DraftKings Network - Everything you need to know for Karol Rosa vs. Vanessa Melo UFC 251Another great SB Nation bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52893/DKN_Favicon_32x32..png2020-07-11T14:05:02-07:00http://dknetwork.draftkings.com/rss/stream/210805262020-07-11T14:05:02-07:002020-07-11T14:05:02-07:00UFC 251 Fight Card Picks: DraftKings Fantasy MMA Fights to Target, Predictions, Betting Odds
<figure>
<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>
</figure>
<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>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="17jIUS">
<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>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="lHmQRF">
<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>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="sKCa6W">
<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>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="fag61g">
<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>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="ceTkTt">
<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>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="y0rL6g">
<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>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="ygViW2">
<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>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="5fEjYA">
<p id="JMIVh8">Put your knowledge to the test.<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.draftkings.com/account/sitelogin?ReturnUrl=https://www.draftkings.com/lobby/"><strong>Sign up for DraftKings</strong></a><strong> </strong>and experience the game inside the game. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="MxamD2">
<p id="OHapG0">For sports betting, head over to <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/"><strong>DraftKings Sportsbook</strong></a> or <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/sportsbook-app"><strong>download the DK Sportsbook app</strong></a>. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="nSAwJk">
<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>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="QBYpgK">
<p id="dYBvAL"><em>Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or </em><a href="tel:18005224700"><em>1-800-522-4700</em></a><em> (NH/CO). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA/CO only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.</em></p>
<p id="dW7Xfk"></p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/playbook/2020/7/10/21319561/ufc-251-fight-card-picks-draftkings-fantasy-mma-fights-to-target-predictions-betting-oddsGreg Ehrenberg2020-07-11T11:15:12-07:002020-07-11T11:15:12-07:00Tale of the tape for Karol Rosa vs. Vanessa Melo
<figure>
<img alt="Karol Rosa of Brazil knees Lara Procopio of Brazil in their bantamweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre on August 31, 2019 in Shenzhen, China." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v5u7jk0s2QeoOsI6vUMQujFoOlU=/0x232:4714x3375/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67029812/1171265277.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Karol Rosa and Vanessa Melo square off in a women’s bantamweight 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/2020/7/11/21311957/karol-rosa-vs-vanessa-melo-picks-ufc-251-predictions-odds-betting-splits-ko-tko-decision-submission">Fight day odds and betting splits for Rosa-Melo</a>
</h2>
<p id="XO7KXi">A pair of bantamweight Brazilian women that both tend to see the end of fights do battle at UFC 251 when Karol Rosa takes on Vanessa Melo on “Fight Island” this Saturday night.</p>
<p id="76cN1a">Rosa is 12-3 in MMA with six stoppages, but was in a slugfest split decision victory over Lara Fritzen Procopio last August to win her first UFC fight. She gave out 11.4 strikes per minute, and absorbed 11.0 in a fight that was solely standing up. The 26-year-old fights with Parana Vale Tudo.</p>
<p id="qaaIVD">Melo is 10-7, and 0-2 in the UFC in a pair of decision losses to Irene Aldana and Tracy Cortez. She’s tried to win on her feet, not even attempting a takedown while giving out 3.6 strikes per minute with a 28% accuracy rate, but taking 6.8 at a 48% clip. She’ll need to improve those numbers, and might be fighting for her place in the black octagon with this fight.</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 Karol Rosa vs. Vanessa Melo at UFC 251 on July 11th:</p>
<h2 id="CIATLL">Money line odds</h2>
<p id="A3wDXp">Karol Rosa: Opened -240, now -240<br>Vanessa Melo: Opened +185, now +185</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/2020/7/8/21306239/karol-rosa-vs-vanessa-melo-odds-ufc-251-fight-island-total-rounds-win-by-ko-submission-decisionCollin Sherwin2020-07-11T07:40:00-07:002020-07-11T07:40:00-07:00How the public is betting Karol Rosa vs. Vanessa Melo
<figure>
<img alt="Opponents Karol Rosa of Brazil and Vanessa Melo of Brazil 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/wtGBj1vP5510vPxBkR33A21vyN4=/0x117:4793x3312/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67045168/1226031014.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Karol Rosa faces off against Vanessa Melo in a women’s bantamweight bout at UFC 251 from Fight Island on July 11th. We break down how the betting public is picking the fight.</p> <p id="3wHvQ7">Two bantamweight Brazilian women fight tonight at UFC 251, but only one made weight. Vanessa Melo <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/ufc-mma-mixed-martial-arts-cards-ppv/2020/7/10/21319969/ufc-251-weigh-in-vanessa-melo-misses-weight-five-pounds-fight-island-vs-karol-rosa-raulian-paiva">came in an astonishing five pounds overweight</a> for her bout with Karol Rosa on “Fight Island” this evening. Despite the controversy, which will have Melo forfeit 30% of her purse to Rosa, the lines for this fight haven’t moved.</p>
<p id="76cN1a">Rosa is 12-3 in MMA with six stoppages, and was in a slugfest for her split decision win over Lara Fritzen Procopio last August to win her first UFC fight. She landed 11.4 strikes per minute and absorbed 11.0 in a fight that was solely standing up. </p>
<p id="qaaIVD">Melo is 10-7, 0-2 in the UFC, and possibly on her way out of the promotion with a loss considering how <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-news-if-you-cant-make-the-weight-dont-accept-the-fight-dana-white-not-happy-ahead-of-ufc-on-espn-10/">Dana White feels about making weight</a>. She’s tried to win on her feet, not even attempting a takedown while giving out 3.6 strikes per minute with a 28% accuracy rate, but taking 6.8 at a 48% clip. She’ll need to improve those numbers to possibly stay a contracted fighter here.</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 Karol Rosa vs. Vanessa Melo at UFC 251 on July 11th:</p>
<h2 id="CIATLL">Betting splits</h2>
<p id="A3wDXp">Karol Rosa: Opened -240, now -240 (89% of action, 84% of bets)<br>Vanessa Melo: Opened +185, now +185 (11% of action, 16% 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/2020/7/11/21311957/karol-rosa-vs-vanessa-melo-picks-ufc-251-predictions-odds-betting-splits-ko-tko-decision-submissionCollin Sherwin2020-07-11T05:30:00-07:002020-07-11T05:30:00-07:00DFS considerations for Karol Rosa vs. Vanessa Melo
<figure>
<img alt="Opponents Karol Rosa of Brazil and Vanessa Melo of Brazil 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/s3sqvRYeim3oILZwBirG5a-NCfY=/0x117:4793x3312/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67044848/1226031014.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Karol Rosa faces Vanessa Melo in a women’s bantamweight 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">A pair of bantamweight Brazilian women that don’t get stoppages do battle at UFC 251 when Karol Rosa takes on Vanessa Melo on “Fight Island” this Saturday night. This seems terrible for DFS purposes, but when one fighter misses weight by five (5) pounds, there might be some opportunity here.</p>
<h2 id="6W4agx"><a href="https://www.draftkings.com/gateway?s=807561836">DraftKings DFS Values</a></h2>
<p id="EC2xww">Karol Rosa: $9,200<br>Vanessa Melo: $7,000</p>
<p id="dGjaRW">Rosa opened as a -240 favorite, and is now -250, whereas Melo has moved from +185 to +195.</p>
<p id="9ApZzo">Rosa was a fantasy beast in her last appearance which doubled as her first-ever UFC fight. She racked up 126 points in a split decision win over Lara Fritzen Procopio. She is 12-3 in her MMA career with six stoppages, and seems to have the best of it in this fight.</p>
<p id="uYdv9V">Melo is 0-2 in the UFC and 10-7 overall. She’s also is giving 30% of her purse for this fight to Rosa <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/ufc-mma-mixed-martial-arts-cards-ppv/2020/7/10/21319969/ufc-251-weigh-in-vanessa-melo-misses-weight-five-pounds-fight-island-vs-karol-rosa-raulian-paiva">because she came in a bag of sugar overweight</a> yesterday. Both her losses were unimpressive unanimous decisions, and getting a roll of stamps and mailing in a weight cut doesn’t seem great for your long-term prospects in Dana White’s company. She averaged just 27 DFS points in those losses.</p>
<p id="EuQEUY">Rosa is expensive, but she looked great at the weigh in and has shown the ability to score. We’ll have her on our rosters, and hope she can find an early stoppage over someone that might not be back in a UFC octagon after tonight.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2020/7/11/21306376/karol-rosa-vs-vanessa-melo-dfs-picks-predictions-odds-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>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Pplfc9">
<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 Sherwin2020-06-28T12:46:34-07:002020-06-28T12:46:34-07:00The full cards for UFC’s Fight Island events
<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/eOrd1nLXZZYoorpGhXd3Wtoiwv4=/0x0:5032x3355/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66993101/1194033571.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>UFC will run four events at Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. We run down the four cards and will update them with any changes.</p> <p id="Tew2Yb">UFC wrapped up its June schedule at the Apex facility in Las Vegas, and it’s time to turn our eyes to Fight Island. The organization and fighters are headed to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, where we’ll get four fights, including the UFC 251 PPV.</p>
<p id="OE7tNE">Four championships are currently on the line over the course of two weeks, with three of them coming in the PPV. We could see the welterweight, featherweight, bantamweight, and flyweight titles all change hands before things are said and done. UFC 251 also features a huge women’s strawweight bout between the top two contenders.</p>
<p id="su3kjW">Below are the full cards as announced by UFC. It is always worth noting all fights are subject to change. It’s hard to recall the last time a UFC card went off without a single change, so we’ll update this as potential changes happen. It’s going to be interesting to see how this all pans out with the event overseas during a pandemic, but we’ll update as needed.</p>
<p id="E16LBq">All times listed are ET.</p>
<h2 id="waarfd">UFC 251</h2>
<h3 id="I3J4yK">Main card (10 p.m., ESPN+ PPV)</h3>
<p id="NRreTO"><strong>Main event</strong>: Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns (welterweight title)<br>Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway (featherweight title)<br>Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo (vacant bantamweight title)<br>Jessica Andrade vs. Rose Namajunas<br>Paige VanZant vs. Amanda Ribas</p>
<h3 id="Xntck9">Preliminary card (8 p.m., ESPN/ESPN+)</h3>
<p id="ydX0ea">Volkan Oezdemir vs. Jiri Prochazka<br>Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Muslim Salikhov<br>Markwan Amirkhani vs. Danny Henry<br>Leonardo Santos vs. Roman Bogatov</p>
<h3 id="AWMZFH">Early preliminary card (6 p.m., ESPN/ESPN+)</h3>
<p id="jGIyjj">Marcin Tybura vs. Alexander Romanov<br>Zhalgas Zhumagulov vs. Raulian Paiva<br>Karol Rosa vs. Vanessa Melo<br>Martin Day vs. Davey Grant</p>
<h2 id="jyPVVf">UFC Fight Night July 15th</h2>
<h3 id="hmiQhi">Main card (10 p.m., ESPN+)</h3>
<p id="0j1eos"><strong>Main event</strong>: Calvin Kattar vs. Dan Ige<br>Frankie Edgar vs. Pedtro Munhoz<br>Carla Esparza vs. Marina Rodriguez<br>Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Mounir Lazzez<br>Jared Gordon vs. Chris Fishgold</p>
<h3 id="l7PWR3">Preliminary card (7 p.m., ESPN+)</h3>
<p id="L21A8N">Modestas Bukauskas vs. Vinicius Moreira Castro<br>Molly McCann vs. Taila Santos<br>Ricardo Ramos vs. Lerone Murphy<br>John Phillips vs. Dusko Todorovic<br>Tim Elliott vs. Ryan Benoit<br>Liana Jojua vs. Diana Belbita</p>
<h2 id="8hnR8l">UFC Fight Night July 18th</h2>
<h3 id="ecSD0B">Main card (9 p.m., ESPN+)</h3>
<p id="I4IaT7"><strong>Main event</strong>: Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Joseph Benavidez (vacant flyweight title)<br>Kelvin Gastelum vs. Jack Hermansson<br>Marc Diakiese vs. Rafael Fiziev<br>Ariane Lipski vs. Luana Carolina<br>Alexandre Pantoja vs. Askar Askarov</p>
<h3 id="OIWWQk">Preliminary card (6 p.m., ESPN+)</h3>
<p id="8YNegs">Khadis Ibragimov vs. Roman Dolidze<br>Grant Dawson vs. Nad Narimani<br>Joe Duffy vs. Joel Alvarez<br>Brett Johns vs. Montel Jackson<br>Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Aleksander Doskalchuk<br>Davi Ramos vs. Arman Tsarukyan<br>Serghei Spivak vs. Carlos Felipe</p>
<h2 id="XrKsWD">UFC Fight Night July 25th</h2>
<h3 id="GvBsKy">Main card (11 p.m., ESPN+)</h3>
<p id="1QFF2x"><strong>Main event</strong>: Robert Whittaker vs. Darren Till<br>Mauricio Rua vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira<br>Alex Oliveira vs. Peter Sobotta<br>Alexander Gustafsson vs. Fabricio Werdum<br>Danny Roberts vs. Nicolas Dalby</p>
<h3 id="0ppCNV">Preliminary card (8 p.m., ESPN+)</h3>
<p id="My0rVe">Tom Aspinall vs. Jake Collier<br>Justin Tafa vs. Raphael Pessoa<br>Mike Grundy vs. Movsar Evloev<br>Bethe Correia vs. Pannie Kianzad<br>Nathaniel Wood vs. Umar Nurmagomedov<br>Ramazan Emeev vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/ufc-mma-mixed-martial-arts-cards-ppv/2020/6/28/21306154/ufc-fight-island-251-full-card-fight-times-main-events-preliminary-cards-usman-vs-burns-yan-aldoDavid Fucillo