The UFC returns to Mexico City, and the most prominent Mexican star, No. 2 Brandon Moreno, headlines the event again. Moreno headlined a Fight Night in Mexico City in February 2024 against Brandon Royval. Moreno lost that bout via split decision but will seek revenge against No. 8 Steve Erceg. Eight fighters from Mexico are featured throughout this card with 13 bouts.
The Prelims start at 1:00 p.m. ET, with the Main Card airing at 4:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Check out my favorite fighters to add to your daily fantasy lineup for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Erceg.
Set your DraftKings fantasy MMA lineups here: UFC $350K Throwdown [$100K to 1st]
Studs
Raul Rosas Jr. ($9,200)
One of the biggest stars in the UFC from Mexico is “El Nino Problema”, Raul Rosas Jr. He is 4-1 in the UFC with his most recent victory against Aoriqileng at UFC 306 at the Sphere. At 20 years old, Rosas will make his sixth walk to the Octagon on Saturday. Rosas is facing Vince Morales, who has lost his two straight fights.
Rosas is two inches taller (5’9″ vs. 5’7″) in this matchup while having a disadvantage in reach (70″ vs. 67″). In this fight on the ground, Rosas possesses a significant mismatch. Rosas averages a little over four takedowns per 15 minutes, which is nearly 3.5 more than Morales. Although Rosas has a 39 percent takedown accuracy, he has a relentless takedown attack.
Even though Morales lands 2.29 more significant strikes per minute, Rosas is the more accurate striker. Rosas is known as a wrestler, and his striking is still a work in progress. Since entering the UFC, Rosas has been a productive fighter from a fantasy perspective. Rosas has totaled 100-plus points in three of his five fights in the UFC while recording 86 in his last performance.
Ronaldo Rodriguez ($8,500)
One of the most exciting prospects in the UFC’s Flyweight division is the “Lazy Boy” Ronaldo Rodriguez. He is 2-0 in the UFC and last won at UFC 306 in September 2024 against Ode Osbourne. Although he only scored 76 points in his previous fight, Rodriguez recorded 106 in his UFC debut. Rodriguez is a -148 favorite in this bout on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Rodriguez is fighting Kevin Borjas, who is on a two-fight losing streak. This is a good matchup for Rodriguez, the more accurate striker (44% vs. 40%) and more powerful. Rodriguez holds the most significant advantage in this bout on the ground. Rodriguez averages 1.13 takedowns per 15 minutes, with five submissions in his career. Three of Rodriguez’s previous four victories have come by finish. Rodriguez must use his aggressive style to push the pace and wear Borjas down throughout the contest.
Value Play
Kelvin Gastelum ($6,900)
Former title challenger Kelvin Gastelum has won two of his last three fights. The last time he was in the Octagon, Gastelum beat Daniel Rodriguez in June 2024. Although Gastelum is facing a formidable opponent in Joe Pyfer, his price tag of $6,900 is still way too low.
Gastelum is coming off a performance where he scored 102 fantasy points, his most since 2017. He has scored at least 88 points in three of his last four fights. Pyfer is the favorite in this matchup, being -298 with Gastelum at +240 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Yes, Pyfer has won four of his last five fights, but he hasn’t faced as formidable an opponent as Gastelum. Gastelum is the slightly better striker on the feet, landing 3.74 significant strikes per minute at a 42 percent rate, while Pyfer lands 3.72 while being 41 percent accurate. Pyfer lands 1.45 takedowns per 15 minutes, but Gastelum has an impressive 59 percent takedown defense. Gastelum needs to use his pace to his advantage in this bout, and if he does so, he has a good chance of outperforming his price tag.
Set your DraftKings fantasy MMA lineups here: UFC $350K Throwdown [$100K to 1st]
