Bulk of the Money on Oliveira for UFC 317
At last, we’ve arrived: Ilia Topuria (16-0), rising from the featherweight class, enters the Octagon for a lightweight championship clash with Charles Oliveira (35-10-1) tomorrow evening at UFC 317 in Las Vegas.
Topuria Favored Odds
The battle at T-Mobile Arena starts at 10 p.m. EST. Enjoyed today's weigh-in and yesterday's pre-fight press conference – no fooling around, purely professional, composed and relaxed, Topuria at 155 pounds, Oliveira at 154.5. No animosity. Oliveira is among the most respected competitors in the UFC.
Islam Makhachev relinquished the lightweight championship to transition to welterweight. At BetMGM, Topuria is the heavy favorite, listed at -450 (while Oliveira sits at +350). But take a look at where the funds are being allocated – 90% of wagers on Oliveira, 63% of the total handle.
Topuria had criticized Makhachev for relinquishing his title, labeling him a “hypocrite” and alleging that he was avoiding competition, but he revised those statements on Ariel Helwani’s show this week:
“I think he’s doing his thing. I don’t think he’s ducking me, to be honest. I would be lying to you if I told you that he’s ducking me. I think he’s tired of the weight cut. He wants a new challenge. He moved to the welterweight division. He feels and he thinks that he has a chance to become a double champion, and I think that this is all he’s trying to do.”
Funds Flowing in Charles’ Direction
A BetVictor trader reflected similar observations as BetMGM in a conversation with Casino.org:
“All Charles’ money,” said Mark Collier. “Certainly for the bout that’s for sure. The Las Vegas line is holding prefer firm at 1/5 – 7/2 but no doubt, the Oliveira backing is because of the unpredictable style he has.”
There isn't much affection for Topuria.
“Figure maybe the change in division might have a bearing,” he said. “As champions go, I think he’s there to be knocked out.”
Johnny Avello Claims It’s Slightly Unique at DraftKings
BetVictor lists Topuria at -500 and Oliveira at +350.
Johnny Avello, director of racing and sportsbook at DraftKings, states that the handle is 50-50, with Topuria receiving 61% of total wagers and Oliveira getting 39%. DraftKings has Topuria listed at -455 and Oliveira at +350.
At BetMGM, the majority of betting props this afternoon include: Oliveira by Submission +650, Oliveira by KO/TKO or DQ +1100, Topuria by KO/TKO or DQ -175, and Oliveira by Decision/Technical Decision +1400.
Alexandre Pantoja will also face Kai Kara-France in a flyweight championship match on the main card.
“The Co-Main event not taken anything exciting but that’s not too surprising for a flyweight bout,” Collier said. “Personally I am a little disappointed we haven’t seen more action on the Dariush-Moicano (lightweight bout) but with bout betting so close, maybe it’s not that surprising. Only other really main action has come from the other flyweight bout on the main card with Joshua Van flipping the betting line and gone 4/5 favourite against Brandon Royval. Surely that one has a Split Decision all over it.”
BetVictor has Pantoja at -250, Kara-France at +190. The lightweight bout Collier references: Dariush +100, Moicano -125.
