Cash Game Strategy and Player Pool Picks with emphasis on consistency, safety, and results! Follow EricF as he walks you through the #UFCESPN4 MMA slate…
We have a 10 fight card taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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!
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 12 Cash Core Plays
Sep 7, 2019; Abu Dhabi, UAE; Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) reacts against Khabib Nurmagomedov (red gloves) during UFC 242 at The Arena. Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports
Dustin Poirier (-230) 8.7k vs Dan Hooker (+190) 7.5k
In cash games I often try to target a fight to stack in cash games, especially if its a close match-up and the winner of the fight is expected to produce a high DraftKings score. The main event on this slate is no exception. Both fighters land and solid rates (Poirier 5.59 and Hooker 4.35 SS’s per minute) and typically post big scores in their wins for DraftKings purposes. Case in point Poirier has posted over 100+ DK points in all but 1 of his last 7 UFC wins and on Hookers current 3 fight winning streak he has scored over 95 Draftkings points all 3 times. When constructing a cash lineup its all about building a solid floor. I don’t see any reason that by stacking this fight you should expect them to score a combined total of 125+ Draftkings points with an even higher ceiling. No need to force yourself to pick a side here in cash. Just do the smart move and stack it and move on!!
Sean Woodson (-440) 8.9k
Woodson is now facing an opponent that is taking this fight on less than 1 Weeks short notice and his odds to win reflect that. Since DraftKings dropped salaries before the fight change Woodson is under-priced based on his odds to win. He is the biggest favorite on the card but, only priced as the 4th most expensive fighter on DK. This makes Woodson a strong play in cash games and I am taking full advantage of the price savings and think it’s a great starting point for your cash game builds!!
Youssef Zalal (-125) 8k
In order to fit the higher priced favorites on this card you are going to have to punt with an underdog or 2 on this card. Zalal is my favorite cash punt on this card if, you can even call him that now based on his odds. This is an instance where most who understand cash games will have him in their lineups. If you want to take the safe approach on this card highly, consider using him in your cash game builds!
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.
Takashi Sato (-275) 8.4k vs Jason Witt (+195) 7.8k
This fight is fully expected to end ITD with a prop of (-185). At both their salaries the winner of this fight should be on the optimal lineup and both are worth taking some stabs at in your tournament builds. I will personally have a good amount of exposure to this fight in tournaments because it’s a fight that will score well for DraftKings purposes. My preferred play is Sat0 because I think he is the superior striker on the feet and priced incorrectly facing an opponent taking this fight on 2 days short notice . If you plan on playing multiple lineups in tournaments this is a great fight to target both sides of.
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!