Top DFS Picks and Strategies for UFC Baku<\/p>\n
MMA DFS picks for this weekend’s UFC Baku 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:\u00a0176-71-2\u00a0
2025 Overall Picks:\u00a0345-152-2\u00a0
DFS Lock of the Week:\u00a0Torres
Fanduel Captain:\u00a0Torres\/Sadykhov<\/p>\n
Rafael Fiziev (13-5-0) v.\u00a0Manuel Torres\u00a0(17-3-0)<\/p>\n
Rafael Fiziev<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’8″ \u2013 Reach: 71″ \u2013 Stance: SwitchRecord: 13-5 (8 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)Elite striker with outstanding kickboxing credentials and technical abilityHas struggled recently, losing four of his last five fights and suffering multiple stoppage losses<\/p>\n Manuel Torres<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’10” \u2013 Reach: 73″ \u2013 Stance: SwitchRecord: 17-3 (9 KO\/TKO, 7 submissions)Hyper-aggressive finisher with dangerous power and submission skillsConstantly pressures forward and looks to end fights early<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Baku Pick: Torres<\/p>\n Interested in Manuel Torres<\/a> as 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 salary saved here.<\/p>\n Michel Pereira (32-14-0) v.\u00a0Shara Magomedov\u00a0(16-1-0)<\/p>\n Michel Pereira<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’1″ \u2013 Reach: 73″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 32-14 (11 KO\/TKO, 8 submissions)Explosive athlete with dangerous striking, grappling, and finishing abilityUnpredictable style can overwhelm opponents when he fights disciplined<\/p>\n Shara Magomedov<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’2″ \u2013 Reach: 73″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 16-1 (12 KO\/TKO)Elite striker with outstanding creativity and knockout powerDangerous at all ranges and constantly looking to create damaging moments<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Baku Pick: Magomedov<\/p>\n Nazim Sadykhov (11-2-1) v.\u00a0Matheus Camilo\u00a0(10-3-0)<\/p>\n Nazim Sadykhov<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’10” \u2013 Reach: 69″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 11-2-1 (8 KO\/TKO, 2 submissions)Aggressive pressure fighter with excellent cardio and finishing instinctsThrives in high-paced fights and constantly forces opponents to work<\/p>\n Matheus Camilo<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’10” \u2013 Reach: 69″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 10-3 (4 KO\/TKO, 2 submissions)Well-rounded prospect with solid striking and grappling fundamentalsDangerous in scrambles and capable of winning fights in multiple ways<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Baku Pick: Sadykhov<\/p>\n Asu Almabayev (23-3-0) v.\u00a0Charles Johnson\u00a0(19-8-0)<\/p>\n Asu Almabayev<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’4″ \u2013 Reach: 65″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 23-3 (3 KO\/TKO, 10 submissions)Relentless wrestler with excellent pace and controlMost effective when chaining takedowns together and forcing opponents to defend constantly<\/p>\n Charles Johnson<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’9″ \u2013 Reach: 70″ \u2013 Stance: SwitchRecord: 19-8 (7 KO\/TKO, 4 submissions)High-volume striker with strong cardio and improving takedown defenseHas quietly developed into one of the more reliable flyweights on the roster<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Baku Pick: Almabayev<\/p>\n Think Almabayev 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 Brunno Ferreira (15-3-0) v.\u00a0Ikram Aliskerov\u00a0(17-2-0)<\/p>\n Brunno Ferreira<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’10” \u2013 Reach: 72″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 15-3 (9 KO\/TKO, 5 submissions)Violent finisher with massive power and dangerous submission abilityAlmost every fight turns into a kill-or-be-killed affair<\/p>\n Ikram Aliskerov<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’0″ \u2013 Reach: 76″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 17-2 (7 KO\/TKO, 5 submissions)Well-rounded fighter with strong wrestling, grappling, and technical strikingUsually controls where the fight takes place and minimizes mistakes<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Baku Pick: Aliskerov<\/p>\n Abus Magomedov (28-7-1) v.\u00a0Michal Oleksiejczuk\u00a0(22-9-0)<\/p>\n Abus Magomedov<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’2″ \u2013 Reach: 78″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 28-7-1 (14 KO\/TKO, 7 submissions)Well-rounded middleweight with dangerous striking and a strong grappling baseMost effective when mixing takedowns with his offense on the feet<\/p>\n Michal Oleksiejczuk<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’0″ \u2013 Reach: 74″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 22-9 (16 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)Aggressive boxer with heavy hands and excellent pressureDangerous whenever he can keep fights standing and force exchanges<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Baku Pick: Magomedov<\/p>\n Farman Hasanov (5-0-0) v.\u00a0Eric Nolan\u00a0(8-4-0)<\/p>\n Farman Hasanov<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’11” \u2013 Reach: 74″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 5-0 (4 KO\/TKO)Undefeated prospect with aggressive striking and strong finishing instinctsContinues to improve and has shown confidence fighting forward<\/p>\n Eric Nolan<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’2″ \u2013 Reach: 74″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 8-4 (4 KO\/TKO, 2 submission)Athletic fighter with solid power and willingness to exchangeHas shown flashes offensively but has struggled against stronger competition<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Baku Pick: Hasanov<\/p>\n Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev (9-0-0) v.\u00a0Julius Walker<\/a>\u00a0(7-2-0)<\/p>\n Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’2″ \u2013 Reach: 78″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 9-0 (3 KO\/TKO, 5 submissions)Undefeated prospect with a strong wrestling foundation and well-rounded skill setExcels at controlling fights and forcing opponents to work at his pace<\/p>\n Julius Walker<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’4″ \u2013 Reach: 78″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 7-2 (4 KO\/TKO, 2 submission)Athletic striker with solid power and finishing abilityMost effective when he can keep fights standing and dictate range<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Baku Pick: Yakhyaev<\/p>\n Nursulton Ruziboev (36-9-2) v.\u00a0Andrey Pulyaev\u00a0(10-4-0)<\/p>\n Nursulton Ruziboev<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’5″ \u2013 Reach: 76″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 36-9-2 (13 KO\/TKO, 20 submissions)Extremely dangerous finisher with a rare combination of size, power, and grappling abilityOwns one of the most diverse finishing arsenals in the division<\/p>\n Andrey Pulyaev<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 6’4″ \u2013 Reach: 78″ \u2013 Stance: SouthpawRecord: 10-4 (6 KO\/TKO, 2 submissions)Long striker with solid power and good movementMost effective when he can keep fights standing and work behind his range<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Baku Pick: Ruziboev<\/p>\n Kaan Ofli (13-4-1) v.\u00a0Javier Reyes\u00a0(23-5-0)<\/p>\n Kaan Ofli<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’7″ \u2013 Reach: 66″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 13-4-1 (2 KO\/TKO, 6 submissions)High-paced fighter with solid wrestling and strong cardioMost effective when he can pressure opponents and mix in takedowns<\/p>\n Javier Reyes<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’7″ \u2013 Reach: 73″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 23-5 (11 KO\/TKO, 8 submissions)Experienced finisher with dangerous striking and solid all-around skillsComfortable fighting at a high pace and creating damage on the feet<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Baku Pick: Reyes<\/p>\n Daniil Donchenko (13-2-0) v.\u00a0Theodor Berggren\u00a0(8-3-0)<\/p>\n Daniil Donchenko<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’11” \u2013 Reach: 71″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 13-2 (8 KO\/TKO, 2 submissions)Well-rounded prospect with good striking fundamentals and solid grapplingDoes a good job controlling range and maintaining a steady pace throughout fights<\/p>\n Theodor Berggren<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’11” \u2013 Reach: 75″ \u2013 Stance: SwitchRecord: 8-3 (5 KO\/TKO, 3 submissions)Aggressive fighter who likes to pressure and force exchangesDangerous offensively, but can leave openings when chasing finishes<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Baku Pick: Donchenko<\/p>\n Bekzat Almakhan (12-3-0) v.\u00a0Jean Matsumoto\u00a0(17-2-0)<\/p>\n Bekzat Almakhan<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’7″ \u2013 Reach: 68″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 12-3 (10 KO\/TKO, 1 submission)Explosive striker with legitimate knockout power and fast handsDangerous whenever he can create exchanges and force opponents to respect his power<\/p>\n Jean Matsumoto<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’6″ \u2013 Reach: 68″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 17-2 (3 KO\/TKO, 6 submissions)Well-rounded bantamweight with strong grappling and excellent fight IQComfortable winning fights in multiple ways and adapting to opponents<\/p>\n DFS Perspective: UFC Baku Pick: Matsumoto<\/p>\n Tahir Abdullaev (21-3-0) v.\u00a0Jefferson Nascimento\u00a0(13-0-0)<\/p>\n Tahir Abdullaev<\/a><\/p>\n Height: 5’18” \u2013 Reach: 73″ \u2013 Stance: OrthodoxRecord: 21-3 (9 KO\/TKO, 7 submissions)Experienced and well-rounded fighter with a strong wrestling baseMost effective when controlling tempo and forcing opponents into grinding fights<\/p>\n
The name value and technical advantages still favor Fiziev, but it’s becoming difficult to ignore the recent results. Losing four of five fights, including being knocked out twice, raises legitimate concerns about his durability and where he currently stands in the division. Torres is exactly the type of fighter who can capitalize on those issues. He pushes a relentless pace, throws with bad intentions and is always hunting a finish. If Fiziev cannot withstand the early pressure, Torres could do major damage and score a statement win. I’ll lean Torres to continue the trend and overwhelm Fiziev early.<\/p>\n
This should be one of the most entertaining fights on the card. Pereira is the more well-rounded fighter and likely has the grappling advantage, but Shara is the cleaner and more dangerous striker. Pereira has also shown durability concerns at times when facing elite power. If this fight stays standing for extended periods, I trust Shara to land the bigger shots and create the more impactful moments. Shara profiles as the preferred side, but this is the type of fight that could produce a slate-breaking score regardless of who wins.<\/p>\n
This looks like a strong spot for Sadykhov. Camilo is a talented prospect, but Sadykhov’s pace, pressure and experience against UFC-level competition should be the difference. Fighting in front of a home crowd only adds to the appeal. If Sadykhov pushes his usual pace and forces extended exchanges, he should be able to break Camilo down and pull away as the fight progresses. Sadykhov profiles as one of the stronger plays on the slate.<\/p>\n
This is a much tougher matchup for Almabayev than it may appear on paper. Johnson has continued to improve and has become very difficult to control for long stretches. While Almabayev’s wrestling will always give him a path to victory, Johnson’s pace, volume and defensive improvements make him a legitimate threat to spoil those plans. My slight lean is to Almabayev due to the wrestling advantage, but Johnson is very live as an underdog. This fight could be much closer than the odds suggest.<\/p>\n
This is one of the most volatile fights on the card. Ferreira is always live for an early knockout and possesses some of the biggest power in the division. However, Aliskerov is the more complete fighter and has clear advantages in wrestling, technique and overall fight IQ. If Aliskerov avoids the early chaos, he should be able to take control of the fight and steadily break Ferreira down. Slight lean Aliskerov, but this is a fight worth targeting because a finish feels very likely.<\/p>\n
This should be a competitive fight with both men having clear paths to victory. Oleksiejczuk is the more dangerous pure striker and will look to make this a firefight, but Magomedov has the more complete skill set overall. The grappling advantage is the key factor here and gives Magomedov additional ways to score and control the fight. Slight lean Magomedov due to his wrestling and ability to dictate where the fight takes place.<\/p>\n
Hasanov is still relatively untested, but this appears to be a favorable matchup for him. Fighting at home and carrying an undefeated record, he should have confidence coming into this one. Nolan has some power and can be dangerous if given the chance, but Hasanov looks like the cleaner, more polished fighter overall. Lean Hasanov to continue his rise and pick up another win.<\/p>\n
This looks like a strong spot for Yakhyaev. Walker has physical tools and power, but Yakhyaev appears to be the more complete fighter and should have a clear advantage in the grappling department. If he is able to secure takedowns consistently, he can control large portions of the fight and potentially find a finish. Yakhyaev profiles as one of the stronger prospects on the card with solid DFS upside.<\/p>\n
This feels like a difficult matchup for Pulyaev. Ruziboev has advantages almost everywhere and brings far more experience against quality opposition. Whether he chooses to strike or grapple, he has paths to dominate this fight. Pulyaev is dangerous enough to make things interesting early, but Ruziboev’s finishing ability and overall skill set make him the clear side. Ruziboev profiles as one of the stronger plays on the card with significant finish upside.<\/p>\n
This is a fairly competitive matchup between two well-rounded fighters. Ofli will likely look to lean on his pace and wrestling, while Reyes brings more experience and finishing upside. If Ofli can consistently secure takedowns, he can make this a close fight, but Reyes appears to have the edge in striking and overall damage potential. My slight lean is to Reyes in what should be a competitive battle.<\/p>\n
This looks like a favorable matchup for Donchenko. He appears to be the cleaner and more complete fighter, with advantages in both technique and overall consistency. Berggren is willing to make fights chaotic, but that style could play into Donchenko’s hands if he remains disciplined. Donchenko profiles as the preferred side and one of the more intriguing prospects on the card.<\/p>\n
This should be one of the better fights on the card. Almakhan brings the bigger power and can change the fight with one shot, while Matsumoto has the more complete overall game and a clear grappling advantage. The key question is whether Matsumoto can avoid prolonged striking exchanges and force Almakhan to defend takedowns. The slight lean is to Matsumoto due to his versatility, but Almakhan is very live and carries serious upset potential.<\/p>\n