You’re favored! No, you’re favored! Wait, now you’re dead even!
UFC interim featherweight champion Conor McGregor (pictured) and UFC featherweight champ Jose Aldo couldn’t care less about who is favored to unify the 145-pound title tonight at UFC 194, but gamblers sure seem to be.
When the highly-anticipated matchup was initially announced back in August, McGregor opened as a 2-1 odds-on favorite to hand Aldo his first loss in a decade. Since then, specifically within the last 24 hours, their odds have been like a roller coaster.
Just before Friday’s weigh-ins, McGregor had dropped to a -120 favorite, with Aldo at +110. Following their heated face-off, Aldo suddenly jumped in the lead and became a -115 favorite and McGregor was a slight +105 underdog.
During that 30-minute window, the lines were all over the place depending on which Las Vegas casino you played at. At the MGM, where UFC 194 takes place and there is a strong Irish contingent, McGregor held steady at -135. Just down the street at SLS Las Vegas, McGregor was only -115.
When I rested my pretty little head on the pillow late last night, Aldo was the favorite at -115 (McGregor +105). When I woke up eight hours later, Aldo pulled even further away at -125 (McGregor +115).
And now, just as I’m about to click “Publish” on this article? They are all knotted up, dead even at -115 apiece.
Money talks, and the late money has Las Vegas oddsmakers a mess. It will be interesting to see what these lines close at when the cage door slams shut tonight.