UFC 314 will occur in Miami, Florida, on April 12 at the Kaseya Center. No. 1 Alexander Volkanovski will fight in his 10th straight title fight, but this time, he’s facing No. 3 Diego Lopes for the vacant UFC Featherweight title.
Along with traditional sports betting and daily fantasy, you can now have more action than ever for UFC 314: Volkanovski vs. Lopes! Check out DraftKings UFC Pick6! Here are my six favorite picks for UFC 314: Volkanovski vs. Lopes.
Alexander Volkanovski Less Than 20:30 Fight Time
Volkanovski started his UFC title reign with three straight decision victories, but since then, things have changed. He is on a two-fight losing streak, both of which have been by knockout. Two of Volk’s last three wins have also come by knockout.
With a matchup of Volkanovski and Diego Lopes, it is unlikely this contest lasts more than 20:30. Volkanovski’s last three fights have each ended in the first three rounds. Although Lopes’ two previous fights have gone the distance, it will unlikely happen for a third straight time. Lopes has three first-round finishes in three of his last five bouts. This should be an action-packed fight, and an early finish is very likely.
Michael Chandler More Than 41.5 Significant Strikes
Although things haven’t gone well for Chandler lately, he is still capable of greatness even at 38 years old. In his previous fight against Charles Oliveira, he recorded 84 significant strikes. He has had more than 41.5 significant strikes in three of his last four fights in the UFC.
At UFC 314, Chandler faces Paddy Pimblett, a versatile fighter. Chandler is the smaller fighter in this contest, and even though Pimblett has the edge in the striking stats, Chandler has the power advantage. Chandler has shown remarkable stamina throughout his career and is a tough guy to finish. If this bout goes into the third round, Chandler will have a great chance to finish with more than 41.5 significant strikes.
Chase Hooper More Than 98.5 Fantasy Points
Considering the level Chase Hooper has been fighting at lately, his total of 98.5 fantasy points seems low. He has hit that number in three of his previous four fights and has totaled 113 and 134.1 in his last two. Hooper is coming off a submission victory against veteran Clay Guida at UFC 310 and will now try to do the same against another long-tenured UFC fighter, Jim Miller.
Hooper is four inches taller, has a three-inch reach advantage, and is 16 years younger than Miller. Hooper recently showed incredible submission ability, but his striking has dramatically improved. He averages nearly two more significant strikes per minute than Miller. If Hooper can use his athletic ability to his advantage while wearing Miller down throughout three rounds, he surely should be able to reach 99 fantasy points.
Dan Ige Less Than 0.5 Takedowns
Dan Ige averages 0.99 takedowns per 15 minutes but has mainly focused on striking lately. Ige is fighting Sean Woodson, who defends takedowns at an elite 84 percent rate. This is a tough matchup for Ige as Woodson is one of the taller fighters in the featherweight division. Woodson is six inches taller (6’2″ vs. 5’7″) while having a massive reach advantage (78″ vs. 71″).
Ige scored only one or more takedowns in three of his previous seven contests. He has recently shown that his best path to victory has been to pressure his opponent and look for the finish. Two of Ige’s last three wins and three of four have come by knockout.
Michal Oleksiejczuk More Than 30.5 Significant Strikes
At times, Oleksiejczuk has shown much potential but has faced a very hard schedule lately. He has fought Caio Borralho, Michel Pereira, Kevin Holland, and Shara Magomedov in four of his last five bouts. At UFC 314, Oleksiejczuk is facing Sedriques Dumas.
Oleksiejczuk’s last four wins have all been by knockout. Although Oleksiejczuk lost to Magomedov, he landed 77 significant strikes, his most in the previous two years. He has totaled more than 30.5 significant strikes twice in his past four fights. Even though he is the smaller fighter, Oleksiejczuk is a much more advanced striker on the feet. He lands over five significant strikes per minute, almost two more than Dumas. Since Oleksiejczuk has a five-inch reach disadvantage, he must keep Dumas on his back foot. If he does so, surpassing 30.5 significant strikes should be very doable.
Yan Xiaonan More Than 59.5 Fantasy Points
Former title challenger Yan Xiaonan beat Tabatha Ricci after losing to Zhang Weili at UFC 300. Her total in fantasy points was surprising at 59.5, as she had surpassed 59.5 points in three of her previous four fights. Now, she faces fellow top contender, Virna Jandiroba, in a three-round women’s strawweight contest.
Xiaonan is the underdog in this fight at -120 on DraftKings Sportsbook. But on paper, this is a favorable matchup for Xiaonan. She lands more significant strikes per minute (4.99 vs. 2.12) while being more efficient (45% vs. 38%). On the ground, Jandiroba averages 2.29 takedowns per 15 minutes but only lands at a 34 percent rate. Xiaonan must use her elite takedown defense to make this a striking battle on the feet. If she follows that game plan, another positive performance should be in her future.
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,e 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
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.
