Rising bantamweight contender Raul Rosas Jr. returns to the Octagon on Saturday night, facing veteran Raoni Barcelos in the main event of UFC Vegas 121 inside the Meta APEX.
Rosas enters as a -155 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Barcelos is a +130 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 3.5 Rounds.
Along with traditional sports betting and daily fantasy, you can now have more action than ever for UFC Fight Night: Rosas Jr. vs. Barcelos. Check out DraftKings UFC Pick6 for my favorite picks for Saturday’s UFC event.
Raul Rosas Jr. | More Than 3.5 Takedowns
Still only 21, Raul Rosas Jr. (12–1, 6–1 UFC) has accrued some serious mileage in the Octagon. And he’s successfully enforced his dominant ground game in almost every fight so far. The Mexican bantamweight averages north of six takedowns per 15 minutes and, in his last bout, downed Rob Font 16 times on 18 attempts.
In his first five-round main event, Rosas has a clear runway to smash his 3.5-takedown line against veteran Raoni Barcelos (22–5, 11–4 UFC). Although the Brazilian is on a strong run of form and boasts an 87 percent takedown defense, he enters Saturday night at 39 years old. Barcelos will likely struggle to withstand the relentless grappling pressure from the young and hungry Rosas.
Ailin Perez | More Than 1.5 Takedowns
We’re going back to the well on takedowns. In Saturday’s co-main event between top-five women’s bantamweights, Ailin Perez (13–2, 6–1 UFC) will look to employ her impressive grappling skill set against crisp striker Norma Dumont (13–3, 9–3 UFC). Chances are, she will.
Perez has landed multiple takedowns in each of her six fights since moving to bantamweight, including as many as 10. And although Dumont owns a solid 71 percent takedown defense inside the Octagon, she has shown vulnerability against elite grapplers in the past. Back in 2022, Dumont got taken down six times in her decision loss to Macy Chiasson — who, earlier this year, got taken down six times in a decision loss to Perez.
Mehemmedeli Osmanli | More Than 93.5 Fantasy Points
Bantamweight prospect Mehemmedeli Osmanli (12–1, 0–0 UFC) enters as a heavy -298 favorite for his Octagon debut against fellow newcomer Ilimbek Akylbek Uulu (10–3, 0–0 UFC). The former heads into Saturday night on a nine-fight winning streak, with a chance to pad his 83 percent finish rate.
Osmanli pairs solid striking with a dangerous grappling game, with eight of his victories coming by submission. He should have the upper hand in both areas against Akylbek Uulu, who is formidable on the ground but lacks cardio and durability. All three of Akylbek Uulu’s losses have come by knockout or TKO, providing Osmanli with a chance to record another stoppage and pile up fantasy points in the process.
Rinya Nakamura | More Than 92.5 Fantasy Points
Rinya Nakamura (10–1, 4–1 UFC) is back after a year away from the cage, looking to pick up where he left off. In August 2025, the Japanese bantamweight, known for explosive finishes, bulldozed Nathan Fletcher in just 62 seconds for a first-round TKO — good for 104.9 fantasy points.
Although Nakamura is coming off an extended absence, his opponent on Saturday night has been shelved for twice as long. Brady Hiestand (9–2, 3–1 UFC) hasn’t fought since June 2024 after suffering two ACL tears in the same knee, casting serious doubt on his ability to hit the ground running against the dangerous knockout artist.
Rodolfo Vieira | More Than 3:30 Control Time
Back-to-back losses don’t make Rodolfo Vieira (11–5, 6–5 UFC) any less threatening on the ground. The Brazilian middleweight is a decorated Jiu-Jitsu phenom, with nine of his 11 wins coming by submission. Despite coming up short in his last outing against Eric McConico, Vieira landed four takedowns for 6:24 control time.
Vieira could look especially imposing on the ground Saturday night against Robert Bryczek (18–7, 1–2 UFC). The Polish contender has already struggled against grapplers inside the Octagon; last time out, Cam Rowston controlled him for more than 10 minutes.
Rodolfo Bellato | More Than 32.5 Significant Strikes
Rodolfo Bellato (13–3–1, 2–1–1 UFC [1 NC]) is riding high from his first-round stoppage win against Luke Fernandez earlier this year. That win should have him feeling extra confident on Saturday night, as Fernandez was only two fights removed from defeating Bellato’s upcoming opponent, Christian Edwards (8–5, 0–1 UFC), in Cage Fury FC.
Bellato, equipped with exceptional takedown defense (94 percent), has the tools to neutralize Edwards’ greatest strength, his grappling. A stand-up battle heavily favors Bellato, who has recorded both of his UFC wins by knockout or TKO. That said, Edwards has proven himself exceptionally durable and likely won’t go down before absorbing at least 32.5 significant strikes.
What is DraftKings Pick6?
Pick6 is a peer-to-peer fantasy variant where you build a lineup (your “Pick Set”) of 2+ players and select whether or not you believe each will outperform their listed stat projection. Enter your Pick Set in Pick6 contests to compete against other users. Get enough picks correct and win a share of cash prizes.
How to Play DraftKings Pick6
Create a Pick Set
Create a Pick Set by choosing 2+ players from the same sport and Pick Group (a set of picks available from a group of set competitions). For each player, simply select if you think they’ll have more or less than their listed stat projection. In each Pick Set, you can not pick the same player twice, and you must pick players from at least two different teams.
Enter an Amount
Once you finalize your Pick Set, choose your entry fee amount. Your entries will be automatically distributed into available contests, subject to your confirmation.
Sweat Your Picks
When the games go live, use the My Picks tab to follow your picks in real time to track how your players are performing against their projections and how they stack up against other users.
Compete for Prizes
Make enough correct picks and win a share of the contests’ guaranteed prizes. Any prizes won will be credited to your DraftKings account after contests are finalized.
Play at DraftKings Pick6 or by downloading the DraftKings Pick6 app on Apple or Google!
Apple DraftKings Pick6 App
Google DraftKings Pick6 App
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be at least 18 years or older. Higher age limits may apply in some states. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid only in states where DraftKings Pick6 operates. Void where prohibited. For entertainment purposes only. Winning a contest on DraftKings depends on knowledge and exercise of skill. See terms at pick6.draftkings.com.
