After a week away in Sydney, Australia, for UFC 312, the promotion returns to its home base at the UFC Apex. Former title challenger Jared Cannonier looks to pick up his first victory since June 2023. No. 7 Cannonier is facing another rising star, Gregory Rodrigues, in the Main Event of this Fight Night. UFC Veteran No. 10 Calvin Kattar takes on Youssef Zalal in a three-round featherweight bout in the co-main event.

The Prelims start at 4:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with the Main Card airing live on ESPN+ at 7:00 p.m. ET. Check out my favorite fighters to add to your daily fantasy lineup for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Rodrigues.

Set your DraftKings fantasy MMA lineups here: UFC $400K Throwdown [$100K to 1st]

Studs

Jared Gordon ($9,200)

Gordon is fighting UFC debutant Mashrabjon Ruzibaev in a three-round lightweight bout. He has been on a weird stretch during his previous three fights. Gordon is 1-1 with a no-contest in that period.

In his last fight, he lost a split decision to Nasrat Haqparast in June 2024. It was a very close contest as Gordon out-landed Haqparast in total strikes and control time. In this bout, Gordon is the bigger fighter, standing one inch taller (5’9″ vs. 5’8″) while having a more significant reach (68″ vs. 67″).

Although Gordon only totaled 67 fantasy points in his last fight, he had 119 against Mark O. Madsen at UFC 295. Gordon has two 100-plus point performances in the previous five fights. If Gordon keeps Ruzibaev at range, he has a great chance to be an elite fantasy contributor.

Gregory Rodrigues ($8,600)

Although statistics don’t always tell the entire story, Rodrigues has the edge against Cannonier. Cannonier is taller, but Rodrigues has a larger reach (77″ vs. 75″).

Rodrigues lands more significant strikes per minute while also being the more accurate striker. On the ground, he lands more takedowns per 15 minutes than Cannonier. Rodrigues has been a consistent fantasy scorer during his three-fight win streak. He has recorded 90 or more points in his previous three bouts. He has also hit that mark in five of his last six contests.

Rodrigues’ most considerable advantage in this bout is on the ground. He lands 2.32 more takedowns per 15 minutes and has a 100 percent defensive takedown rate. If Rodrigues makes this a long fight with a ton of wrestling, it will likely wear down Cannonier, resulting in another victory.

Value Play

Andre Petroski ($7,400)

The second fight on the main card is a middleweight bout between Andre Petroski and Rodolfo Vieira. Both fighters have won their last two fights. They are both 6’0″ and have a 73″ standing reach.

For only $7,400, Petroski is a good value fighter to add to your lineup. He is coming off a win where he recorded 82 points. In Petroski’s last four fights to go to the third round, he has scored at least 77 points. Petroski has totaled 90-plus fantasy points in four of his nine fights in the UFC.

Both fighters excel on the ground, but Petroski has a 56 percent takedown accuracy, which is 26 percent better than Vieira’s. If Petroski can start this contest with a relentless pace, he will put himself in a great position to win his third straight fight. Also, Petroski is a +225 undergo on DraftKings Sportsbook while Vieira is -278.

Set your DraftKings fantasy MMA lineups here: UFC $400K Throwdown [$100K to 1st]