Top DFS Picks and Strategies for UFC Vegas 117<\/p>\n
DFS plays for this weekend’s UFC Vegas 117 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 Vegas 117 Picks & Career Results:<\/p>\n
2026 Overall Picks:\u00a0140-51-2\u00a0
2025 Overall Picks:\u00a0345-152-2\u00a0
DFS Lock of the Week:\u00a0Wellmaker
Fanduel Captain: Wellmaker\/Costa<\/p>\n
Arnold Allen (20-4-0) v. Melquizael Costa (26-7-0)<\/p>\n
Arnold Allen<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’8″ \u2013 Reach: 70″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 20-4 (7 KO\/TKO, 4 submissions)Technical and well-rounded with experience against elite competitionStrong boxing and composure allow him to control exchanges<\/p>\n Melquizael Costa<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’10” \u2013 Reach: 71″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 26-7 (9 KO\/TKO, 8 submissions)High-volume fighter with improving grappling and strong paceHas looked better each fight during his current win streak<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 117 Pick: Costa<\/p>\n Like 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 Doo Ho Choi<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’10” \u2013 Reach: 70″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 16-4-1 (13 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)Technical boxer with clean combinations and knockout powerMost dangerous when he can keep fights standing and dictate exchanges<\/p>\n Daniel Santos<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’7″ \u2013 Reach: 67″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 13-2 (6 KO\/TKO, 2 submissions)Aggressive and explosive with strong pressure and finishing abilityThrives in chaotic exchanges and pushes a high pace<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 117 Pick: Santos<\/p>\n Malcolm Wellmaker (10-1-0) v. Juan Diaz (15-1-1)<\/p>\n Malcolm Wellmaker<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’10” \u2013 Reach: 71″ \u2013 Stance: SwitchRecord: 10-1 (6 KO\/TKO, 2 submissions)Powerful striker with strong finishing instincts and pressureMost effective when forcing exchanges and creating damage early<\/p>\n Juan Diaz<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’8″ \u2013 Reach: 69″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 15-1-1 (5 KO\/TKO, 2 submissions)Well-rounded fighter with solid striking and grappling abilityComfortable fighting at range and mixing phases together<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 117 Pick: Wellmaker<\/p>\n Want to try out this play 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 Modestas Bukauskas (19-7-0) v. Christian Edwards (8-4-0)<\/p>\n Modestas Bukauskas<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’3″ \u2013 Reach: 76″ \u2013 Stance: SwitchRecord: 19-7 (11 KO\/TKO, 3 submissions)Experienced striker with solid range control and finishing abilityMost effective when fighting composed and technical at a distance<\/p>\n Christian Edwards<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’5″ \u2013 Reach: 79″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 8-4 (4 KO\/TKO, 2 submissions)Athletic with power, but inconsistent performancesCan struggle with decision-making and defensive lapses<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 117 Pick: Bukauskas<\/p>\n Timothy Cuamba (10-3-0) v. Bernardo Sopaj (12-3-0)<\/p>\n Timothy Cuamba<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’9″ \u2013 Reach: 71″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 10-3 (5 KO\/TKO)Aggressive striker with good volume and finishing abilityMost effective when he can pressure opponents and force exchanges<\/p>\n Bernardo Sopaj<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’6″ \u2013 Reach: 66″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 12-3 (7 KO\/TKO, 3 submissions)Explosive fighter with power and dangerous early offenseCan create chaos quickly, but has shown vulnerability in extended fights<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 117 Pick: Cuamba<\/p>\n Nikolay Veretennikov (14-7-0) v. Khaos Williams (15-5-0)<\/p>\n Nikolay Veretennikov<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’1″ \u2013 Reach: 74″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 14-7 (10 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)Durable and willing to trade in striking exchangesCan struggle defensively against powerful opponents<\/p>\n Khaos Williams<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’0″ \u2013 Reach: 77″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 15-5 (7 KO\/TKO, 2 submissions)Explosive knockout artist with massive powerDangerous whenever he can force striking exchanges<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 117 Pick: Williams<\/p>\n Tuco Tokkos (11-5-0) v. Ivan Erslan (14-6-0)<\/p>\n Tuco Tokkos<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’4″ \u2013 Reach: 76″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 11-5 (6 KO\/TKO, 3 submissions)Grappling-focused fighter with solid control and submission abilityMost effective when he can drag fights to the mat and dictate position<\/p>\n Ivan Erslan<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’2″ \u2013 Reach: 72″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 14-6 (10 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)Heavy-handed striker with strong finishing ability on the feetHas shown clear weaknesses in grappling exchanges and defensive wrestling<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 117 Pick: Tokkos<\/p>\n Tommy Gantt (11-0-0) v. Artur Minev (7-0-0)<\/p>\n Tommy Gantt<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’11” \u2013 Reach: 76″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 11-0 (5 KO\/TKO, 5 submissions)Strong grappler with solid control and submission abilityMost effective when he can dictate the fight on the mat<\/p>\n Artur Minev<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’9″ \u2013 Reach: N\/A \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 7-0 (4 KO\/TKO, 2 submission)Dangerous striker with power and strong finishing instinctsMost effective in open exchanges where he can pressure forward<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 117 Pick: Gantt<\/p>\n Ketlen Vieira (15-5-0) v. Jacqueline Cavalcanti (10-1-0)<\/p>\n Ketlen Vieira<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’8″ \u2013 Reach: 68″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 15-5 (2 KO\/TKO, 4 submissions)Physical bantamweight with strong clinch work and grappling controlMost effective when slowing fights down and grinding opponents against the cage<\/p>\n Jacqueline Cavalcanti<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’8″ \u2013 Reach: 70″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 10-1 (3 KO\/TKO)Technical striker with sharp combinations and improving volumeDoes her best work when keeping fights standing and fighting at range<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 117 Pick: Cavalcanti<\/p>\n Andre Petroski (13-5-0) v. Cody Brundage (11-9-1)<\/p>\n Andre Petroski<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’0″ \u2013 Reach: 72″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 13-5 (4 KO\/TKO, 4 submissions)Physical grappler with strong wrestling and top controlMost effective when he can overwhelm opponents with pressure and pace<\/p>\n Cody Brundage<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’0″ \u2013 Reach: 73″ \u2013 Stance: SwitchRecord: 11-9-1 (6 KO\/TKO, 3 submissions)Aggressive fighter with some finishing ability earlyCan struggle badly against stronger wrestlers and physical pressure<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 117 Pick: Petroski<\/p>\n Alice Ardelean (11-7-0) v. Polyana Viana (13-8-0)<\/p>\n Alice Ardelean<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’3″ \u2013 Reach: 62″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 11-7 (4 KO\/TKO, 4 submissions)Pressure-based striker who relies on pace and volumeMost effective when forcing opponents into prolonged exchanges<\/p>\n Polyana Viana<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’5″ \u2013 Reach: 67″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 13-8 (5 KO\/TKO, 8 submissions)Dangerous submission specialist with opportunistic finishing abilityCan struggle when forced into high-volume striking fights<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 117 Pick: Ardelean<\/p>\n Daniel Barez (17-7-0) v. Luis Gurule (10-3-0)<\/p>\n Daniel Barez<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’6″ \u2013 Reach: 66″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 17-7 (7 KO\/TKO, 6 submissions)Well-rounded flyweight with solid grappling and scrambling abilityMost effective when mixing striking with takedown attempts<\/p>\n Luis Gurule<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’5″ \u2013 Reach: 64″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 10-3 (5 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)Aggressive striker with power and willingness to engageDangerous early when he can force exchanges and pressure forward<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 117 Pick: Barez<\/p>\n Shauna Bannon (7-2-0) v. Nicolle Caliari (8-4-0)<\/p>\n Shauna Bannon<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’5″ \u2013 Reach: 65″ \u2013 Stance: SwitchRecord: 7-2 (2 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)Striker who prefers to keep fights standing and work at rangeHas shown vulnerability to takedowns and prolonged grappling exchanges<\/p>\n
Allen is rightfully the favorite given the level of competition he has faced, but Costa is riding a six-fight win streak and continues to improve. His volume and grappling could make this a very competitive fight over five rounds. If Costa is able to mix in his ground game and keep a high pace, he has real upset potential. Costa profiles as a solid dog play in a close matchup.<\/p>\n
This should be a very fun fight with both guys willing to exchange. Choi has the cleaner striking overall, but Santos brings pressure and aggression that can create problems. If this turns into a firefight, both guys have DFS upside. My slight lean is to Santos due to his pace and ability to force action.<\/p>\n
This should be a competitive matchup between two rising fighters with real upside. Wellmaker has the edge in raw power and ability to create early moments, while Diaz is the more balanced fighter overall. If this turns into prolonged exchanges, both sides can score well. My slight lean is to Wellmaker due to his finishing upside.<\/p>\n
If fought smart, this should be a fairly easy win for Bukauskas. He has the edge in experience, striking and overall composure. As long as he keeps this technical and avoids unnecessary exchanges, he should be able to control the fight throughout. Bukauskas profiles as the clear preferred side.<\/p>\n
This should be a high-action fight with both guys willing to engage. Aside from the size difference, Cuamba’s pace and pressure could become a factor as the fight goes on, while Sopaj is very dangerous early with his explosiveness. This is a strong DFS fight overall with upside on both sides. My slight lean is to Cuamba due to his activity and pace.<\/p>\n
This feels like a very dangerous matchup for Veretennikov. Khaos wields serious power and can end fights with a single shot at any time. If this stays standing for extended periods, Williams should have a major edge. Khaos profiles as a strong play with big knockout upside.<\/p>\n
Erslan clearly has issues on the mat, which gives Tokkos a very real path to the upset here. If Tokkos can secure takedowns and force grappling exchanges, he can control large portions of the fight. Erslan is dangerous on the feet, but Tokkos profiles as a strong underdog play with a clear grappling path.<\/p>\n
This is a classic striker-versus-grappler matchup between two undefeated fighters making their UFC debuts. Gantt should have a major edge on the mat, while Minev clearly has the advantage on the feet. The winner likely comes down to who can force their style first. It’s a strong DFS fight overall with upside on both sides.<\/p>\n
This should be a competitive matchup with clear stylistic differences. Vieira will want to make this physical and lean on control, while Cavalcanti should have the edge in striking and overall activity. If Cavalcanti is able to keep this at distance and avoid prolonged clinch exchanges, she can outwork Vieira over three rounds. The slight lean is to Cavalcanti in a close fight.<\/p>\n
Petroski should smash here. His wrestling and physicality are likely going to be far too much for Brundage to handle over three rounds. If Petroski pushes pace and secures takedowns early, this could get one-sided quickly. Petroski profiles as one of the stronger plays on the slate.<\/p>\n
Viana will always have submission opportunities in a matchup like this, but the fight likely comes down to how much volume Ardelean can put on her. If Ardelean can keep this standing and maintain pressure, she can outwork Viana over time. It’s a competitive fight with paths to victory on both sides.<\/p>\n
This should be a competitive fight with clear paths to victory on both sides. Gurule will look to push pace and create damage on the feet, while Barez has the more balanced skill set overall. If Barez is able to mix in grappling and avoid extended striking exchanges, he should be able to control the fight. My lean is to Barez in a solid DFS matchup.<\/p>\n