Welcome back to yet another Saturday of UFC fights. This time we are more back to normal with a 13-fight card taking place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. That means we don’t have to worry about an early morning lock, which makes me happy. Overall this is a solid card top to bottom and you can have some fun with a wide variety of contests on Draftkings. I also think this is a good card to attack in cash games and that’s the intended purpose of this article. Without further delay let’s find some plays to target in your cash builds!
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+ 8 Cash Core Plays
Roosevelt Roberts (-450) 9.5k
Roberts is priced as the most expensive fighter on draftkings. Hill below him might have better odds according to Vegas but, it also carries the likely chance in that fight going to decision. Looking at Roberts he has the Vegas odds in his favor to when as well as a very nice Inside The Distance Prop (ITD) of -170. Roberts is 1 of my favorite plays on the entire card! Throw in the fact that he has no problem knocking you out or taking the fight and we have a solid floor with a ton of upside. It also helps that his opponent has shown to have difficulties stopping takedowns (TD’s) in his previous fights.
Gilbert Burns (-270) 9.1k
Burns is by far the superior fighter on the ground (2.34 TD’s per fight) in this fight and has the ability to lock in a submission very, quickly. He is no slouch with his stand-up game either (3.09 Significant Strikes per minute). Another thing Burns has going for him in this fight is his opponent is taking this fight on short notice. All Burns needs to do is avoid the flash KO. I love targeting grapple heavy fighters in great spots in cash and this fight is no exception. If you need more proof than this look at Vegas (-250 fights ends ITD) and Burns has a solid ITD prop of (-128). All Burns needs to do is dictate where this fight goes like he should and we can expect a solid score from him on draftkings.
Jodie Esquibel (+450) 6.8k
With all the high priced fighters in great spots we need to find some salary relief somewhere. I honestly don’t know how popular Esquibel will be in cash games but, I like the salary she opens up. While is is a sizable underdog Vegas fully expects this fight to go to decision (-400). She is a has decent enough striking (4.87 SS’s per minute) that in a decision loss she should be able to get 20-30 drafkings points. That’s all we need at her price. This is one of those cases where by taking the loss and opening up salary you can increase your floor overall.
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.
Jacare Souza (-185) 8.9k vs Jack Hermansson (+160) 7.3k
This fight has is the most likely to end ITD on the entire card (-735). Obviously attacking both sides of this match-up is a very good strategy. I personally will have 100% exposure. Souza is the rightful favorite here but, its worth mentioning he is taking this fight on short notice. At his salary Souza likely needs a quick finish to reach value. Hermansson in his wins has but up some massive scores on draftkings and will look to carry this fight into the later rounds. I think its a must to have solid exposure to both fighters. My preferred play will be Souza.
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!
