Top DFS Picks and Strategies for UFC 328<\/p>\n
DFS plays for this weekend’s UFC 328 card are live. 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
UFC Perth Picks & Career Results:<\/p>\n
2026 Overall Picks:\u00a0134-44-2\u00a0
2025 Overall Picks:\u00a0345-152-2\u00a0
DFS Lock of the Week:\u00a0Chimaev
Fanduel Captain: Chimaev\/Susurkaev<\/p>\n
Khamzat Chimaev (15-0-0) v. Sean Strickland (30-7-0)<\/p>\n
Khamzat Chimaev<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’2″ \u2013 Reach: 75″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 14-0 (6 KO\/TKO, 6 submissions)Dominant pressure fighter with elite wrestling and overwhelming paceHas consistently looked levels above most opponents in the division<\/p>\n Sean Strickland<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’1″ \u2013 Reach: 76″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 29-7 (12 KO\/TKO, 4 submissions)High-volume striker with solid defense and durabilityRelies heavily on boxing and pace to win rounds<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC 328 Pick: Chimaev<\/p>\n Ready to check out props for Chimaev on pick’em 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 Joshua Van (16-2-0) v. Tatsuro Taira (18-1-0)<\/p>\n Joshua Van<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’5″ \u2013 Reach: 65″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 16-2 (8 KO\/TKO, 2 submissions)Sharp boxer with elite volume and clean striking fundamentalsMost effective when he can keep fights standing and overwhelm opponents with pace<\/p>\n Tatsuro Taira<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’7″ \u2013 Reach: 70″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 18-1 (6 KO\/TKO, 8 submissions)High-level grappler with excellent control and submission abilityNeeds to dictate where the fight takes place to maximize his effectiveness<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC 328 Pick: Van<\/p>\n Agree with with this underdog pick? Try it out with different lineup combinations on our DraftKings UFC Lineup Optimizer<\/a> to see what combinations you can create with this salary relief.<\/p>\n Alexander Volkov (39-11-0) v. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (17-2-0)<\/p>\n Alexander Volkov<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’7″ \u2013 Reach: 80″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 39-11 (24 KO\/TKO, 4 submissions)Technical heavyweight striker with strong volume and experienceUses range and composure well to pick opponents apart over time<\/p>\n Waldo Cortes-Acosta<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’4″ \u2013 Reach: 78″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 17-2 (9 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)Powerful boxer with improving cardio and overall strikingHas continued to show growth and confidence against tougher competition<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC 328 Pick: Cortes-Acosta<\/p>\n Sean Brady (18-2-0) v. Joaquin Buckley (21-7-0)<\/p>\n Sean Brady<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’10” \u2013 Reach: 72″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 18-2 (3 KO\/TKO, 6 submissions)Elite grappler with strong control and submission abilityMost effective when he can dictate pace and dominate on the mat<\/p>\n Joaquin Buckley<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’10” \u2013 Reach: 76″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 21-7 (15 KO\/TKO)Explosive striker with massive knockout powerAlways dangerous on the feet and capable of ending fights instantly<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC 328 Pick: Brady<\/p>\n King Green (34-17-1) v. Jeremy Stephens (29-22-0)<\/p>\n King Green<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’10” \u2013 Reach: 71″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 34-17-1 (12 KO\/TKO, 9 submissions)Veteran striker with slick boxing and strong defensive movementComfortable fighting at range and controlling exchanges with volume<\/p>\n Jeremy Stephens<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’9″ \u2013 Reach: 71″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 29-22 (18 KO\/TKO, 3 submissions)Heavy-handed veteran with knockout powerDurable and aggressive, but has struggled badly against higher-level competition<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC 328 Pick: Green<\/p>\n Ateba Gautier (10-1-0) v. Ozzy Diaz (10-3-0)<\/p>\n Ateba Gautier<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’4″ \u2013 Reach: 81″ \u2013 Stance: SwitchRecord: 10-1 (8 KO\/TKO)Explosive finisher with serious power and aggressive pressureMost dangerous early when he can force exchanges and overwhelm opponents<\/p>\n Ozzy Diaz<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’4″ \u2013 Reach: 79″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 10-3 (7 KO\/TKO, 2 submissions)Durable striker with power and willingness to tradeCan be hittable in chaotic exchanges and relies heavily on toughness<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC 328 Pick: Gautier<\/p>\n Joel Alvarez (23-3-0) v. Yaroslav Amosov (29-1-0)<\/p>\n Joel Alvarez<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’3″ \u2013 Reach: 77″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 23-3 (5 KO\/TKO, 17 submissions)Dangerous finisher with improved striking and strong submission abilityContinues to look better each fight with growing confidence on the feet<\/p>\n Yaroslav Amosov<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’0″ \u2013 Reach: 75″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 29-1 (9 KO\/TKO, 12 submissions)Elite welterweight with strong wrestling and well-rounded skillsExtremely composed and effective at controlling fights<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC 328 Pick: Alvarez<\/p>\n Grant Dawson (23-3-1) v. Mateusz Rebecki (20-4-0)<\/p>\n Grant Dawson<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’10” \u2013 Reach: 72″ \u2013 Stance: SwitchRecord: 23-3-1 (5 KO\/TKO, 13 submissions)Relentless grappler with strong cardio and controlExcels at chaining takedowns together and wearing opponents down over time<\/p>\n Mateusz Rebecki<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’7″ \u2013 Reach: 66″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 20-4 (9 KO\/TKO, 7 submissions)Aggressive and physical with power and a strong grappling baseDangerous early and thrives in high-paced fights<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC 328 Pick: Dawson<\/p>\n Jim Miller (38-19-0) v. Jared Gordon (21-8-0)<\/p>\n Jim Miller<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’8″ \u2013 Reach: 71″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 38-19 (7 KO\/TKO, 21 submissions)Veteran grappler with strong submission ability and experienceRelies on toughness and opportunistic finishing ability<\/p>\n Jared Gordon<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’9″ \u2013 Reach: 68″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 21-8 (8 KO\/TKO, 2 submissions)Pressure-based fighter with solid boxing and cardioMost effective when he can push pace and win minutes consistently<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC 328 Pick: Gordon<\/p>\n Roman Kopylov (14-5-0) v. Marco Tulio (14-2-0)<\/p>\n Roman Kopylov<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’0″ \u2013 Reach: 75″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 14-5 (12 KO\/TKO)Technical striker with solid kicking game and finishing abilityHas looked less impressive recently and may have hit his ceiling<\/p>\n Marco Tulio<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’0″ \u2013 Reach: 74″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 14-2 (10 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)Sharp striker with excellent volume and pressureContinues to impress with clean combinations and strong pace<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC 328 Pick: Tulio<\/p>\n Pat Sabatini (21-5-0) v. William Gomis (15-3-0)<\/p>\n Pat Sabatini<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’8″ \u2013 Reach: 70″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 21-5 (1 KO\/TKO, 13 submissions)Grappling-heavy fighter with strong takedowns and submission abilityMost effective when he can control fights on the mat and slow the pace down<\/p>\n William Gomis<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’0″ \u2013 Reach: 73″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 15-3 (7 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)Long, technical striker who uses movement and range wellTypically fights at a slower pace, which can limit DFS scoring upside<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC 328 Pick: Sabatini<\/p>\n Baisangur Susurkaev (11-0-0) v. Djorden Santos (11-2-0)<\/p>\n Baisangur Susurkaev<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’2″ \u2013 Reach: 79″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 11-0 (9 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)Undefeated prospect with strong pressure and finishing abilityWell-rounded with the ability to dictate pace in multiple areas<\/p>\n Djorden Santos<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’0″ \u2013 Reach: 75″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 11-2 (3 KO\/TKO, 4 submission)Aggressive striker with power and willingness to engageDangerous early, but can be overwhelmed by pressure<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC 328 Pick: Susurkaev<\/p>\n Clayton Carpenter (8-2-0) v. Jose Ochoa (8-2-0)<\/p>\n Clayton Carpenter<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’6″ \u2013 Reach: 66″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 8-2 (2 KO\/TKO, 4 submissions)High-paced grappler with strong scrambling and submission abilityMost effective when he can force pressure and dictate exchanges on the mat<\/p>\n
I do not expect Strickland to put up much resistance here. Chimaev looks levels above everyone at middleweight right now, and his wrestling and pressure should completely dictate this fight. If he gets Strickland down early, this could get one-sided quickly. Chimaev profiles as one of the strongest plays on the slate and is close to a lock.<\/p>\n
Both flyweights have clear paths to victory here. Taira needs to get and keep this fight on the mat, while Van needs to defend takedowns and force striking exchanges. If Van is able to keep this standing, I expect him to put on another striking clinic and successfully defend his title. Van profiles as the preferred side in a high-level matchup.<\/p>\n
This should be a fun fight between two ranked heavyweights, and it really could go either way. Volkov is rightfully the favorite with his experience and range, but Cortes-Acosta has shown noticeable improvements recently. If he can close distance and force exchanges, he has a real shot to pull off the upset. Cortes-Acosta profiles as a solid dog play in a competitive matchup.<\/p>\n
Buckley is always live for a knockout against anyone, but he still struggles against high-level grapplers like Brady. If Brady avoids the big shot early, he should be able to work his game on the mat and control this fight. Buckley has clear KO upside, but Brady profiles as the preferred side with a strong grappling-based path.<\/p>\n
There is not much that suggests Stephens wins this fight. Green should have the edge in speed, volume, and overall striking ability throughout. If he stays composed and avoids big exchanges, this could turn into a dominant veteran performance. Green profiles as the clear preferred side in this matchup.<\/p>\n
This should be a violent fight while it lasts. Both guys have power, but Gautier looks like the more explosive and dangerous fighter overall. If he comes out aggressive and lands clean early, this could end quickly. Gautier profiles as a strong play with major knockout upside.<\/p>\n
Amosov is clearly a top-tier fighter, but I would like to see him against more highly ranked UFC competition before fully buying in. Alvarez continues to improve every time out, and his striking and power could be the difference here. If he’s able to keep this standing and force exchanges, he can create big moments. Alvarez profiles as the preferred side in a very competitive matchup.<\/p>\n
This should be a very competitive, grappling-heavy matchup. Dawson will look to lean on his pace, cardio and control, while Rebecki brings more explosiveness and finishing upside early. If Dawson is able to survive the early moments and establish control, he can take over late. Dawson profiles as the slight lean with his wrestling and pace over three rounds.<\/p>\n
This feels more like a DFS pass overall. Gordon likely has the edge in pace and activity, while Miller is always live for a submission or veteran moment. Competitive fight, but limited upside compared to the rest of the slate.<\/p>\n
After watching Kopylov’s last few fights, it feels fair to question whether we have already seen his ceiling. Tulio, meanwhile, continues to show high-level striking and volume that should translate well again here. If he keeps the pressure on and forces exchanges, he should be able to outwork Kopylov throughout. Tulio profiles as the preferred side with strong striking upside.<\/p>\n
This matchup comes down to whether Sabatini can consistently secure takedowns. If he gets this fight to the mat, he can control and rack up points very quickly in a dominant grappling performance. Gomis is typically DFS poison due to his slower style and lower output, so Sabatini is clearly the more appealing DFS side if he’s able to implement his wrestling.<\/p>\n
This should be a fun fight between two aggressive fighters. Santos has power and can create moments early, but Susurkaev looks like the more complete fighter overall. If he’s able to apply pressure and force his pace, he should be able to take over as the fight progresses. Susurkaev profiles as the preferred side with solid upside.<\/p>\n