Allan Fabrykant 
ANKALAEV V WALKER
After a long layoff, we are finally back with our first UFC fight night card of 2024. We are starting off with a bang as a heavily anticipated fight from 2023 that was cut short due to a doctor stoppage will get a new life as the first main event of the year. There will be a total of 11 fights with some great matchups throughout the card, that will have some serious implications, in various title conversations. Now, with all that out of the way, let’s get right into the action!
SLATE STARTS AT 4:00 PM ET
Exposure to the main event is highly recommended. DFS production in these fights is usually high as they are five-round fights. I do not recommend branching away from the Main Event. These fighters are usually both active, and they can rack up a lot of points. There will be three top plays followed by honorable mentions. Now, let’s get ready to make some money!
Tonight, I’m here to give you my top three favorite DFS and Sports betting picks for UFC Vegas 84 Ankalev vs Walker.
MY UFC VALUE TARGET (CASH&GPP):
Matthew Semelsberger vs Preston Parsons
Both of these fighters are coming off of bumps on the road in their UFC careers. But, I find it truly surprising that the odds are as close as they are. I see Semelsberger, as a much more advanced striker than Preston Parsons, and the power that we have seen behind some of Semelsberger’s punches has been nothing short of impressive. Semelsberger has much more octagon experience, and as long as he can avoid Parsons attempts to bring the fight to the mat, Semelsberger will be in a prime position to win this one, either by knockout or by points.
MY UFC DFS PICK: Matthew Semelsberger SECOND-ROUND KO (possible UNANIMOUS DECISION).
MY UFC LOCKED-IN TARGET (CASH):
Tom Nolan vs Nikolas Motta
There were high hopes for Motta following his strong performance on the Dana White Contender Series, but after a lackluster run in the UFC, it seems like Motta has ran out of chances. He has amassed three losses (one was overturned to a no-contest due to referee error) and one win against an even more unimpressive Cameron Van Camp. It’s opponent Tom Nolan is making his UFC debut sporting a 6–0–0 perfect record with four straight knockouts, including a first-round knockout in his Contender Series appearance last year. Nolan is a high paced fighter and will put pressure on Motta right at the opening bell. Nolan’s elite level power will also be too much for Motta to handle.
MY UFC DFS PICK: Tom Nolan SECOND-ROUND KO (possible FIRST-ROUND KO).
MY UFC TOP SCORING TARGET (GPP):
Jean Silva vs Westin Wilson
There is one word that I think perfectly describes this matchup, ‘uncompetitive’. Once they step in to the octagon, every UFC fan is going to see very quickly that they do not belong in the same competitive space. From what we have seen out of Weston Wilson in his limited UFC career it has been less than impressive and a polar opposite to Jean Silva, who completed an epic comeback after losing the first round of his appearance on the Dana White Contender Series. Silva does have to worry about the submission threat but realistically, I do not think Wilson has any chance of success in this fight. His standup and striking defense are simply not on a level to compete here.
MY UFC DFS PICK: Jean Silva FIRST-ROUND KO (possible SECOND ROUND KO)
UFC HONORABLE MENTIONS:
(Not in order)
Magomed Ankalaev 5 ROUNDER
Jim Miller (Both fighters are very old, but Jim Miller has shown no signs of slowing down. Benitez on the other hand has lost four of his last six fights, missed weight a couple times and has not fought in about a year and a half after pulling out of a previously scheduled fight against Miller.)
Ricky Simon
Bruno Ferreira
Waldo Cortes-Acosta (as much as I want to back Andrei Arlovski I simply do not believe he has it in him to win this fight. Waldo is simply too good, Arlovski cannot compete at the top level anymore)
Joshua Van
Marcus McGhee
Farid Basharat
SUMMARY:
On Saturday’s fourteen-bout MMA UFC DFS slate, I am finally allowed to bet again on UFC as restrictions have now been lifted in my area. As such, I will play 2 Parlays. Remember, to take down a GPP; you have to be different and take risks. Scared money doesn’t make money in tournaments. For any further questions, I will be available until lock in our WinDaily Discord chat. GOOD LUCK, and don’t forget to come back and Win Daily!
PARLAY OF THE DAY
Tom Nolan -350
Magomed Ankalaev -550
Marcus McGhee -225
Jean Silva (to Win via KO) -200
Possible Add
Farid Basharat (Double Chance Submission/Decision) -250
