UFC 254 is just around the corner as the highly-anticipated lightweight title unification clash between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje headlines the event.
For Nurmagomedov, it’s a chance at going 29-0 and further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest fighters ever. For Gaethje, it’s a chance to become the first fighter to defeat Nurmagomedov and realize a dream in becoming the lightweight champion.
Unfortunately for him, oddsmakers remain confident in Nurmagomedov’s chances of retaining his title.
When the fight was first made, Nurmagomedov opened as the -350 favorite while Gaethje was a +285 underdog. And while the odds have changed slightly since, “The Eagle” still remans a huge favorite with odds ranging from -305 to -357. Gaethje’s odds, meanwhile, currently range from +220 to +284.
That means you would have to bet $305 to win $100 on Nurmagomedov while a $100 wager on Gaethje would earn you as much as $284.
At this point, it’s really hard to bet against Nurmagomedov. However, many observers feel Gaethje has the skillset required to beat him so the odds are certainly enticing for those predicting an upset.
Here are the opening odds for the pair’s last five fights:
Khabib Nurmagomedov last five fights
- vs. Dustin Poirier (W): -240
- vs. Conor McGregor (W): -165
- vs. Al Iaquinta (W): -1050
- vs. Edson Barboza (W): -260
- vs. Michael Johnson (W): -370
Justin Gaethje last five fights
- vs. Tony Ferguson (W): +165
- vs. Donald Cerrone (W): -250
- vs. Edson Barboza (W): -105
- vs. James Vick (W): -115
- vs. Dustin Poirier (L): -110
