While UFC betting fans are beginning to grow tired with the rumors surrounding an unconfirmed boxing match between the two biggest names in the fight game, the organization is making sure to schedule real events in order to keep their sportsbook fans invested in MMA.
But even amongst their hardest efforts, the UFC is never quite able to please everybody. The most recent complaint comes from current Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley who took issue with an extended promo the UFC released for his upcoming fight at UFC 209 against Stephen Thompson.
Woodley has not been shy about vocalizing his perceived lack of interest on behalf of the UFC regarding their unwillingness to stand behind an African American champion. There’s no doubt that racism is institutionalized in the US and those who have been following Woodley’s story tend to side with the fighter over the UFC. In short, it does seem that the UFC is more than willing to under-promote Woodley, as well as try to replace him as soon as possible.
Those who bet on MMA and were able to catch Woodley and Thompson’s first bout were treated to a fantastical clash between two titans. Woodley started strong and although it seemed like he would be dominant throughout the fight, Thompson managed to hang on even through the most difficult times and earned a draw. The UFC decided to give Thompson an immediate rematch, something Woodley was critical of.
While some sportsbook fans might lack some insight into how much money a UFC fighter pulls, most are aware that belt-wielders make more money than anyone else. So while on hand Woodley might be hesitant to face a fighter who gave him such a hard time previously, at the same time, Woodley is just chasing a big pay day – something he won’t get by facing Thompson.
Specifically, just like everybody in the UFC, Woodley was interested in setting up a match with Conor McGregor. McGregor always boasts at his press conferences about changing his opponent’s life and while some UFC betting fans might be turned off by comments like that, they are indubitably valid. The highest paychecks in the UFC go to McGregor and whoever the Irishman faces.
Woodley and Thompson will face off for the second time at UFC 209 to be held on Saturday, March 4th. Meanwhile, avid MMA fans can look forward to this weekend’s event to be held at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. We’ve already taken a look at the main card, so let’s see what the UFC has in store for the under card, as well as the sportsbook odds each fighter is facing in their respective bout.
FIGHT NIGHT 105 – UNDER CARD – Sunday, February 19th
Nordine Taleb 1 ½ (-200) +325 vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio 1 ½ (+170) -400
Carla Esparza 2 ½ (+260) -280 vs. Randa Markos 2 ½ (-320) +240
Aiemann Zahabi 1 ½ (+170) -230 vs. Reginaldo Vieira 1 ½ (-200) +190
Jack Marshman 1 ½ (+180) +160 vs. Thiago Santos 1 ½ (-220) -185
Gerald Meerschaert 1 ½ (+155) -325 vs. Ryan Janes 1 ½ (-175) +265
