Lost in the Conor McGregor madness is the fact women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm (pictured) will make her first title defense at UFC 196. Remember Holm? She’s the one who flipped the MMA world upside down in November by blasting Ronda Rousey to capture the crown.
I know, it’s easy to get lost in McGregor’s massive shadow.
Nonetheless, tonight’s showdown against Miesha Tate may be just as important as Holm’s fight with Rousey. It’s always easier to become the champ than to retain. Holm is out to prove she’s more than just a one-hit wonder, and an impressive finish over Tate would go a long way in cementing her status as the world’s best 135-pound female.
Holm is slightly more than a 2.5-1 odds-on favorite to successfully defend her throne. Tate, meanwhile, checks in as a 2-1 underdog to win her first strap in her last three title tilts.
Oh, yeah. That McGregor guy is now a heavy 5.5-1 favorite to dispose of Nate Diaz in tonight’s main event.
MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada hosts UFC 196.
Here are the wagering lines for tonight’s fights:
Favorites (-) Underdogs (+)
Preliminary Card:
Teruto Ishihara +155
Julian Erosa -190Justin Salas +165
Jason Saggo -210Diego Sanchez +125
Jim Miller -155Darren Elkins +130
Chas Skelly -160Marcelo Guimaraes +220
Vitor Miranda -300Nordine Taleb +190
Erick Silva -240Siyar Bahadurzada +220
Brandon Thatch -300Main Card:
Valentina Shevchenko -110
Amanda Nunes -120Tom Lawlor +240
Corey Anderson -320Gian Villante +155
Ilir Latifi -190Miesha Tate +200
Holly Holm -260Conor McGregor -550
Nate Diaz +375