Over 85% of all bets have been placed on a Notorious comeback win, despite him being rated outsider for the fight at 6/4, with ‘The Eagle’ 4/7 and shortening.
In terms of cash taken and number of bets, the bout is the largest UFC fight we’ve ever taken bets on, and has surpassed the wagers placed on all of Anthony Joshua’s last three fights.
December 12, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Conor McGregor is pulled away by the official and wins via technical knockout against Jose Aldo during UFC 194 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters
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And, as the fight approaches, there stands to be a pay out of over £6 million on a McGregor victory – with that figure expected to rise should he win in round one – a 9/2 shot currently.
An online special bet with McGregor to win inside 13 seconds, emulating his record fastest time for a UFC finish, has been halved in price from 200/1 to 100/1 as punters weigh in.
However, there has been a vast increase in support of Khabib over the last few days. Originally 8/11 to win, he has been cut to odds-on 4/7 due to several high-stake bets, a price which continues to tumble downwards.
Our own whiskey-swilling brawler Paddy Power said: “It’s squeaky bum time on our trading floor, as we prepare for the red-eye shift to watch Khabib v McGregor tomorrow night – a fight which could see us shelling out millions.
Sep 20, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor during a press conference for UFC 229 at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
“An early Notorious victory would be our biggest loser, though there’s been a surprising number of bets placed on Khabib as the week has gone on, with many reacting to last night’s press conference.
“Maybe this can be Conor’s way of getting us back for supporting Mayweather over him in Vegas.”
KHABIB v MCGREGOR ODDS
4/7 – Khabib
6/4 – McGregor
9/2 – McGregor to win in round one