One of the biggest fights in mixed martial arts history will take place in Las Vegas on Sunday afternoon when the enigmatic Conor McGregor attempts to reclaim the Lightweight Championship from the fearsome Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229.
One of the most recognisable and outspoken athletes in world sport, McGregor was stripped of his title last year when he elected to switch codes and fight the undefeated Floyd Mayweather and since then, Nurmagomedov has become the ultimate force of the light UFC divisions.
The undefeated Khabib has continued to receive plenty of support in UFC 229 betting since this fight was announced and has firmed into $1.62 to beat Conor McGregor ($2.30).
It’s nearly two years since McGregor last stepped into the Octagon competitively and the task in front of him this weekend is truly monumental.
The Irishman is clearly at his best when fighting on his feet and harbours an accurate and devastating strike that has been the undoing of many fighters previously. Betting suggests that his method of victory is almost completely skewed towards a KO and it is actually the favourite of any means for both fighters at $2.50.
Regardless of lengthy layoffs through injury, Khabib has been simply outstanding throughout his UFC tenure and has destroyed several massive names in the Octagon.
If this fight goes to ground, then it looks overwhelmingly likely that Khabib will triumph. The Russian has proven himself as one of the most lethal fighters on the canvas and boasts a second-to-none grappling ability; ultimately winning by submission more often than not.
UFC 229 Betting
There’s plenty of value on offer for both fighters but Khabib does looks a justifiable favourite ($1.62) to defeat McGregor ($2.30).
The line for total rounds is currently set at 2.5 and if McGregor is to win, an early KO does appear to be the likeliest of scenarios.
Ultimately, this does look like Khabib’s fight to lose but it’s tough imagining McGregor giving up. Backing Khabib to win this fight by points looks like an outstanding bet at $5.50.
Tip: Khabib to Win by Points ($5.50)