The MMA Daily

Best Plays

9k Range

Terrance McKinney ($9,500) – The highest priced fighter on the slate, as well as my number one rated fighter, McKinney is well worth the price tag. Checking off every box, McKinney is sixth or higher in average career points, average points in victory, highest point total in victory and lowest point total in victory. With all twelve of McKinney’s wins coming inside the distance, and eleven coming in round one, you can count on McKinney to rack up the points.

Jamahal Hill ($9,000) – One half of the main event and lowest fighter in the 9k range, Hill checks in as my 9th ranked fighter. Which isn’t all that great, but when you factor in that Hill averaged 48.95 in the first four fights, you’d come to realize that he has drastically improved. Notching back-to-back wins, and scoring 102.7 and 126.6 points respectively, Hill has bumped that average up to 70.9. With the second highest significant strikes total all-time in the Light Heavyweight division at 6.22 and knockout power, Hill with the extra ten minutes, is a worthwhile play.

8k Range

Zac Pauga ($8,900) – A former collegiate running back for Colorado State, Pauga’s athleticism has translated to mixed martial arts. A perfect 5-0 as a professional and having easily gotten by two fighters on the Ultimate Fighter 30, Pauga steps into the finale as the favorite. Rightfully so, as his speed and footwork compliment his well rounded abilities. While he is a risk at this price, and his track record of finishing fights isn’t necessarily strong, outside of opponent Mohammed Usman’s power, Pauga has the upper-hand everywhere else

Serghei Spivac ($8,800) – With the third highest average points in victory at 108.52, as well as second in most points scored in victory at 131.9, Spivac statistically checks off several boxes. Coming in as my 5th rated fighter, Spivac has proven to be a worthy play in victory.

Bryan Battle ($8,700) – Moving down from Middleweight for the first time since beginning his professional career, Battle comes into this fight with a nice size advantage. Already gifted with excellent conditioning and one to be very active, Battle should be able to eclipse his average point total of 92.3. Especially against the struggling slugger in Takashi Sato.

Josh Quinlan ($8,600) – A perfect 5-0 and coming off a lengthy suspension, Quinlan finally gets his opportunity to touch down in the octagon. With a 100% finishing rate, and three first round finishes, Quinlan is one of my favorite plays on the card. Known to be a fast starter and against Jason Witt, who has been knocked out three times in the UFC, two of which came under a minute, I like Quinlan’s chances at eclipsing 120 points.

Vicente Luque ($8,500) – If the UFC ever came out with a team based on All-Violence, Luque would make the first time. Known for his well rounded abilities, as well as ability to halt a fight wherever, Luque is worthy of a play anytime he steps inside the octagon. Second on the slate in career points at 90.1, as well as top seven in both average points in victory and most points scored in victory, Luque more often than not, has cashed in for his backers regardless of foe.

Stephanie Egger ($8,000) – Not someone I would of normally looked at, Egger is my number two rated fighter. Quietly starting her ascension in the Bantamweight division, Egger has averaged a solid 106.8 in the past two fights. Against an opponent in Mayra Bueno Silva, who has been taken down and controlled in several fights, Egger at this price seems very intriguing.

7k and Under Range

Priscila Cachoeira ($7,800) – Known to be wild and with zombie-like durability, there is no stopping Cachoeira from turning a fight ugly. Unless, you’re a wrestler with good grappling. In which, Ariane Lipski is neither. Given that and the fact that Cachoeira has won three of her last four fights, I’m a little surprised to see the Brazilian as an underdog.

Geoff Neal ($7,700) – Not a play I’m eyeing, Neal comes in as my 10th ranked fighter. While Neal ranks fourth in career points at 80, he is among the bottom half in points in victory, most points scored in victory and lowest points scored in victory. Essentially, Neal has won more often than not, yet his ceiling and floor are low.

Jason Witt ($7,500) – With two UFC victories, which averaged 106.85, Witt can be a rewarding play. However, with three losses that averaged a mere 12.77, he is also risky.

Takashi Sato ($7,300) – Like Jason Witt, when Sato has won, he has scored big points. Number one on the card in average points in victory at 112.6, and with a high in victory of 132.5, Sato is certainly worth a stab.

Fades

Cory McKenna ($9,100) – In two UFC fights, McKenna has averaged a measly 68.4 points. In one lone victory, she scored 83.2. With only three finishes and at this price tag of 9.1k, I don’t see how anyone can justifiably play McKenna.

Ariane Lipski ($8,400) – A loser of two of the last three and with a career points average among the bottom half at 53.8, Lipski is very trustworthy. Checking in as my twelfth ranked fighter, which doesn’t include debutants, Lipski’s value doesn’t match this price tag.

Mayra Bueno Silva ($8,200) – My seventeenth rated fighter, which is the second worst on the slate, Silva is among the bottom half in every category but average points in losses. Which is fine if you’re not priced as the favorite at 8.2k.