Welcome again fellow fight fans to another Saturday night of UFC action. This time we have a 12-fight card taking place in Anaheim, California. There are several very close matches on this card which will make for some interesting choices in your tournament builds. But, that’s not what this article is about. My goal is to help navigate you through this interesting card and find some solid fighters to begin your cash game construction with.
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 241 Cash Core Plays
Devonte Smith (-1000) 9.5k
Smith is not only the highest favorite on the entire card but, he also happens to be the most expensive. I think his salary on Draftkings is warranted. He is facing an opponent taking this fight on less than 1 weeks short notice. The icing on top of all this is the high Inside The Distance (ITD) prop on this fight -475 and Smith has a massive ITD prop of -380. He is a lock for me in cash games and I think he has a very strong chance to put up a 100+ Draftkings points.
Cory Sandhagen (-220) 8.7k
The odds have been improving on Sandhagen. He is now a -220 favorite. Looking at Draftkings salaries he is the 7th most expensive but, has the 4th best odds to win on the entire card. As if that wasn’t enough all we have to do is look at his scores on Draftkings in his 4 fights in the UFC (133, 109, 119.5, and 100). If I haven’t sold you on him as a play listen to this! In his 4 wins he has landed 8.89 Signficant Strikes (SS’s) per minute. All this points to Sandhagen putting up a strong score in a win.
Jodie Esquibel (+240) 7k
If you want to fit the fighters listed above in your cash lineups you are going to have to punt with an underdog. Let me point you in the direction of Esquibel. Now her odds to win don’t look very enticing I know. Factor in the fact she has the size advantage in this fight and she lands at 4.87 SS’s per minute. Vegas is predicting we will get 3 rounds of scoring here with a Fight goes to Decision prop of -450. I think even in a decision loss we should get 30-40 Draftkings points. For her salary that’s all you need in your cash lineup.
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.
Yoel Romero (-140) 8.6k vs Paulo Costa (+120) 7.6k
Both fighters have the ability to end this fight very quickly. You don’t have to take my word for it just look towards Vegas and the Fight Doesn’t Go To Decision prop of -325. At their salaries whomever wins this fight is more than likely on the optimal lineup. Even though he is the more expensive fight my preferred play here is Romero.
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 to go along with this be sure you check out our new tutorial on how to MME for MMA by our CEO Geek. 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!
