FREE 06/21 UFC Cheat Sheet: Top DFS Plays

UFC Baku features 24 fighters with an average salary of $8,100, creating a balanced but competitive environment for roster construction. Eight fighters project for 30%+ ownership, including high-upside options like Khalil Rountree Jr. and Curtis Blaydes, while three value plays (8x+ candidates) offer salary relief. Key matchups like Rountree vs. Hill and Fiziev vs. Bahamondes present clear DFS leverage points, with striking volume and finishing potential driving scoring upside.

Ownership will concentrate around proven performers, but the slate’s tight pricing demands strategic differentiation. Blaydes’ grappling dominance against debutant Rizvan Kuniev and Bahamondes’ striking edge over Fiziev stand out as high-floor plays, while low-owned value options like Hamdy Abdelwahab could pivot contests. With volatility expected in several matchups, targeting fighters with clear paths to early finishes or high-output decisions is crucial. Let’s break down our top plays for this slate.

Premium Tier ($9,000-$10,000)

Top Play: Nazim Sadykhov (-200) ($9,400)

Nazim Sadykhov continues to showcase his devastating striking power, with all three of his UFC wins coming by stoppage. His ability to land fight-altering strikes, like the head kick that ended his last bout, gives him elite finishing upside in DFS. Facing Nikolas Motta, who has been inconsistent defensively, Sadykhov’s pressure and accuracy make him a prime candidate for another high-scoring performance.

Sadykhov has been relentless in maintaining an unbeaten UFC record, demonstrating both durability and fight-ending instincts. Training with Ray Longo’s team has sharpened his technical striking, and his cardio holds up well under pace, allowing him to capitalize on openings late. At $9,400, his optimal lineup rate (34.02%) and tournament rank (2) reflect his combination of a high floor and knockout potential in this matchup.

Other Premium Options

• Melissa Mullins ($9,000, Own: 28.1%, Odds: -250)
• Curtis Blaydes ($9,100, Own: 35.0%, Odds: -265)

Mid-Range Tier ($8,000-$8,999)

Top Play 1: Irina Alekseeva (-200) ($8,900)

Irina Alekseeva brings relentless pressure and a high-volume striking game that overwhelms opponents early in fights. Her clinch work and dirty boxing create consistent scoring opportunities, and she faces Klaudia Sygula, who struggled defensively in her UFC debut. Alekseeva’s aggressive style translates to strong fantasy production, and her $8,900 salary offers upside given her finishing ability and optimal lineup rate of 36.7%.

Alekseeva’s time away has only sharpened her focus, and she returns against an opponent with clear vulnerabilities in striking defense and composure under pressure. Sygula’s inexperience at this level plays directly into Alekseeva’s strengths, making her a prime candidate for knockdowns and control time. With moderate ownership and a top-three tournament rank, Alekseeva delivers both floor and ceiling in this matchup.

Top Play 2: JunYong Park (-350) ($8,700)

JunYong Park continues to showcase grappling, controlling fights with a high-output striking game and seamless takedown transitions. His durability and cardio allow him to maintain a punishing pace, evident in his recent win over Brad Tavares where he landed 107 significant strikes. Facing Ismail Naurdiev, who has historically struggled against strong grapplers, Park’s ability to chain wrestling attacks with volume striking creates multiple scoring avenues.

Park has been efficient in maximizing fantasy output, averaging 4.5 takedowns per 15 minutes with a 50% accuracy rate, while his 6.3 significant strikes landed per minute bolster his floor. Naurdiev’s defensive grappling gaps align perfectly with Park’s top-control dominance, and at $8,700, his salary leaves room for premium plays elsewhere. With a 36.3% optimal lineup rate and moderate ownership, he delivers both safety and upside in tournaments.

Other Mid-Range Options

• Myktybek Orolbai ($8,500, Own: 34.9%, Odds: -120)
• Muhammad Naimov ($8,800, Own: 35.5%, Odds: -300)

Value Tier ($7,000-$7,999)

Top Play: Jamahal Hill (+115) ($7,800)

Jamahal Hill faces Khalil Rountree in a high-stakes light heavyweight clash where his power striking and volume create a fantasy-friendly profile. His 6’4 frame and crisp boxing combinations consistently generate significant strikes, and Rountree’s tendency to engage in firefights plays directly into Hill’s knockout upside. Despite the recent losses to elite competition, Hill’s aggressive style ensures a high-scoring floor, and his $7,800 salary is reasonable for a fighter with four career UFC finishes.

Hill’s optimal lineup rate of 36.5% reflects his ability to deliver explosive performances, and his high ownership (45.7%) signals widespread confidence in his rebound potential. Rountree’s defensive liabilities against pressure strikers like Pereira mirror Hill’s path to success, making this a matchup where Hill’s power and volume can shine. Headlining in Baku amplifies the spotlight, and Hill’s proven ability to dominate striking exchanges keeps him firmly in play for DFS lineups.

Other Value Options

• Mohammed Usman ($7,600, Own: 22.0%, Odds: -155)
• Bogdan Grad ($7,400, Own: 29.8%, Odds: +250)

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