Key DFS Picks and Strategies for UFC Houston
The DFS selections for this weekend’s UFC event in Houston are now available. This preview offers insights on each fighter alongside my DFS strategies for every matchup on the card. Welcome to Drake’s Insights.
Top UFC Houston Picks & Career Results:
2026 Total Picks: 28-10-0
2025 Total Picks: 345-152-2
DFS Lock of the Week: Alden Coria
Fanduel Captain: Hernandez/Coria
Sean Strickland (29-7-0) vs. Anthony Hernandez (15-2-0)
- Height: 6’1″ – Reach: 76″ – Stance: Orthodox
- Record: 29-7 (11 KO/TKO, 4 submissions)
- Notable for elite jabs, defensive skills, and high striking volume
- May struggle under heavy grappling and prolonged exchanges
- Height: 6’0″ – Reach: 75″ – Stance: Orthodox
- Record: 15-2 (3 KO/TKO, 9 submissions)
- Known for relentless grappling and cardio, as well as chain wrestling
- Health is a concern, but when fit, he pressures and controls opponents effectively
DFS Analysis: Hernandez’s injury is a concern, but if he’s healthy, this matchup is favorable for him. His relentless grappling challenges Strickland’s boxing-heavy approach. In a three-round fight, Hernandez can generate more DFS points through control, takedowns, and pressure. If he performs at his usual rate, Hernandez stands out as a top DFS choice on this card.
UFC Houston Pick: Hernandez
Geoff Neal (16-7-0) vs. Uros Medic (12-3-0)
- Height: 5’11” – Reach: 75″ – Stance: Southpaw
- Record: 16-7 (10 KO/TKO, 2 submissions)
- A powerful boxer with knockout potential
- Has shown limited growth and can be hit early
- Height: 6’1″ – Reach: 71″ – Stance: Southpaw
- Record: 12-3 (10 KO/TKO, 2 submissions)
- Known for explosive striking and improving composure
- Tends to start aggressively to overwhelm opponents
DFS Analysis: This fight is crucial for DFS because an early finish seems likely. While Neal possesses power, his recent stagnation leaves him vulnerable. Medić’s early aggression suggests a higher chance of a quick knockout, making him a high-value DFS option with tournament-winning capabilities.
UFC Houston Pick: Medic
Dan Ige (19-10-0) vs. Melquizael Costa (25-7-0)
- Height: 5’7″ – Reach: 71″ – Stance: Orthodox
- Record: 19-10 (7 KO/TKO, 5 submissions)
- Durable fighter, consistently competitive
- Can be outworked by more aggressive opponents
- Height: 5’10” – Reach: 71″ – Stance: Southpaw
- Record: 25-7 (8 KO/TKO, 8 submissions)
- Has momentum and an aggressive, mixed offense
- Combines striking and grappling effectively
DFS Analysis: Ige remains competitive due to his experience, but Costa’s higher activity level gives him the edge. Costa’s pace and offensive mixing should enable him to outscore Ige over the rounds, making him the stronger DFS choice with volume-based scoring potential.
UFC Houston Pick: Costa
