Top DFS Picks and Strategies for UFC 325<\/p>\n
The UFC is back in 2026 with its second consecutive numbered card, so we’ll once again use this article to track the top UFC DFS locks and value plays for UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes. Included in this preview are profiles for each fighter and breakdowns of my DFS strategy for every bout on the card. Welcome to Drake’s Takes.<\/p>\n
Top UFC 325 Picks & Career Results:<\/p>\n
2026 Overall Picks:\u00a08-3-0 ~ Dog Picks 0-0-0 Alexander Volkanovski (27-4-0) v. Diego Lopes (27-7-0)<\/p>\n Alexander Volkanovski<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’6″ \u2013 Reach: 71″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 27-4 (13 KO\/TKO, 3 submissions)Elite fight IQ, cardio, and ability to make in-fight adjustmentsCan be hittable when pressured and forced into higher-tempo exchanges<\/p>\n Diego Lopes<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’11” \u2013 Reach: 72″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 27-7 (11 KO\/TKO, 12 submissions)Dangerous finisher with power, length, and submission threatsLearning curve has been clear, when aggressive and willing to trade, his upside spikes<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: Lopes is the preferred DFS side in the rematch. Expect him to apply lessons from the first fight by increasing pressure, being more willing to trade and forcing Volkanovski into uncomfortable exchanges. Volkanovski’s experience and durability keep him live, but Lopes’ aggression and finishing upside give him the higher DFS ceiling. Lopes profiles as a strong tournament play with knockout or submission equity if he pushes the pace early and often.<\/p>\n UFC 325 Pick: Lopes<\/p>\n Like this underdog pick? Try it out with different lineup combinations on our DraftKings UFC Lineup Optimizer<\/a> to see what openings you can create with this salary relief.<\/p>\n Dan Hooker (24-13-0) v. Benoit Saint-Denis (16-3-0)<\/p>\n Dan Hooker<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’0″ \u2013 Reach: 75″ \u2013 Stance: SwitchRecord: 23-12 (11 KO\/TKO, 7 submissions)Dangerous striker with range weapons, knees, and kicksGlaring weakness on the ground; struggles defensively when forced into grappling exchanges<\/p>\n Benoit Saint-Denis<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’11” \u2013 Reach: 73″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 16-3 (5 KO\/TKO, 11 submissions)Relentless pressure grappler with strong top control and submission chainsExcels at exploiting defensive grappling flaws and breaking opponents over time<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: Saint-Denis is the clear DFS target in this matchup. Hooker’s ground game has been a persistent liability, and Saint-Denis is tailor-made to exploit it. Expect BSD to force takedowns early, maintain heavy control and pile up DFS points through advances and submission attempts. This profiles as a dominant win for Saint-Denis with both a strong floor and slate-breaking ceiling.<\/p>\n UFC 325 Pick: Saint-Denis<\/p>\n Interested in backing this or other picks seen here on sites like PrizePicks? Check out the Best MMA Picks & Prop Bets<\/a> by comparing lines to our projections using the RotoWire Picks & Props tool.\u00a0<\/p>\n Rafael Fiziev (13-4-0) v. Mauricio Ruffy (12-2-0)<\/p>\n Rafael Fiziev<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’8″ \u2013 Reach: 71″ \u2013 Stance: SwitchRecord: 13-4 (8 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)High-level kickboxer with elite speed, defense, and counter strikingVastly more experience against top-tier competition and strong control in striking exchanges<\/p>\n Mauricio Ruffy<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’11” \u2013 Reach: 75″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 12-2 (11 KO\/TKO)Explosive striker with finishing power and confidenceStill relatively untested at the highest level; can be drawn into technical battles<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: Fiziev is an excellent DFS target, especially as an underdog. His experience, defensive striking and ability to control exchanges should neutralize Ruffy’s explosiveness. If Fiziev dictates pace and distance, he can rack up clean volume while limiting damage. This sets up as a strong leverage play with decision equity and potential late-finish upside, making Fiziev one of the better dog targets on the card.<\/p>\n UFC 325 Pick: Fiziev<\/p>\n Tai Tuivasa (14-8-0) v. Tallison Teixeira (22-8-0)<\/p>\n Tai Tuivasa<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’2″ \u2013 Reach: 75″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 14-8 (13 KO\/TKO)Heavy-handed brawler with one-punch knockout powerFive-fight losing streak and declining durability raise major concerns<\/p>\n Tallison Teixeira<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’7″ \u2013 Reach: 83″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 8-1 (7 KO\/TKO)Massive height and reach advantage with dangerous powerShould be able to control distance and force Tuivasa into unfavorable exchanges<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: Tuivasa’s recent skid makes him extremely difficult to trust in DFS, especially against a much larger opponent. Teixeira’s size, reach, and power give him a clear stylistic edge and strong finishing upside. If Teixeira fights with even basic discipline, he should be able to keep Tuivasa at range and land damaging shots. Teixeira profiles as a strong DFS play with knockout potential in a matchup that favors him heavily.<\/p>\n UFC 325 Pick: Teixeira<\/p>\n Quillan Salkilld (10-1-0) v. Jamie Mullarkey (18-8-0)<\/p>\n Quillan Salkilld<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’0″ \u2013 Reach: 75″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 10-1 (4 KO\/TKO, 3 submissions)Well-rounded skill set with good athleticism and finishing abilityAppears to be stepping into a very favorable matchup relative to experience level<\/p>\n Jamie Mullarkey<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’0″ \u2013 Reach: 74″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 18-8 (10 KO\/TKO, 3 submission)Aggressive brawler who relies on toughness and pressureDefensive issues and inconsistency have repeatedly shown at the UFC level<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: This matchup feels like a gift for Salkilld. Mullarkey’s defensive lapses and tendency to brawl without structure line up perfectly for a cleaner, more composed fighter to exploit. Salkilld should be able to dictate exchanges, land first, and find a finish or clearly outscore Mullarkey. From a DFS standpoint, Salkilld offers strong win equity with finishing upside, making him one of the better plays in this range on the card.<\/p>\n UFC 325 Pick: Salkilld<\/p>\n Junior Tafa (6-4-0) v. Billy Elekana (9-2-0)<\/p>\n Junior Tafa<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’3″ \u2013 Reach: 75″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 6-4 (6 KO\/TKO)Explosive striker with real power earlyStruggles defensively on the mat and can be neutralized if taken down<\/p>\n Billy Elekana<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’3″ \u2013 Reach: 77″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 9-2 (3 KO\/TKO, 2 submissions)Showed strong composure and well-rounded ability in his last fightWilling to grapple and work from top position, which is key in this matchup<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: This remains a high-variance fight, but Elekana’s skill set translates even better at light heavyweight. His willingness to grapple and top-control potential directly target Tafa’s biggest weakness. Tafa always carries early-knockout upside, but if Elekana is legitimate, as his last fight suggested, he has the clearer path to sustained control and DFS scoring. Elekana is the side to be more aggressive on in tournaments.<\/p>\n UFC 325 Pick: Elekana<\/p>\n Cam Rowston (13-3-0) v. Cody Brundage (11-7-1)<\/p>\n Cam Rowston<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’3″ \u2013 Reach: 78″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 13-3 (5 KO\/TKO, 7 submission)Physical, aggressive finisher with strong pressure and paceConsistently overwhelms opponents who struggle with durability and composure<\/p>\n Cody Brundage<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’0″ \u2013 Reach: 72″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 11-7-1 (6 KO\/TKO, 3 submissions)Has wrestling upside but is extremely inconsistentDurability issues and defensive lapses have led to multiple quick losses<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: Rowston is a smash spot and one of the strongest DFS targets on the card. His pressure, power, and ability to capitalize on mistakes line up perfectly against Brundage’s durability concerns. If Rowston pushes the pace early, this could end quickly. He offers a high floor with massive finishing upside, making him a core DFS play in all formats.<\/p>\n UFC 325 Pick: Rowston<\/p>\n Jacob Malkoun (8-3-0) v. Torrez Finney (11-0-0)<\/p>\n Jacob Malkoun<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’9″ \u2013 Reach: 73″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 8-3 (3 KO\/TKO)Strong wrestling base with a control-heavy grappling styleNearly two-year layoff raises questions about timing, conditioning, and sharpness<\/p>\n Torrez Finney<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’8″ \u2013 Reach: 75″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 11-0 (7 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)Physical, aggressive wrestler who looks to impose top control earlyComfortable turning grappling exchanges into grinding, dominant positions<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: This is likely to be a grappling-heavy fight with limited striking volume, making control time critical for DFS scoring. Malkoun’s wrestling gives him a clear path, but the extended layoff creates legitimate concern. Finney’s activity level, physicality, and momentum give him a slight edge in a fight where whoever secures top position first could dictate long stretches. Finney is the preferred DFS option by a narrow margin, especially in tournaments, given the uncertainty surrounding Malkoun’s return.<\/p>\n UFC 325 Pick: Finney<\/p>\n Jonathan Micallef (8-1-0) v. Oban Elliott (12-3-0)<\/p>\n Jonathan Micallef<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’0″ \u2013 Reach: 77″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 8-1 (2 KO\/TKO, 3 submissions)More complete overall body of work with solid fundamentalsComfortable mixing striking and grappling to win close rounds<\/p>\n Oban Elliott<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’0″ \u2013 Reach: 72″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 12-3 (3 KO\/TKO, 3 submission)Physical striker with length and forward pressureStill developing consistency when fights stay competitive and technical<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: This profiles as a close, competitive fight with modest finishing equity. Micallef’s broader experience and ability to edge rounds across multiple phases give him a slight DFS lean. Elliott’s size and pressure keep him live, but Micallef’s steadier approach should allow him to pull ahead on the scorecards. Micallef is the preferred DFS side by a narrow margin, projecting best as a decision win rather than a slate-breaking finish.<\/p>\n UFC 325 Pick: Micallef<\/p>\n Kaan Ofli (12-4-1) v. Yizha (26-5-0)<\/p>\n Kaan Ofli<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’7″ \u2013 Reach: 66″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 12-4-1 (2 KO\/TKO, 6 submissions)Well-balanced skill set with competent striking and grapplingComfortable mixing phases and winning fights through control and efficiency<\/p>\n Yi Zha<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’7″ \u2013 Reach: 71″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 11-2 (6 KO\/TKO, 14 submissions)Clean striker with speed and volume at rangeCan be neutralized when opponents force grappling exchanges<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: This shapes up as another close fight, but Ofli stands out as a strong underdog DFS target. His ability to blend striking with timely takedowns gives him multiple paths to victory, especially against a favorite who prefers a cleaner, stand-up fight. Yizha’s odds reflect his striking upside, but Ofli’s balance and adaptability make him the side to lean toward in DFS tournaments. Ofli offers solid leverage with realistic win equity in a competitive matchup.<\/p>\n UFC 325 Pick: Ofli<\/p>\n Dom Mar Fan (8-2-0) v. Sang Uk Kim (13-3-0)<\/p>\n (Road to the UFC – 155-pound Championship)<\/p>\n Dom Mar Fan<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’11” \u2013 Reach: 75″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 9-2 (1 KO\/TKO, 3 submissions)Aggressive pace fighter who pushes forward and forces exchangesCan be hittable defensively when fights get extended and competitive<\/p>\n Sangwook Kim<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’0″ \u2013 Reach: 71″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 10-1 (5 KO\/TKO, 4 submissions)Cleaner, more technical striker with strong composureDoes a good job managing distance and avoiding unnecessary damage<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: With the expectation that Dom Mar initiates takedowns and prioritizes ground control, he becomes the preferred DFS side. Over five rounds, consistent wrestling, top control, and positional dominance can quietly rack up points even without a finish. Kim’s cleaner striking keeps him competitive on the feet, but if Dom Mar dictates where the fight takes place, he should be able to bank rounds and control tempo. Dom Mar profiles best as a decision winner with a solid DFS floor rather than a slate-breaking ceiling.<\/p>\n UFC 325 Pick: Dom Mar<\/p>\n Sebastian Szalay (10-1-0) v. Keiichiro Nakamura (7-1-0)<\/p>\n (Road to the UFC – 145-pound Championship)<\/p>\n Sebastian Szalay<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’6″ \u2013 Reach: 66″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 10-1 (2 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)Durable and methodical fighter who tends to win fights by decisionLower output limits finishing upside and DFS ceiling<\/p>\n Keiichiro Nakamura<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’10” \u2013 Reach: 70″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 7-1 (6 KO\/TKO)Aggressive finisher who throws with intent and pushes paceReach advantage and higher volume give him an edge in exchanges<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: Nakamura is a strong underdog DFS target in this matchup. His willingness to throw, combined with his finishing instincts and reach advantage, gives him the higher ceiling over three rounds. Szalay’s durability and decision-heavy style keep him competitive, but Nakamura’s output and damage potential make him the more attractive DFS option. Nakamura profiles best as a tournament player with a realistic knockout upside if he can dictate tempo early.<\/p>\n UFC 325 Pick: Nakamura<\/p>\n Sulangranbo (10-3-0) v. Lawrence Lui (7-1-0)<\/p>\n (Road to the UFC – 135-pound Championship)<\/p>\n Sulang Rangbo<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’9″ \u2013 Reach: 66″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 10-3 (6 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)Just 20 years old but already showing strong fundamentals and rapid improvementSharp striker with real power; dangerous if the fight stays standing<\/p>\n Lawrence Lui<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’7″ \u2013 Reach: 72″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 7-1 (4 KO\/TKO)Aggressive and willing to exchange, with paths to success in scramblesCan be hittable in striking exchanges against cleaner punchers<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: Sulangrangbo is the preferred DFS side in this matchup. His continued development, striking confidence, and knockout potential give him the higher ceiling if the fight plays out on the feet. Lui will have moments and opportunities of his own, particularly if he can force chaos or grappling exchanges, but Sulangrangbo’s composure and power make him the more reliable DFS option. He profiles well for tournaments with clear KO upside and solid win equity as the favorite.<\/p>\n UFC 325 Pick: Sulangranbo<\/p>\n Namsrai Batbayar (9-1-0) v. Aaron Tau (11-1-0)<\/p>\n (Road to UFC 125 Championship)<\/p>\n Namsrai Batbayar<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’4″ \u2013 Reach: 68″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 10-2 (4 KO\/TKO, 5 submissions)Well-rounded finisher with a strong overall body of workComfortable pushing exchanges and capitalizing when opponents overextend<\/p>\n
2025 Overall Picks:\u00a0345-152-2 ~ Dog Picks 53-43-2
Drake’s Bets of the Week:\u00a0Rafael Fiziev<\/a> +105
Bet of the Week Record:\u00a00-0-0
DFS Lock of the Week:\u00a0Billy Elekana<\/a>
Fanduel Captain:\u00a0Salkilld\/Elekana<\/p>\n