The betting public has started to lean toward cocky Irishman Conor McGregor, a minus-130 favorite, in a hyped rematch against Nate Diaz on Saturday.
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Minus stars Jon Jones and Conor McGregor, the Las Vegas wagering handle for Saturday’s UFC 200 card at T-Mobile Arena will be down an estimated $1 million or more.
Two years ago, Conor McGregor was just another fighter, a former plumber with an attitude, a prospect, a no-name undercard filler to casual fans of mixed martial arts. Today, he’s recognized as the biggest star in the sport, and not just because of his big mouth.
MGM Resorts sports book director Jay Rood said the UFC interim featherweight title fight between Conor McGregor and Chad Mendes on Saturday drew strong two-way action. McGregor opened at minus-130 and closed as a 2-1 favorite.
It was loud and clear. BJ Penn danced through the crowd, headed for the cage for perhaps the final time, and heard the roars. It was obvious he was the favorite.
Side by side on a couch were Dana White and Mike Tyson, a pair of lifelong boxing fans, explaining why they rarely get excited to watch boxing anymore. That’s how times change.