The UFC is back in Sin City at the Apex for a UFC Fight Night headlined by No. 8 Gilbert Burns vs. No. 12 Michael Morales. Burns is attempting to get back in the win column for the first time since April 2023, while Morales looks to add another veteran to his resume.
The Prelims start at 4:00 p.m. ET, with the Main Card beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Check out my favorite fighters to add to your daily fantasy lineup for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales.
Set your DraftKings fantasy MMA lineups here: UFC $350K Throwdown [$100K to 1st]
Studs
Michael Morales ($9,700)
Yes, Michael Morales is the highest-priced fighter in this slate, but he is worth it and more. Morales is coming off an incredible performance against Neil Magny, recording 117 fantasy points. At 25 years old, Morales is a can’t-miss prospect, and another highlight performance is likely.
Although he is in the middle of a stacked welterweight division and everyone is talking about Sean Brady, Ian Machado Garry, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and others, do not forget Morales. He is the youngest, but with a win over Burns, he immediately enters that elite group at 170 pounds.
He is 5-0 in the UFC with three knockouts. During that period, Morales averaged 5.42 significant strikes per minute, which is impressive. Burns has power on the feet, but Morales is the all-around better striker. Even on the ground, although Burns lands 2.10 takedowns per 15 minutes, 0.94 more, Morales is four percent more accurate in his attempts. Morales has a massive eighth-inch reach advantage (79″ vs. 71″). If he can use that to prevent Burns from closing the distance, Morales should have another big outing.
Jared Gordon ($8,200)
Gordon has been in the UFC for eight years and has had his ups and downs, but desperately needs a victory. He has had a weird run lately, going 1-2-1 in his last four fights. His last loss was against Nasrat Haqparast in June 2024. He has had a tough schedule recently, which continues when he faces Thiago Moises this Saturday. Moises is 2-2 in his last four fights and is coming off a victory against Trey Ogden.
On paper, Gordon matches up well against Moises. Gordon lands 3.25 more significant strikes per minute at a better rate (55% vs. 41%). Also on the ground, Gordon averages more takedowns (1.78 vs. 1.34) per 15 minutes while having an elite 62 percent takedown defense.
From a fantasy perspective, Gordon still possesses a high ceiling. He has scored 100-plus points in two of his last five fights. Gordon needs to begin this fight as the aggressor; if he does so, an above-above fantasy performance should be doable.
Value Play
Julian Erosa ($7,500)
Julian Erosa is taking on rising prospect Melquizael Costa, who is on a three-fight winning streak and is already making his third appearance in 2025. Erosa is also riding a win streak of three and most recently knocked out Dreren Elkins at UFC 314. Considering how he has performed lately, getting Erosa at $7,500 on DraftKings is a steal. Erosa has tallied 111 and 116 points in his previous two contests.
Costa fights for the third time in less than three months, but Erosa is the more efficient fighter. Erosa is an excellent striker, landing 6.4 significant strikes per minute. Even on the ground, Costa lands more takedowns (1.95 vs. 1.63), but Erosa is more accurate (48% vs. 34%).
Both fighters have combined for 22 submissions in their careers. Erosa has totaled 90 fantasy points in six of his last eight fights. He has also been in the UFC since 2018 and has a significant edge in experience. With Costa being good on the ground, it is wise for Erosa to avoid going to the mat.
Set your DraftKings fantasy MMA lineups here: UFC $350K Throwdown [$100K to 1st]
