Ryan Wohl gives his picks for UFC 319: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev.

UFC 319 is here! Dricus Du Plessis is defending his Undisputed Middleweight Championship against Khamzat Chimaev in the Main Event. This is the UFC’s first event in Chicago since UFC 238 in June 2019.

The Early Prelims begin at 6:00 p.m. ET with the Prelims starting at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+. The Main Card airs live on ESPN+ PPV at 10:00 p.m. ET. Check out my favorite fighters to add to your daily fantasy lineup for Saturday’s UFC 319 PPV.

Set your DraftKings fantasy MMA lineups here: UFC $600K UFC 319 Special [$200K to 1st]

Chase Hooper ($9,300)

Hooper has been in the UFC since 2019 but is still only 25 years old. Since suffering his third career loss, Hooper has won five straight bouts. Hooper has been on an incredible stretch, scoring 104, 113, and 134 fantasy points in his previous three bouts.

At UFC 319, Hooper is facing Alexander Hernandez, who has won two straight fights. Even though Hernandez has looked good recently, Hooper is a much better complete fighter. At 6’1″, Hooper is one of the tallest lightweights, and that is true in this matchup as well.

Even though Hooper only lands takedowns at a 34 percent clip, he averages 2.2 submissions per 15 minutes. Hooper’s elite finishing ability makes him a can’t-miss fighter to add to your fantasy lineup. He is the most expensive fighter on this card, but he is well worth it. Hooper’s game has evolved, and he continues to get better in every fight.

Khamzat Chimaev ($8,900)

Even though Chimaev is facing the champion in Du Plessis, it is still surprising to get him at $8,900. That is because Chimaev averages 112.2 fantasy points per contest, the most on the card.

Chimaev has scored 100-plus fantasy points in seven of his eight UFC fights, with his lowest score being 92 against Kamaru Usman. Although his opponent, Du Plessis, is a tough opponent, Chimaev’s versatile skill set should enable him to make an impact in this contest. Chimaev is a lethal finisher, having six knockouts and six submissions in his career.

Chimaev excels at utilizing all facets of his game, and that is the key difference in this matchup. Du Plessis averages 0.76 more significant strikes per minute, but he isn’t as accurate. Chimaev uses his pace to his benefit and catches opponents off guard.

Since Chimaev is undefeated while being a fantasy machine, it is hard not to back him. If he displays above-average defense on the feet, while being his usual aggressive self, Chimaev has a great chance to be the top fantasy scorer on this slate.

Tim Elliott ($7,000)

Tim Elliott is the second-lowest-priced fighter on this card, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. He is facing Kai Asakura, who is a former RIZIN Champion, coming off a loss to Flyweight king Alexandre Pantoja.

Even though Elliott is 38 years old, he has been on a good run lately. Elliott has won three of his previous four contests but hasn’t fought in 20 months (December 2023). Elliott totaled 106 fantasy points in his previous fight and has recorded 96-plus in three of his last four.

To get someone with potential to score 100 points is an excellent value at only $7,000. Elliot is better on the ground and will need to get the fight to the mat to find success. As Pantoja showed, Asakura can be taken down; therefore, this is an area where Elliott can take advantage.

Set your DraftKings fantasy MMA lineups here: UFC $600K UFC 319 Special [$200K to 1st]