Top DFS Picks and Strategies for UFC Vegas 119<\/p>\n
MMA DFS picks for this weekend’s UFC Vegas 119 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 19 Picks & Career Results:<\/p>\n
2026 Overall Picks:\u00a0168-67-2\u00a0
2025 Overall Picks:\u00a0345-152-2\u00a0
DFS Lock of the Week:\u00a0Magomedov
Fanduel Captain: Magomedov<\/p>\n
Manel Kape (22-7-0) v.\u00a0Kyoji Horiguchi\u00a0(36-5-0)<\/p>\n
Manel Kape<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’5″ \u2013 Reach: 68″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 22-7 (14 KO\/TKO, 5 submissions)Explosive striker with elite speed and fight-changing powerMost effective when he can dictate range and create damaging moments on the feet<\/p>\n Kyoji Horiguchi<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’4″ \u2013 Reach: 63″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 36-5 (15 KO\/TKO, 6 submissions)Former champion with outstanding footwork, wrestling, and experienceWell-rounded veteran who rarely gives opponents easy openings<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 119 Pick: Kape<\/p>\n Think Kape can hit his striking prop on 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 Ion Cutelaba (20-11-1) v.\u00a0Navajo Stirling\u00a0(9-0-0)<\/p>\n Ion Cutelaba<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’1″ \u2013 Reach: 75″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 20-11-1 (13 KO\/TKO, 4 submissions)Aggressive pressure fighter with heavy hands and explosive wrestlingMost dangerous early when he can overwhelm opponents with physicality<\/p>\n Navajo Stirling<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’4″ \u2013 Reach: 79″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 9-0 (5 KO\/TKO)Undefeated prospect with excellent range, movement, and strikingComposed fighter who does a great job controlling distance and limiting damage<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 119 Pick: Stirling<\/p>\n Christian Rodriguez (12-4-0) v.\u00a0Hyder Amil\u00a0(11-2-0)<\/p>\n Christian Rodriguez<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’7″ \u2013 Reach: 71″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 12-4 (3 KO\/TKO, 4 submissions)Well-rounded fighter with solid grappling and good defensive awarenessMost effective when slowing fights down and mixing in wrestling<\/p>\n Hyder Amil<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’9″ \u2013 Reach: 70″ \u2013 Stance: SwitchRecord: 11-2 (6 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)Relentless pressure striker with excellent volume and powerExcels in fast-paced fights where he can overwhelm opponents on the feet<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 119 Pick: Amil<\/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 the provided salary relief.<\/p>\n Andre Lima (11-0-0) v.\u00a0Kevin Borjas\u00a0(10-5-0)<\/p>\n Andre Lima<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’7″ \u2013 Reach: 67″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 11-0 (5 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)Undefeated prospect with a well-rounded skill set and relentless paceExcels at mixing striking and grappling while constantly pressuring opponents<\/p>\n Kevin Borjas<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’5″ \u2013 Reach: 68″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 10-5 (8 KO\/TKO)Aggressive striker with quick hands and finishing abilityDangerous early, but can be overwhelmed by pressure and volume<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 119 Pick: Lima<\/p>\n Melsik Baghdasaryan (8-3-0) v.\u00a0Murtazali Magomedov\u00a0(10-0-0)<\/p>\n Melsik Baghdasaryan<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’9″ \u2013 Reach: 70″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 8-3 (5 KO\/TKO)Technical kickboxer with sharp combinations and dangerous body attacksMost effective when he can keep fights standing and control range<\/p>\n Murtazali Magomedov<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’9″ \u2013 Reach: 70″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 10-0 (5 KO\/TKO, 5 submissions)Undefeated and well-rounded with a strong wrestling foundationComfortable mixing striking with takedowns and controlling the pace<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 119 Pick: Magomedov<\/p>\n Vinicius Oliveira (23-4-0) v.\u00a0Andre Fili\u00a0(25-13-0)<\/p>\n Vinicius Oliveira<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’9″ \u2013 Reach: 70″ \u2013 Stance: SwitchRecord: 23-4 (16 KO\/TKO, 2 submissions)Aggressive and well-rounded with excellent pace and finishing abilityConstantly pressures forward and creates opportunities in every phase<\/p>\n Andre Fili<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’11” \u2013 Reach: 74″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 25-13 (10 KO\/TKO, 3 submissions)Veteran striker with solid boxing and underrated grapplingDurable and experienced but has become increasingly inconsistent<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 119 Pick: Oliveira<\/p>\n Bia Mesquita (7-0-0) v.\u00a0Melissa Mullins\u00a0(7-2-0)<\/p>\n Bia Mesquita<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’4″ \u2013 Reach: 67″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 7-0 (1 KO\/TKO, 5 submissions)Elite jiu-jitsu practitioner with outstanding control and submission abilityMost effective when forcing grappling exchanges and dominating on the mat<\/p>\n Melissa Mullins<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’7″ \u2013 Reach: 68″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 7-2 (4 KO\/TKO)Physical striker with solid clinch work and improving wrestlingPrefers to keep fights standing and use her size and strength<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 119 Pick: Mesquita<\/p>\n Mitch Raposo<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’5″ \u2013 Reach: 64″ \u2013 Stance: SwitchRecord: 10-3 (4 KO\/TKO, 3 submissions)Tough, scrappy flyweight who likes to push a steady paceMost effective when forcing wrestling exchanges and making fights competitive<\/p>\n Allan Nascimento<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’8″ \u2013 Reach: 69″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 22-6 (1 KO\/TKO, 16 submissions)Elite grappler with outstanding back takes and submission abilityPatient fighter who excels at controlling opponents once the fight hits the mat<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 119 Pick: Nascimento<\/p>\n Michael Aswell Jr. (11-4-0) v.\u00a0Gaston Bolanos\u00a0(8-5-0)<\/p>\n Michael Aswell<\/a> Jr.<\/p>\n Height: 5’8″ \u2013 Reach: 69″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 11-4 (6 KO\/TKO)Aggressive pressure fighter with heavy hands and excellent volumeThrives in chaotic fights and constantly looks to overwhelm opponents with pace<\/p>\n Gaston Bolanos<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’7″ \u2013 Reach: 69″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 8-5 (6 KO\/TKO)Technical kickboxer with solid power and clean combinationsCan struggle when opponents refuse to give him space and force a high pace<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 119 Pick: Aswell Jr.<\/p>\n Karol Rosa (19-7-0) v.\u00a0Luana Santos\u00a0(10-2-0)<\/p>\n Karol Rosa<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’5″ \u2013 Reach: 67″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 19-7 (4 KO\/TKO, 2 submissions)High-volume striker with excellent cardio and relentless pressureExcels at winning rounds through activity and pace rather than finishing ability<\/p>\n Luana Santos<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’6″ \u2013 Reach: 67″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 10-2 (1 KO\/TKO, 5 submissions)Athletic and well-rounded with dangerous grappling and improving strikingMost effective when mixing takedowns with aggressive offense<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 119 Pick: Santos<\/p>\n Leon Shahbazyan (12-4-0) v.\u00a0Levan Chokheli\u00a0(14-3-0)<\/p>\n Leon Shahbazyan<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’4″ \u2013 Reach: 74″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 12-4 (1 KO\/TKO, 11 submission)Powerful striker with aggressive combinations and finishing abilityMost dangerous when he can dictate the pace and keep fights standing<\/p>\n Levan Chokheli<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’1″ \u2013 Reach: 73″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 14-3 (11 KO\/TKO)Well-rounded fighter with solid striking and an underrated grappling gameComfortable fighting at range and mixing in takedowns when needed<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Vegas 119 Pick: Chokheli<\/p>\n Shane Collins (7-0-0) v.\u00a0Otari Tanzilovi\u00a0(13-2-0)<\/p>\n Shane Collins<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’11” \u2013 Reach: 73″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 7-0 (4 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)Undefeated prospect with a balanced skill set and strong finishing instinctsPushes a high pace and is comfortable mixing striking with grappling<\/p>\n
This is one of the best fights on the card, and it’s much closer than the odds suggest. Horiguchi still possesses elite movement and a complete skill set, making him capable of extending this fight and winning rounds with activity. However, Kape has evolved into one of the most dangerous flyweights in the world, and his speed and explosiveness should create the bigger moments. Horiguchi is always live, but I’ll lean Kape to edge out a competitive fight by landing the more impactful shots and defending enough takedowns to keep the fight in his world.<\/p>\n
Cutelaba is always dangerous in the opening minutes and will likely come out looking for an early finish or takedown. If Stirling can survive that initial storm, I expect the fight to swing heavily in his favor. His length, striking and composure should allow him to pick Cutelaba apart as the fight progresses. Stirling profiles as the preferred side with strong upside against a fighter who tends to fade after an aggressive start.<\/p>\n
I’m going to side with Amil here due to the significant striking advantage. Rodriguez is a capable grappler and always has a path through wrestling, but Amil’s pace, pressure and output should create the bigger moments throughout the fight. If Rodriguez is unable to consistently secure takedowns, I expect Amil to take over on the feet and outland him by a wide margin. Amil profiles as the preferred side with strong DFS upside.<\/p>\n
Lima continues to look like one of the better young flyweights in the division. His ability to mix striking with grappling gives him multiple paths to victory, while Borjas is at his best when he can keep fights standing and land big shots. If Lima fights at his usual pace and mixes in takedowns, he should be able to control the action from start to finish. Lima profiles as one of the stronger plays on the slate with both a high floor and solid upside.<\/p>\n
This is a classic striker versus well-rounded grappler matchup. Baghdasaryan has the cleaner striking and is dangerous if he can keep this fight at range, but Magomedov has multiple paths to victory and the ability to dictate where the fight takes place. If he leans on his wrestling and mixes his attacks, he should be able to neutralize Melsik’s best weapons. Magomedov profiles as the preferred side with a strong all-around scoring path.<\/p>\n
Fili is always capable of making fights competitive, but Oliveira is entering his prime and continues to impress with his pace and well-rounded attack. He has advantages in activity, finishing upside and momentum, which should allow him to dictate the fight. If Oliveira pushes the pace from the opening bell, he should be able to overwhelm Fili and pick up another quality win. Oliveira profiles as one of the better plays on the slate.<\/p>\n
Mesquita’s world-class grappling makes her a difficult matchup for almost anyone in the division. Mullins has physical advantages and enough power to be competitive on the feet, but if this fight hits the mat, the edge swings heavily toward Mesquita. I expect Mesquita to find takedowns, control positions and eventually threaten submissions throughout the fight. Mesquita profiles as one of the strongest grappling plays on the slate.<\/p>\n
This is a difficult stylistic matchup for Raposo. Nascimento owns a massive advantage on the ground and is one of the better submission specialists in the flyweight division. Even if Raposo has success early, Nascimento only needs one grappling exchange to turn the fight around. I expect Nascimento to dictate the action on the mat and control his way to another impressive victory, making him one of the stronger grappling plays on the slate.<\/p>\n
I like Aswell by a landslide in this matchup. His pressure, volume and willingness to push the action should keep Bolanos on the defensive from the opening bell. Bolanos is a technical striker, but he has struggled when forced into uncomfortable, high-paced fights. I expect Aswell to dictate the tempo, land the bigger shots, and pull away as the fight progresses. Aswell profiles as one of the strongest value plays on the slate with excellent DFS upside.<\/p>\n
This should be one of the more competitive fights on the card. Rosa’s volume and experience make her a difficult out, while Santos has the higher ceiling thanks to her grappling and finishing ability. If Santos is able to consistently secure takedowns and avoid getting stuck in a striking battle, she should be able to control the fight and create the more meaningful moments. My slight lean is to Santosm, who has the higher DFS upside.<\/p>\n
This should be a competitive fight between two dangerous prospects. Shahbazyan has the edge in pure knockout power and will look to make this a striking battle, while Chokheli has multiple paths to victory with a more complete overall skill set. If Chokheli mixes his offense and avoids prolonged exchanges, he should be able to dictate the fight. Slight lean Chokheli, but both fighters offer DFS upside in what could be an action-packed matchup.<\/p>\n