With UFC 245 going down this weekend, the UFC will be done with pay-per-views for 2019. Looking ahead to 2020, there have been some huge fights announced so far. With the fight odds already having been released, here is a closer look at the odds for three blockbuster UFC fights set to go down in the early part of next year.
2020 UFC Betting Odds
Conor McGregor vs. Donald Cerrone: UFC 246
In the first PPV of 2020, Conor McGregor will make his return against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 in what has already become the most anticipated fight of the year. This will be McGregor’s first action in the octagon since being defeated by Khabib Nurmagomedov all the way back at UFC 229. Across from McGregor will be fan favorite and veteran Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, who is looking to bounce back from a KO loss to Justin Gaethje in September.
Currently, McGregor is the favorite, as he sits around -230. Cerrone comes back as around a +180 underdog. One intriguing aspect of this fight is that it is taking place at welterweight. McGregor has only ever fought at welterweight twice, both of which came in his two fights with Nate Diaz. Cowboy previously fought in the welterweight division, but his last four fights have all been at lightweight. If this fight was being contested at 155 pounds, McGregor would likely be a much larger favorite. Even at welterweight, McGregor should probably be a bigger favorite due to his power, precision, and Cerrone’s extreme inability to handle pressure.
McGregor and Cowboy are two of the most exciting fighters to enter the Octagon. For the best fight odds, check out the Fox Bet New Jersey promo code and place your bets. Regardless of which of the odds, this one is guaranteed to be a barnburner and placing a bet on either would not be an injustice.
Jon Jones vs. Dominick Reyes: UFC 247
The biggest favorites of the three fights is Jon Jones defending his light heavyweight championship against rising star Dominick Reyes. Jones most recently defended his strap against Thiago Santos at UFC 239, while Reyes is coming off of a first round knockout of former middleweight champion Chris Weidman in October. Jones is currently a -500 favorite with Reyes coming back as a +350 underdog.
Many would think the odds for this fight are correct, but the reality is that Jones shouldn’t be such a big favorite. His defense against Santos was the worst performance we have seen from Jones in awhile. He clearly struggled with the length and kicks of Santos. Another concern was that Jones showed no desire to take the fight to the mat. He was content to narrowly win a decision in a kickboxing match. The difference here is that Reyes is way more technical a striker than Santos. Reyes has the kicking skills and range to give Jones trouble in a kickboxing department. Along with that, Reyes is no slouch in the wrestling department either. If Jones comes out again content to stay at distance and hope the judges give him the nod, we could be starting off 2019 with a huge upset in this fight.
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson
Hopefully the fifth time is the charm, as Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson are once again schedule to face off for the lightweight title. Set to go down in April, this is the most anticipated fight of 2020 and here’s to hoping we finally get to see it. These odds are currently the same as the McGregor-Cerrone fight, with Nurmagomedov coming in as a -230 favorite and Ferguson entering as a +180 underdog.
The obvious thing to consider in this fight is who will win the grappling exchanges. Nurmagomedov has the best top game in all of MMA, while Ferguson is one of the most dangerous fighters off of his back. Many people are leaning towards Ferguson because he is extremely durable and excels in the positions that Nurmagomedov will likely put him in. The issue with that line of thinking is that Ferguson has never faced anyone with the top game of Nurmagomedov. Ferguson will enter the fight with a cardio advantage. But unless he can pull off something shocking on the feet, we will likely witness a usual Nurmagomedov smashing. Ferguson is just too eager to be on his back against a guy who excels in top position.
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