Welcome back MMA fans to another Saturday night of UFC action. we have a solid 13 fight card taking place in Philadelphia, PA. For the 2nd time in the ESPN era of UFC we have a card being televised on the main ESPN channel. That could end up giving us an edge in some contests with potential new players trying on draftkings contests. As per usual I think this is a solid card to target in cash games overall. In general I am looking forward to a fun night of fights and than having a 1 week break. After that break we have a huge PPV card.
For you 1st time readers, welcome and I hope you enjoy the article. For all you regular readers, you will notice a change. Moving forward I am going to gear this article for cash games. If you want my full thoughts on the entire card, you can find them in our MMA coaches notes Yes, I know everyone wants to win that big tournament win! But a major point we make here at DFS Army is proper bankroll management. A major part of that is, of course, cash games. It may not be the sexiest way to build your bankroll but, over time it can be the most consistent. I would love to hear any feedback on this new format, and I look forward to helping everyone learn the art of creating a solid cash game lineup.
We have been on a huge run in all sports at DFS Army! Plus the new NASCAR season has started off right where we left off last season. We just had a huge win by a member last Saturday in MMA! You name the sport we cover it! If you want to join in on the winning use promo code “FORSLUND” to save 20% on your membership.
As always have some fun in tournaments this week. Just remember the Golden Rule! While chasing after the big payout is enticing always remember bankroll management. I am a firm believer in the 80-20 rule. Which is 80% of your allocated bankroll for the night in cash games and 20% in tournaments. Remember to take advantage of our Research Station and Domination Station. Plus check out the podcast, and follow me on Twitter (@MMACashAssassin) for the latest MMA and DFS Army news!
For those of you new to MMA here is a breakdown of the scoring used on Draftkings.
MMA Cash Game Basics for DFS
In cash games, unlike tournaments, we are trying to build a solid floor with our lineups. Many times that may mean using a fighter with great odds to win a match or taking someone who is severely mispriced in a solid spot. Cash games are often times card dependent. For example, if a fighter is expected to be chalky in cash games and I feel they are in a good spot I have no problem eating the chalk and just rostering him. After all, he’s chalky for a solid reason. One major difference between cash and tournament play is getting past your aversion to play the chalk. Often times, the chalk makes a lot of sense. (I’m going to use the word “chalk” a lot, if new, chalk is slang for “popular player.”) If, you ever have any questions pertaining to cash games feel free to reach out to me on Twitter or if you are a VIP shoot me a dm.
DFS MMA UFC On ESPN 2 Cash Core Plays
Jack Hermansson (-125) 8.3k
I really like the 8k range on this card. Hermansson is 1 of my favorite fighters in this range. He applies constant pressure in his fights and has a gas tank that doesn’t quit. Add in the fact that he can rack up points in multiple ways for us on drafkings through, Significant Strikes (4.92 avg landed per minute) and takedowns (2.12 landed per fight). An additional bonus for us is Vegas sees this fight ended Inside The Distance (-165) and is favoring Hermansson in this outcome (+140). Overall this is a great recipe for a solid floor and a great ceiling for Hermansson.
Enrique Barzola (-120) 8.2k
For those of you familiar with this article by now, you know I look to target grapplers whenever possible. Case in point here with Barzola. He averages 6.17 takedowns per fight. That’s 30 points of draftkings scoring alone. It sounds like he could be very chalky in cash games and I am eating it up. Let others make the mistake of fading him. We want a solid floor with some upside and that’s what we have here.
Michelle Waterson (+125) 7.6k
She is on of the 1st places I am looking to target as my cash punt. Fight has 1 of the highest decision props on the entire card. I like the fact that she has ability to land takedowns (TD’s) and lands with solid volume on the feet. Even in a decision loss she can score 30-40 draftkings points. Anything more than that is a bonus! I also like the fact that she could be lower owned in cash games than she should be.
Sure, these are MY favorite cash game plays, but maybe you play GPPs or like others. That’s fine…..you need tools, though. Our MMA Research Station is locked and loaded with every related statistic in an easy to read, color coded fashion that cuts your research time down. It allows several fighters, like the ones I mentioned, to really pop at you and make DFS life easier. But, to access this beast, you need to become a member at DFSA…
And, if you are already a member, we have podcasts related to this UFC MMA card, as well as premium articles breaking down strategy and advice even further to #RaiseYourEdge over your competition. I’m sure you’ve seen our army helmets all over the leaderboards. We have not one, not two, but THREE of the top-ranked MMA players in the world coaching our members up on a weekly basis and helping them become better MMA DFS players. See Marley’s UFC Breakdown article here.
Fight To Target In Hybrids/Tournaments
Now that we covered some cash plays. Let’s breakdown 1 fight I really think you should get exposure to in your hybrid and tournament lineups.
Edson Barboza (-135) 8.5k vs Justin Gaethje (+115) 7.7k
Welcome to the main event and the fight with the best odds to end Inside The Distance (-515) on the whole card. With odds like that I highly recommend having exposure to this fight in 100% of your tournament lineups. This is going to be a slug-fest for as long as it lasts. Both are solid fighters and each has knock-out power in there hands. Gaethje is the higher output striker (8.53 SS’s per minute) but, Barboza lands at a solid rate as well (3.99 SS’s). If I have to pick my preferred play on draftkings it is going to be Gaethje. The main reason being he is cheaper and allows you more flexibility up top with your roster construction.
DFS MMA Standing 8-Count
Ok, that was a boxing reference to make sure you are still paying attention. I hope you all enjoyed the new format and I look forward to hearing your feedback. Be sure you check out our VIP Podcast! If you are new to the sport of MMA, let us teach you the fundamentals. Become a VIP at DFS Army right now!! Our mixture of content, tools, and coaching can take the best NBA player and teach him MMA like a boss in a very short time. We have NFL guys learning Nascar, and we even have people learning how to dominate the silent sport of tennis! That’s right…..major edge in tennis, and I help out there, too.
If you are still on the fence, remember, my code FORSLUND knocks 20% off the cover price as long as you remain a member. It’s not a one month code….it’s permanent. And, are a couple quick notes from our members….
Good Luck Army!
