Daily Fantasy MMA Picks for UFC 197 – 4/23/16

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UFC 197 is set for Saturday night and even with a change to the main event this is shaping up to be one hell of a card. Jon Jones returns to the Octagon, the (in my opinion) best pound for pound fighter in the world Demetrious Johnson is in action, along with both of the Pettis brothers. Back-to-back strong showings for us at DFSR, let's dig in and make it three straight.

Vegas Favorite ($10,500+)

Demetrious Johnson ($11,000)

Vegas Line: -420
Career Record: 23-2-1
UFC Record: 11-1-1
Record In Last 5: 5-0
Finishes: 4 KO / 9 Subs / 8 First-Round
Losses by Stoppage: None
Last Time Out: W, Unanimous Decision - John Dodson

I could have gone with Jon Jones here but being out of action for over a year gives me a nano second of hesitation. On the other Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson has dominated the Flyweight division and gives me no reason to doubt he will put away Cejudo. Though Cejudo is talented and undefeated, Johnson simply overwhelms everyone at 125 lbs and I just don't see how this one is any different.

Mid-Range Target ($9,500-$10,400)

Marcos Rogerio de Lima ($10,000)

Vegas Line: -135
Career Record: 13-3-1
UFC Record: 2-1
Record In Last 5: 3-1-1
Finishes: 10 KO / 1 Sub / 10 First-Round
Losses by Stoppage: 1 KO / 1 Sub
Last Time Out: L, Submission (RNC), 1st Rd - Nikita Krylov

It's power vs. power in this one as Marcos "Pezao" Rogerio de Lima takes on Clint Hester in a battle of TUF alumn. Pezao is the better all-around fighter and looking to bounce back from his first UFC loss after two straight first-round knockouts. Hester has been knocked out in both of his last two outings and I think his struggles continue at UFC 197, which could mark his last bout in the promotion.

Upset Alert (Under $9,500)

Glacio Franco ($8,500)

Vegas Line: +160
Career Record: 13-3
UFC Record: 1-0
Record In Last 5: 4-1
Finishes: 6 KO / 6 Subs / 8 First-Round
Losses by Stoppage: 1 Sub
Last Time Out: W, Submission (RNC), 3rd Rd - Fernando Bruno

With two guys that everyone will want to play (Jones and Johnson) Franco presents a great opportunity to make up salary while still giving you a chance to get some bonus points. All but one of Franco's victories have ended via stoppage, including his UFC debut. His opponent, James Vick is undefeated and will be a stiff test for Franco but this one projects to be much closer than the salaries indicate.  Use Franco to balance your lineup and if the underdog comes through your probability of cashing will go way up.

Want to see how these picks and more fit into lineups for the UFC 197? Shaun is selling lineups for only $5. He covers DraftKings Cash Games & Tournaments. Fill out the form below or click here to purchase using PayPal. This is a separate service than our traditional monthly membership.