($7,100) - Men’s Featherweights</strong> </h3>
<p id="Sk8zdO">Volkanovski’s last three wins are nothing short of spectacular. He knocked Chad Mendes into retirement, shut down Jose Aldo in Brazil, and deservedly took Max Holloway’s crown with a unanimous decision victory. The former rugby player has torn through the 145 lb. ranks and enters the rematch as a sizable favorite. As for Hawaii’s Holloway, it’s crazy to think about it, but it is true that he was 1-2 in 2019. After losing to Dustin Poirier for the interim lightweight title, Holloway returned to featherweight and successfully defended against Frankie Edgar, but found himself unable to recover from a slow start against Volkanovski. It was his first loss at 145 lbs since Conor McGregor back in 2013. </p>
<p id="MEMGx1">One thing that stood out in the first fight was how much success Volkanovski had with leg kicks, severely hampering Holloway’s movement and shutting down much of his fluid offense. The speed and power factor also favors the Australian, and that’s not something Holloway can magically fix. If Holloway commits to body attacks sooner and jabs more, I think that he can turn his fortunes around. Ultimately, I think Volkanovski’s ability to match Holloway’s volume, vary his strikes, and maintain great cardio will lead to him prevailing once again. </p>
<p id="anuKnz"><strong>Number of Note</strong>: 75. Of Alex Volkanoski’s 157 landed significant strikes in his first fight vs. Holloway, 75 of them were leg kicks. </p>
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<h3 id="oXKrHF"><strong>Petr Yan ($9,300) vs. Jose Aldo ($6,900) - Men’s Bantamweights </strong></h3>
<p id="qgzfuL">Yan was a highly touted signing when the UFC brought him on board in 2018. Needless to say, he’s exceeded expectations. He’s coming off a sensational knockout win over Urijah Faber, which was preceded by decision wins over veteran contenders John Dodson and Jimmie Rivera. Aldo is actually on a two-fight losing streak, having dropped a lackluster decision to Alex Volkanovski before having a very competitive decision loss to Marlon Moraes in his bantamweight debut. Some (including Dana White) believe that Aldo actually beat Moraes, hence he’s getting the title shot. As for his last win, the featherweight icon stopped Renato Moicano in February of 2019. </p>
<p id="FTA2Ob">By no means is Aldo washed up, but he’s clearly not in his prime either. He still has the striking to trouble Yan — he was dropped by John Dodson — and his takedown defense is nearly impenetrable. That said, Aldo is more likely to fade (especially considering the hot temperatures in Abu Dhabi) and if he goes strike for strike with Yan, chances are his chin won’t hold up. As awesome as it would be to see Aldo win another title, it’s hard to go against Yan and his combination of power, precision, timing, and poise. </p>
<p id="8CZpiL"><strong>Number of Note</strong>: 7. Yan has recorded seven knockdowns in his six UFC appearances. Five of them have come in his last two fights vs. Urijah Faber (3) and Jimmie Rivera (2). </p>
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<h3 id="FaBdan"><strong>Makwan Amirkhani ($8,600) vs. Danny Henry ($7,600) - Men’s Featherweights </strong></h3>
<p id="n0hcYC">Win or lose, “Mr. Finland” is normally must-watch material. Amirkhani is looking to get back on track after suffering a TKO defeat to Shane Burgos at UFC 244. He is known as an aggressive grappler with good wrestling, and that was on full display in his win over Chris Fishgold in June of last year. Scotland’s Henry burst onto the UFC stage with a Fight of the Night victory over Daniel Teymur, followed by a shockingly quick submission of prospect Hakeem Dawodu. Henry came back down to earth with a similarly fast submission loss to rising contender Dan Ige in his last appearance. </p>
<p id="7azdon">Amirkhani’s gas tank is a serious concern here if this fight drags into the later rounds. He’s also quite hittable on the feet, which Henry can exploit. However, it’s likely that Amirkhani is able to get this fight to the ground, in which case it’s not going to end well for Henry. I think we’ll see Amirkhani prevail by early submission. </p>
<p id="G6QWvq"><strong>Number of Note</strong>: 9. Amirkhani has 10 career wins by submission, with nine of them coming in the opening round. </p>
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<p id="9YdvnP"><a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos"><strong>UFC 251 - 50% Profit Boosts</strong></a>: The UFC is heading to Fight Island and we want to give you two (2) 50% Profit Boosts for UFC 251! Access the profit boosts <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos"><strong>here at the DraftKings Sportsbook promo page!</strong></a><strong> </strong>(opt-in required)</p>
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<p id="T59Fer"><em>I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is mookiealexander) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.</em></p>
<p id="OUQ0RO"><em>Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA/CO only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details. Odds and lines subject to change.</em></p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/playbook/2020/7/9/21318554/ufc-251-picks-predictions-alex-volkanovski-petr-yan-highlight-draftkings-mma-dfs-fighter-targetsMookie Alexander2020-07-11T14:05:02-07:002020-07-11T14:05:02-07:00UFC 251 Fight Card Picks: DraftKings Fantasy MMA Fights to Target, Predictions, Betting Odds
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<img alt="UFC Fight Island Previews" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-1OrNNtT8TN-qx3dUluocSoC4T4=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67042152/1255243170.jpg.5.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC</figcaption>
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<p>Greg Ehrenberg takes a look at the fights where he thinks the winner has a chance to score big DraftKings fantasy points and break the UFC 251 slate, which gets underway at 6:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 11.</p> <p id="pFLa0Y">UFC 251 is taking place at 6:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 11, and in this article, I am looking at the fights where I think the winner has a chance to score big <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/"><strong>DraftKings</strong></a> fantasy points and break the <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/draft/contest/87791146"><strong>MMA Millionaire</strong></a><strong> </strong>slate. </p>
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<p id="bdZdeP"><a href="https://www.draftkings.com/"><strong>DraftKings</strong></a> is hosting a massive fantasy <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/draft/contest/87791146"><strong>MMA Millionaire tournament</strong></a> that gives out $2.25 million in total prizes and pays out $1 million to the winner. The contest locks at 6:00 p.m. ET on Saturday. Set your lineups here: <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/draft/contest/87791146"><strong>MMA $2.25M The Island Millionaire [$1M to 1st! + ToC Entry]</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
<p id="ifCqGI"><a href="https://www.draftkings.com/"><strong>DraftKings</strong></a><strong> </strong>users can also get in on the UFC action by betting on <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/?_ga=2.240749443.1847814316.1586044407-2104017782.1553037976"><strong>DraftKings Sportsbook</strong></a> or by <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/sportsbook-app"><strong>downloading the DK Sportsbook app</strong></a>. </p>
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<p id="m8rqMR"><a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos"><strong>UFC 251 - 50% Profit Boosts</strong></a>: The UFC is heading to Fight Island and we want to give you two (2) 50% Profit Boosts for UFC 251! Access the profit boosts <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos"><strong>here at the DraftKings Sportsbook promo page!</strong></a><strong> </strong>(opt-in required)</p>
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<h3 id="NrF7FL">Kamaru Usman ($8,900; -250) vs. Jorge Masvidal ($7,300; +200)</h3>
<p id="ZZ4RVY">Of the three title fights on Saturday’s card, this is the one that I think has the most fantasy upside. I think the winner is a near lock to be in the top lineup in <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/"><strong>DraftKings</strong></a><strong> </strong>tournaments. It’s also a fight that will garner a ton of ownership and getting the winner correct is not only going to be pivotal, but will provide a ton of leverage since the losing fighter will likely be one of the higher owned fighters on the slate. </p>
<p id="lJ3gfP">This is the main event, although this wasn’t always the case. Kamaru Usman was scheduled to take on Gilbert Burns, who was forced to withdraw from the fight after testing positive for COVID-19. Just when it looked like Usman would be pulled off the card, Jorge Masvidal stepped up on short notice to take the fight. </p>
<p id="U72QSB">While taking the fight on a week’s notice is a big ask, it appears Masvidal has been preparing for a fight against Usman for a while. I don’t expect his conditioning to be much of an issue and we can’t forget that Masvidal stepped into the fight game on short notice. He took his first paid fight on just minutes notice while he was at a McDonald’s eating lunch. Masvidal got a call to fight a Kimbo Slice protege in a laundromat parking lot. He finishing eating, drove over and won the fight. It became a viral video on YouTube, and just like that, his fighting career began. Masvidal is a fighter and his nickname of “Gamebred” is well-deserved. </p>
<p id="k2DU3c">Even though I think that Masvidal is live in this fight, I have to favor Usman. Masvidal will likely have an advantage on the feet, although it might not be as significant as most people think. Usman actually lands strikes at a higher rate than Masvidal. In addition, Usman also absorbs less strikes per minute than Masvidal. Usman lands 4.6 significant strikes per minute and absorbs 2.17 per minute while Masvidal lands 4.33 significant strikes per minute and absorbs 2.94. </p>
<p id="cRQ60v">With the above information said, I don’t think Usman is going to look to strike with Masvidal for extended periods of time. I think he will (and should) look to get into clinch situations, take down Masvidal and land ground and pound. This is where Usman has the biggest advantage. He lands 3.44 takedowns per 15 minutes and even though Masvidal has solid takedown defense, we have seen him struggle to deal with wrestling pressure when he’s spammed with takedown attempts. This was most evident in the fight against Demian Maia. He attempted 12 takedowns, landing four of them and controlled Maia on the ground for most of the fight. Usman is a much stronger wrestler than Maia and I expect him to land at least a few takedowns if he applies his normal relentless pressure. This is what I believe is his best path to winning the fight and putting up a lofty <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/"><strong>DraftKings</strong></a> score. </p>
<p id="j1DVBh"><strong>Prediction: Kamaru Usman by unanimous decision </strong></p>
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<p id="kSkIIh">All odds provided by <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/featured"><strong>DraftKings Sportsbook</strong></a> and all odds subject to change. For the full list of available bets, <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/sportsbook-app?_ga=2.61223791.213664798.1585367315-2104017782.1553037976"><strong>download the DK Sportsbook app</strong></a><strong> </strong>or check out the <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/?_ga=2.124270665.213664798.1585367315-2104017782.1553037976"><strong>DraftKings Sportsbook</strong></a><strong> </strong>website. </p>
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<h3 id="Rc8cgV">Makwan Amirkhani ($8,600; -215) vs. Danny Henry ($7,600; +170)</h3>
<p id="CpYl7G">Most of the fights on Saturday’s card are expected to go the distance. This is not one of those fights. It’s slotted at -177 to finish inside the distance, making it one of the fights most likely to end in a stoppage. This is one of the reasons I expect the winner to score well on <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/"><strong>DraftKings</strong></a>. In addition, both of these fighters have a history of scoring well in victories. Amirkhani has scored at least 85.5 DKFP in four of his five UFC wins and Henry has scored over 100 DKFP in each of his wins in the UFC. </p>
<p id="16iy2J">As for the most likely outcome for this fight ending, I think it will likely be on the ground via submission. Both of these fighters are capable submission grapplers and Henry is typically willing to take chances on the mat. For this reason, three of his last four fights have ended in a submission and five of his last six fights have ended inside the distance. Henry has been on both the winning and losing ends of these finishes. </p>
<p id="oaWnvx">There is more reason to think this fight will end with a submission due to Amirkhani’s fight style. He’s a very aggressive wrestler, making this fight very likely to end up on the ground more often than not. Amirkhani lands 3.39 takedowns per 15 minutes and Henry doesn’t have the greatest takedown defense. The weakness to Amirkhani’s game is his cardio. He typically tires if he doesn’t get an early finish, as we saw in his last fight against Shane Burgos. After a great first round where he nearly earned a finish, Amirkhani gassed and was beaten up badly in the final two rounds. Especially due to the current training circumstances surrounding COVID, I doubt that Amirkhani can fight three hard round. For this reason, I think it’s either going to be Amirkhani by submission early or Henry takes over in the second and third rounds. Both warrant exposure in GPP and I’ll likely be close to a 50/50 split on these two fights. I lean slightly towards Amirkhani as my pick for the fight since I do think he has the better skills of the two fighters. </p>
<p id="DbHkYZ"><strong>Prediction: Makwan Amirkhani by first round submission </strong></p>
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<p id="gi9jV3">Curious about when major leagues and events will return? Check out our <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/about/covid-19/updated-2020-sports-calendar/"><strong>DraftKings Sports Calendar</strong></a> for the latest updates. </p>
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<h3 id="df2Ga1">Karol Rosa ($9,200; -240) vs. Vanessa Melo ($7,000; +185)</h3>
<p id="npBmnd">Most likely, this fight is not going to end with a finish. It has a prop of -305 to go the distance, although that doesn’t necessarily scare me off this fight. The more I look at the metrics, the more I think the winner of this fight has a chance to score well on <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/"><strong>DraftKings.</strong></a> </p>
<p id="6frxBH">In Rosa’s first UFC fight, she won a decision and scored 125.5 DKFP. She didn’t land any takedowns, and there was no groundwork, just a torrid rate of striking. Rosa landed 171 significant strikes in a three-round fight while her opponent, Lara Procopio, landed 165 significant strikes. On one hand, the stat keeper may have been feeling a bit generous that day. On the other hand, it’s really tough for me to ignore that kind of output. The fight started with the two ladies meeting in the middle of the octagon and throwing hands for 15 minutes without much of a break in the action. Since Melo absorbs 6.8 significant strikes per minute, I think there’s a chance we could see more of the same in this fight. The last time we saw Melo in a stand up affair that went the distance, Irene Aldana landed 125 significant strikes against her. Melo is extremely hittable. </p>
<p id="VqWHfq">The final reason I like this fight is that I doubt it’s going to carry much ownership. Since Rosa is priced around the the favorites in the title fights and a massive favorite in Amanda Ribas ($9,500), it stands to reason that Rosa will be lowest-owned of the most expensive tier of fighters. In massive GPP that pays $1M to first with almost half the prize pool going to the top lineup, it makes sense to take some shots on a fighter who will be low-owned with a chance for upside. Rosa is in a favorable matchup and scored 125.5 DKFP in her last bout. The upside should be apparent, but will likely go overlooked. </p>
<p id="hykGPm"><strong>Prediction: Karol Rosa by unanimous decision </strong></p>
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<p id="jSxs2j"><em>I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is gehrenberg) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.</em> </p>
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https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/playbook/2020/7/10/21319561/ufc-251-fight-card-picks-draftkings-fantasy-mma-fights-to-target-predictions-betting-oddsGreg Ehrenberg2020-07-11T11:14:39-07:002020-07-11T11:14:39-07:00Tale of the tape for Makwan Amirkhani vs. Danny Henry
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<img alt="Makwan Amirkhani of Finland poses on the scale during the UFC 244 weigh-ins at the Hulu Theatre at Madison Square Garden on November 1, 2019 in New York, New York." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dPtxDjSxdDUe_nEXAc7Ydj1a5G8=/0x1:5210x3474/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67028355/1179382471.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Makwan Amirkhani and Danny Henry square off in a featherweight bout at UFC 251 from Fight Island on July 11th. We break down the odds.</p> <h2 id="3wHvQ7">UPDATE: <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2020/7/11/21311960/makwan-amirkhani-vs-danny-henry-picks-ufc-251-predictions-odds-betting-splits-ko-decision-submission">Fight day odds and betting splits for Amirkhani-Henry</a>
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<p id="23HvoU">Two rangy featherweights in Makwan Amirkhani and Danny Henry will face off at UFC 251 on Yas Island this Saturday night. </p>
<p id="vnMnls">Amirkhani is 15-4 as an MMA fighter, and 5-2 in the UFC. His last fight against Shane Burgos saw him knocked out with just 28 seconds until the final bell, but he’s one of the more prominent mat-based fighters in the promotion. “Mr. Finland” has a large fanbase of his fellow Kurds across the world as he was born in Iran before moving to Scandinavia, and finished as first runner-up in the Mr. Finland pageant in 2012. He has 11 career stoppages, and 10 of them are from making an opponent tap. He lands only 1.69 strikes per minute, but averages a whopping 3.39 takedowns per 15 minutes in his seven career UFC bouts.</p>
<p id="fAsk33">Danny Henry makes his fourth career UFC start, where he has a 2-1 record. He submitted to Dan Ige in March of 2019 for his last fight in just 77 seconds, but the 31-year-old from Edinburgh, Scotland is a balanced fighter. He has five knockouts and five submissions in his career, but isn’t afraid to trade blows; he lands 5.85 strikes and absorbs 4.84 per minute in the octagon, but it’s a small sample size with his first fight against Daniel Teymur going the distance, and his win over Hakeem Dawodu by guillotine taking only 39 seconds.</p>
<p id="dsTyHo">Here are the betting odds at <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/gateway?s=972217323&bTag=a_6417b_713c_">DraftKings Sportsbook</a> for Makwan Amirkhani vs. Danny Henry at UFC 251 on July 11th:</p>
<h2 id="CIATLL">Money line odds</h2>
<p id="A3wDXp">Makwan Amirkhani: Opened -215, now -215<br>Danny Henry: Opened +170, now +170</p>
<p id="9ApZzo"><em>Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA/CO only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.</em></p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2020/7/7/21306237/makwan-amirkhani-vs-danny-henry-odds-ufc-251-fight-island-rounds-win-by-ko-submission-decisionCollin Sherwin2020-07-11T06:50:00-07:002020-07-11T06:50:00-07:00How the public is betting Makwan Amirkhani vs. Danny Henry
<figure>
<img alt="Opponents Makwan Amirkhani of Finland and Danny Henry of Scotland face off during the UFC 251 official weigh-in inside Flash Forum at UFC Fight Island on July 10, 2020 on Yas Island Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mkHHj9kKWhnun40mmpx46WwIUzI=/0x53:4159x2826/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67045033/1255420906.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Makwan Amirkhani faces off against Danny Henry in a featherweight bout at UFC 251 from Fight Island on July We break down how the betting public is picking the fight.</p> <p id="3wHvQ7">Two rangy featherweights in Makwan Amirkhani and Danny Henry will face off tonight on the undercard of UFC 251 from “Fight Island.” </p>
<p id="vnMnls">Amirkhani is 15-4 in MMA fighter with 11 career stoppages, 10 of them by submission. 5-2 in the UFC. Shane Burgos knocked him out his last time out, but he’s one of the more prominent mat-based fighters in the promotion. “Mr. Finland” finished as first runner-up in the nation’s beauty pageant in 2012. He lands only 1.69 strikes per minute, but has averaged a whopping 3.39 takedowns per 15 minutes in his seven career UFC bouts.</p>
<p id="fAsk33">Danny Henry makes his fourth career UFC start, and is 2-1 so far. He submitted to Dan Ige in March of 2019 for his last fight in just 77 seconds, but the 31-year-old from Edinburgh, Scotland is a balanced fighter. He has five knockouts and five submissions in his career, but isn’t afraid to trade blows; he lands 5.85 strikes and absorbs 4.84 per minute in the octagon, and though his first UFC victory against Daniel Teymur going the distance, his win over Hakeem Dawodu by guillotine taking only 39 seconds.</p>
<p id="dsTyHo">Here are the betting splits at <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/gateway?s=972217323&bTag=a_6417b_713c_">DraftKings Sportsbook</a> for Makwan Amirkhani vs. Danny Henry at UFC 251 on July 11th:</p>
<h2 id="CIATLL">Betting splits</h2>
<p id="A3wDXp">Makwan Amirkhani: Opened -215, now -215 (75% of action, 73% of bets) <br>Danny Henry: Opened +170, now +170 (25% of action, 27% of bets)</p>
<p id="9ApZzo"><em>Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA/CO only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.</em></p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2020/7/11/21311960/makwan-amirkhani-vs-danny-henry-picks-ufc-251-predictions-odds-betting-splits-ko-decision-submissionCollin Sherwin2020-07-11T03:44:00-07:002020-07-11T03:44:00-07:00DFS considerations for Makwan Amirkhani vs. Danny Henry
<figure>
<img alt="Opponents Makwan Amirkhani of Finland and Danny Henry of Scotland face off during the UFC 251 official weigh-in inside Flash Forum at UFC Fight Island on July 10, 2020 on Yas Island Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/l1LOWVepIM3ziiQIhM1OREyXHx0=/0x53:4159x2826/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67044723/1255420906.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Makwan Amirkhani faces Danny Henry in a featherweight bout at UFC 251 from Fight Island on July 11th. We break down what to consider in setting your DFS lineups.</p> <p id="3wHvQ7">Two rangy featherweights in Makwan Amirkhani and Danny Henry will face off at UFC 251 on Yas Island this Saturday night. Which one should have you have on your DFS roster?</p>
<h2 id="6W4agx"><a href="https://www.draftkings.com/gateway?s=807561836">DraftKings DFS Values</a></h2>
<p id="A3wDXp">Makwan Amirkhani: $8,600<br>Danny Henry: $7,600</p>
<p id="5CZQ67">Amirkhani is the -215 favorite, with Henry holding steady all week as the +170 underdog.</p>
<p id="J8Avs4">Amirkhani is a mat wrestler that wants to get the fight on the ground. In his last fight against Shane Burgos, he scored just 22 strikes in over 13 minutes. He’s talented, but fantasy poison with just 1.6 strikes per minute in the octagon</p>
<p id="cXKzrY">Henry’s UFC career DFS scores: 116, 101, 2. The 2 was Dan Ige making him tap in 77 seconds last time out, stopping a five-fight win streak. But he lands 5.85 strikes per minute, and has 10 stoppages in his 12 wins. If there’s a side in this fight, it’s for sure the underdog that can score points.</p>
<p id="PpP3tj">Amirkhani’s plodding style might be too much to overcome for “The Hatchet,” but he’s also cheap. And since he’s not that big an underdog, mixing him in some rosters will be very helpful if he can pull the upset, which if he does he’s likely to do quickly.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2020/7/11/21306372/makwan-amirkhani-vs-danny-henry-dfs-picks-predictions-ufc-251-fight-island-daily-fantasy-sports-mmaCollin Sherwin2020-07-10T22:10:28-07:002020-07-10T22:10:28-07:00UFC 251 Picks, UFC Fight Island DraftKings Preview, MMA Predictions
<figure>
<img alt="UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman prepares for his title defense against Colby Covington during UFC 245 at T-Mobile Arena on December 14, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Usman retained his title with a fifth-round TKO." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/n9uDB3Nb9kIwRq6Sw8msZZc9K5g=/0x28:5032x3383/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67036134/1194033571.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Pat Mayo steps aside for Paul Shaughnessy and Fight Network‘s Cody Saftic, who make their UFC 251 picks for the Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal slate.</p> <p id="W3UtBr"><a href="https://twitter.com/ThePME">Pat Mayo</a> steps aside for <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulShag">Paul Shaughnessy</a> and Fight Network‘s <a href="https://twitter.com/CjSaftic">Cody Saftic</a>, who make their UFC 251 picks for the Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/"><strong>DraftKings</strong></a> slate. The card goes down Saturday, July 11th at Fight Island<strong>.</strong> The guys discuss the value differences between <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/"><strong>DraftKings</strong></a> pricing and Vegas odds, which fighters to target for your DFS lineups and the best bets to get a quick finish.</p>
<p id="Rcf6K5">Set your <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/draft/contest/87791146"><strong>MMA Millionaire</strong></a> lineups here: <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/draft/contest/87791146"><strong>MMA $2.25M The Island Millionaire [$1M to 1st! + ToC Entry]</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="lSjPE5">
<p id="lQaIf1"><strong>UFC 251 Picks </strong>— <a href="https://bit.ly/UFC251Vid">Full Fight Picks</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/UFC251Pod">Podcast</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/PMEiTunes">Apple</a> | <a href="https://goo.gl/VboemH">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://goo.gl/3jMS0y">Stitcher</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/GooglePodPME">Google</a></p>
<p id="kTkLi1"><strong>UFC 251 Fights </strong>—<strong> </strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/0JHlrfU_k0M?t=4257">DraftKings Picks</a> | <a href="https://youtu.be/0JHlrfU_k0M?t=181">Usman vs Masvidal</a> | <a href="https://youtu.be/0JHlrfU_k0M">Volkanovski vs Holloway</a> </p>
<h3 id="6Se3de">UFC 251 Picks: Show Index</h3>
<p id="N02PG1">SHOW INDEX</p>
<p id="Ude3qt">3:01 Usman vs. Masvidal<br>12:03 Volkanovski vs. Holloway <br>19:10 Yan vs. Aldo<br>22:48 Namajunas vs. Andrade<br>28:25 Ribas vs. VanZant<br>34:51 Oezdemir vs. Prochazka<br>39:01 Salikhov vs. Zaleski<br>42:49 Amirkhani vs. Henry<br>44:38 Santos vs. Bogatov<br>49:17 Tybura vs. Grishin<br>54:18 Paiva vs. Zhumagulov<br>1:01:15 Rosa vs. Melo<br>1:05:12 Day vs. Grant<br>1:10:57 DraftKings Picks<br>1:22:53 Quick Picks</p>
<p id="lYCiAF"><a href="https://www.draftkings.com/"><strong>DraftKings</strong></a> is hosting a massive fantasy <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/draft/contest/87791146"><strong>MMA Millionaire tournament</strong></a> that gives out $2.25 million in total prizes and pays out $1 million to the winner. The contest locks at 6:00 p.m. ET on Saturday. Set your lineups here: <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/draft/contest/87791146"><strong>MMA $2.25M The Island Millionaire [$1M to 1st! + ToC Entry]</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Jshjce">
<p id="fxM6VY"><a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos"><strong>UFC 251 - 50% Profit Boosts</strong></a>: The UFC is heading to Fight Island and we want to give you two (2) 50% Profit Boosts for UFC 251! Access the profit boosts <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos"><strong>here at the DraftKings Sportsbook promo page!</strong></a><strong> </strong>(opt-in required)</p>
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<p id="00o0np">Put your knowledge to the test. <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/account/sitelogin?ReturnUrl=https://www.draftkings.com/lobby/"><strong>Sign up for DraftKings</strong></a> and experience the game inside the game.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="30cUkc">
<p id="TMyAtd"><em>Pat Mayo is an award-winning video host and producer of long and short-form content, and the host of The Pat Mayo Experience daily talk show. (Subscribe for </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOLQe-AojK3UPSoLhOSVKZOkrQAoVTiBj"><em>video</em></a><em> or </em><a href="https://goo.gl/f1R0j6"><em>audio</em></a><em>). Mayo (@ThePME) won the 2020 Fantasy Sports Writing Association Daily Fantasy Writer of the Year and Golf Writer of the Year awards, along with the Fantasy Sports Trade Association Best Sports Betting Analyst award, and was finalist for four FSWA Awards in 2020 (Best Podcast, Best Video, Daily Fantasy Writer of the Year, Golf Writer of the Year). His 21 FSWA nominations lead all writers this decade and are third-most all-time. Mayo has been recognized across multiple sports (Football, Baseball & Golf), mediums (Video, Writing & Podcasting), genre (Humor), and game formats (Daily Fantasy and Traditions Season Long). Beyond sports, Mayo covers everything from entertainment to pop culture to politics. If you have a fantasy question, general inquiry or snarky comment, ship it to Mayo at </em><a href="mailto:thepatmayoexperience@gmail.com"><em>ThePatMayoExperience@gmail.com</em></a><em> and the best will be addressed on the show.</em></p>
<p id="SIiKft"><em>I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is ThePME) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.</em></p>
<p id="ZqzdVC"><em>Odds and lines subject to change. See website for actual odds.</em></p>
<p id="Lrty56"><em>Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA/CO only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details. Odds and lines subject to change.</em></p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/playbook/2020/7/9/21318191/ufc-251-picks-ufc-fight-island-draftkings-preview-mma-predictionsPat Mayo2020-07-06T06:30:00-07:002020-07-06T06:30:00-07:00How the public is betting UFC 251 including Holloway vs. Volkanovski, Yan vs. Aldo, more
<figure>
<img alt="Max Holloway kicks Alexander Volkanovski of Australia in their UFC featherweight championship bout during the UFC 245 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 14, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7fEbvdyhS0s8-RxogHIGNEz1OMo=/1x0:5065x3376/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67020961/1194023509.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Though the main event has changed, there’s still plenty of action on the rest of the biggest card of the year</p> <p id="2CgkiE">Although the <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2020/7/5/21313982/kamaru-usman-vs-jorge-masvidal-signed-main-event-ufc-251-welterweight-championship">main event of UFC 251 has changed to Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal</a> for the welterweight championship, bettors have had more than a week to get down action on the rest of the card.</p>
<p id="uLYGNb">And with so many other great fights happening, there’s been plenty of action early on what should be the MMA event of the year. We’ll take a look at some of the odds and bet splits for the earlier fights this Saturday.</p>
<p id="TdOLb7">The featherweight championship rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway is expected by the oddsmakers to be a repeat of December’s result, with “Alexander The Great” coming in at -200. But the bettors are warming to the Hawaiian Holloway, who is backed by more than half the cash and tickets in early trading. Will that trend continue with the +165 price laid, or will the cash come back in on the fighter that won via unanimous decision just seven months ago?</p>
<p id="yKms4n">Jose Aldo is one of the most storied fighters in UFC history, but he’s a +185 underdog for the vacant bantamweight title against 14-1 Petr Yan. The Russian Yan is six years younger at 27, and is an undefeated 6-0 in the UFC after knocking out Uriah Faber with a head kick in his last bout. But the wagerers are on the Brazilian early, getting 26% of the tickets and 35% of the cash on his victory.</p>
<p id="kp5Eu4">In one of two women’s fights on the main card, Jessica Andrade takes on Rose Namajunas at strawweight. Andrade beat Namajunas in May of last year via a second round KO slam to win the title, which she subsequently lost to Weili Zhang, but the oddsmakers don’t like her chances to repeat. She’s a decent-sized underdog at +162, but is getting 48% of the case despite only 28% of the bets, which might indicate sharper action on her winning again.</p>
<p id="Egchwh">Paige VanZant is getting no respect from bookmakers, and yet the money is flying in on her. She’s the biggest underdog on Fight Island at +525, but somehow 79% of the action and 90% of the tickets are on the former Dancing With The Stars contestant. It seems likely her well-regarded opponent Amanda Ribas, who is 9-1 career and 3-0 in the UFC, will start taking on money eventually. VanZant has made it clear this might be her last fight in the octagon unless she starts getting paid more, but it’s the ticket writers that will be paying big if she pulls off the huge upset.</p>
<p id="2WojCt">Here are the odds bet splits for UFC 251 as of July 6th.</p>
<div id="VVWleq"><div data-anthem-component="table:9303644"></div></div>
<p id="dBK55t"><em>Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700(NH/CO). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA/CO only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.</em></p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2020/7/6/21314329/ufc-251-odds-lines-bet-splits-holloway-vs-volkanovski-yan-aldo-ribas-vanzant-namajunas-andradeCollin Sherwin2020-06-29T04:56:00-07:002020-06-29T04:56:00-07:00Bet splits for UFC 251 from Fight Island
<figure>
<img alt="Kamaru Usman of Nigeria raises his hand in victory over Colby Covington in their UFC welterweight championship bout during the UFC 245 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 14, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MDKsAv-PpHpLcZY7YxxlDv64c9w=/0x0:5021x3347/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66994685/1194029045.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The biggest mixed marital arts card of 2020 heads to Yas Island in the UAE on July 11th</p> <p id="UtP30z">UFC is headed to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi in two weeks for the first of four events at what Dana White is calling “Fight Island.” That first card, UFC 251, will be the biggest event in mixed martial arts so far in 2020. There will be three championship fights, as well as some of the best female fighters in the world available on pay-per-view.</p>
<p id="ujBIsT">The main event is a welterweight championship bout between the holder Kamaru Usman and Brazilian Gilbert Burns in one of the most highly-anticipated fights of the year. Usman is 16-1 career, and 11-0 in the UFC, and currently #6 in the pound-for-pound rankings. He takes on a Brazilian in Burns that has won six in a row and is 12-3 overall in the promotion. Burns won his last fight, a unanimous decision against Tyron Woodley on May 30th in Jacksonville.</p>
<p id="SpY5pS">At featherweight, #1 contender Max Holloway will get his rematch against champion Alex Volkanovski in the co-main event. Volkanovski is #7 in pound-for-pound, and is 21-1 as an MMA professional. He’s won 17 in a row, is 7-0 in the UFC, and defeated Holloway by unanimous decision on December 14th of last year in which a combined 291 punches landed.</p>
<p id="dR78oI">The third title fight is for Henry Cejudo’s now-vacant bantamweight belt, with Peter Yan facing veteran Jose Aldo. Yan is 6-0 in the UFC and the Russian has won half his fights via stoppage. He’ll need to get through the former champion Aldo, who has lost four of his last six fights but is still one of the most dangerous men in the division. </p>
<p id="RzKRFF">The women will also have a pair of terrific fights, with Rose Namajunas in a strawweight rematch against Jessica Andrade. Andrade won this fight in May of last year, but dropped the belt to Weili Zhang in her last outing. Also Paige VanZant, who has very publicly discussed leaving the UFC after this fight, takes on 9-1 and #15 Amanda Ribas at flyweight.</p>
<p id="iCBILH">Here are the early odds and bet splits for the main card of UFC 251 at Fight Island on July 11th:</p>
<p id="BBOCOH"><strong>Kamaru Usman: </strong>-200, 68% of handle, 74% of bets<br><strong>Gilbert Burns: </strong>+162, 32% of handle, 26% of bets</p>
<p id="XBLra9"><strong>Max Holloway: </strong>+170, 52% of handle, 56% of bets<br><strong>Alex Volkanovski: </strong>-210, 48% of handle, 44% of bets</p>
<p id="vde2Z6"><strong>Petr Yan: </strong>-230, 73% of handle, 65% of bets<br><strong>Jose Aldo: </strong>+180, 27% of handle, 35% of bets</p>
<p id="zlD8t6"><strong>Rose Namajunas: </strong>-200, 71% of handle, 73% of bets<br><strong>Jessica Andrade: </strong>+162, 29% of handle, 27% of bets</p>
<p id="nNsu0s"><strong>Paige VanZant: </strong>+500, 52% of handle, 38% of bets<br><strong>Amanda Ribas: </strong>-770, 48% of handle, 62% of bets</p>
<p id="dYkcpS"><em>Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700(NH/CO). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA/CO only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.</em></p>
<p id="hF5vyr"></p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2020/6/29/21306680/ufc-251-odds-picks-predictions-fight-island-usman-vs-burns-yan-aldo-andrade-najamunas-ribas-vanzantCollin Sherwin