In Guaranteed Prize Pool (GPP) contests, the goal is to build a lineup with the highest possible ceiling, aiming for a top finish to win substantial prizes. In MMA DFS, this means focusing on upside, leverage, and uniqueness.
General Strategy
Avoid Stacking Fights:
Never play both fighters from the same fight. Stacking limits your overall ceiling because one fighter’s success directly hurts the other’s scoring potential. In GPPs, the objective is maximum points, not safety.
Target High-Ceiling Fighters:
Focus on fighters who can score big in wins, even if they are inconsistent overall. A boom-or-bust fighter who lands takedowns, knockdowns, or finishes early can be tournament-winning material despite lower win probability.
Create Unique Lineups:
Leave salary on the table, ideally using $47,200–$49,800 of the DraftKings cap. This naturally reduces duplication. Incorporate one or two fighters projected under 20% ownership to stand out from the field. Consider fading the main event—these fights tend to be over-owned, and avoiding them can instantly make your lineup more unique.
DraftKings Strategy
Utilize Line Movement:
Track betting line movement to identify value opportunities. Fighters whose odds have improved significantly since pricing was released often carry hidden upside and come in at lower ownership.
Mix Ownership Levels:
Blend popular high-ceiling fighters with low-owned, high-upside options. This balanced exposure maximizes potential while maintaining uniqueness across your builds.
FanDuel Strategy
Look for Mispriced Fighters:
FanDuel’s pricing can leave room for underpriced favorites or mid-range fighters with strong win equity. Take advantage of these inefficiencies to stretch your lineup’s ceiling.
Maximize Favorites:
Fit as many favorites in the $15–$18 range as possible. These fighters offer solid win potential and typically deliver higher scores than longshots in FanDuel’s scoring format.
General Tips
Focus on Upside:
Prioritize fighters with knockout power, submission ability, or a pace that creates significant fantasy scoring potential. In GPPs, volatility is a strength, not a weakness.
Create Unique Lineups:
Leave salary unused, play at least one low-owned fighter, and consider fading the main event to avoid lineup duplication.
Monitor Ownership Trends:
Keep an eye on projected ownership before lock to ensure your lineup remains distinct. Being slightly different in a few key spots can make all the difference in a large field.
By following these strategies, you can build high-ceiling lineups that maximize your chances of finishing near the top of MMA DFS GPP contests.