For the second consecutive week, the UFC is hosting a Fight Night event at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada! This event was originally slated to feature a welterweight bout between Sean Brady and Gabriel Bonfim. It was later changed to Waldo Cortes Acosta vs. Johnny Walker after Brady was injured. Saturday’s UFC Fight Night Main Card begins at 8:00 p.m. ET on Paramount+.
Set your DraftKings fantasy MMA lineups here: UFC $300K Throwdown [$100K to 1st].
Check out my favorite fighters to add to your daily fantasy lineup for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card.
Studs
Elijah Smith ($9,100)
One of the top rising prospects at 135 pounds is Elijah Smith, a 10-1 fighter with seven finishes at just 24. He has started his UFC career 3-0, with finishes in his previous two fights. In March, Smith submitted SuYoung You in the second round. Davey Grant, a 10-year UFC veteran, is coming off a win over Adrian Luna Martinetti in April and is 3-1 since 2024.
On paper, Smith has the physical advantage, being one inch taller (5’9″ vs. 5’8″) and having a two-inch longer standing reach (71″ vs. 69″). Although Grant lands 1.40 more significant strikes per minute, Smith has the edge in striking accuracy (48% vs. 45%) , strikes absorbed per minute (2.96 vs. 4.04). Smith is also the more versatile fighter, as he is skilled on the ground, landing more takedowns per 15 minutes (2.98 vs. 0.95) with better takedown accuracy (53% vs. 38%).
Another major factor not reflected on the stat sheet is Smith’s tremendous athleticism, which should put him a level above Grant. In his previous two fights, Smith has scored 94.6 and 121.5 fantasy points. With Smith’s recent aggression, he should be able to make his mark in this fight with another elite performance. If Smith brings the fight to Grant, the veteran will likely fall behind quickly, as it will be hard to keep up with the 24-year-old.
Tatiana Suarez ($8,600)
Although Jandiroba is talented, Suarez has a stronger skill set. Suarez averages more significant strikes per minute (2.86 vs. 2.27) and has a better striking accuracy (60% vs. 41%). Also, Suarez has the edge on the ground, landing 1.39 more takedowns per 15 minutes than Jandiroba. Suarez has a two-inch advantage in height (5’5″ vs. 5’3″) and standing reach (66″ vs. 64″) over Jandiroba.
Suarez is one of four fighters on this card that average 100-plus fantasy points per contest. She has scored 108 and 80.2 points in her previous two fights and has scored at least 98 in eight of her last 10 UFC fights. With Suarez’s upside and potential, adding her to your lineup at $8,600 is an excellent value.
Value Play
Johnny Walker ($7,500)
On October 3 at UFC 332, Johnny Walker made his Heavyweight debut and scored a first-round knockout over Mick Parkin. He previously competed in the UFC’s Light Heavyweight division since 2018. Now Walker faces No. 6-ranked heavyweight Waldo Cortes Acosta. Cortes Acosta is in the midst of a two-fight losing streak with defeats to Curtis Blaydes and Alexander Volkov.
For each of their last fight, Walker weighed 242 pounds, 20 pounds lighter than Cortes Acosta was against Blaydes. Walker should be able to use his speed advantage to succeed against Cortes Acosta. Walker is also the taller fighter (6’6″ vs. 6’4″) and has the edge in standing reach (82″ vs. 78″). Cortes Acosta lands 1.05 more significant strikes per minute, but Walker absorbs fewer strikes (2.99 vs. 3.44) and has better striking accuracy (55% vs. 47%).
Recently, Cortes Acosta has been very passive and has struggled against top-tier opponents. As the smaller fighter, Walker will likely move around the Octagon and dictate the pace. If he does, Walker is likely to deliver another strong performance at heavyweight, as his complete striking arsenal is better than Cortes Acosta’s.
Set your DraftKings fantasy MMA lineups here: UFC $300K Throwdown [$100K to 1st].
Stats provided by UFC Stats.
