Superstar featherweight champion Conor McGregor will attempt to become the first fighter in UFC history to simultaneously hold belts in two weight classes when he meets lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez at the historic UFC 205 card in New York. The fight is still a month away, but the fight’s too big not to talk about - and bet on - right now. Let’s break down your betting options.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Conor McGregor -140
Eddie Alvarez +110
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over -165, under +135
Please note, the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu are updated daily. The lines listed here may have changed since this article was written.
Fight Preview
Any argument for McGregor must start with his power. Like Anthony Johnson or a prime Chuck Liddell, the Irishman possesses an extraordinary ability to put fighters to sleep with a single punch. In the case of “Notorious”, the left cross is the money punch that has likely assigned about a dozen concussions already.
But his physical gifts aren’t just limited to his fists. He’s big fighter, even at lightweight, and has one of the longest reaches (74”) at 155 and below. So when McGregor steps into the cage against Alvarez, the featherweight champ will actually be an inch taller and carry a five-inch reach advantage.
What’s more, McGregor is coming off a brutal war with Nate Diaz where had to prove to himself that he could go five bloody rounds and dig deep under duress. That is a huge confidence builder, especially since he’s facing a guy that’s known for his toughness. Alvarez already has two Fight of the Years under his belt - and a third could be on the way.
Though Alvarez gained most of his popularity with wild brawls in overseas promotions, he’s been a much more patient fighter inside the octagon. Losing his UFC debut to Donald Cerrone must have been eye-opening for the lightweight champion, as he promptly switched tactics and become a more wrestling-oriented fighter against Anthony Pettis and Gilbert Melendez.
But his title-clinching victory over Rafael dos Anjos served as a reminder that Alvarez remains a dangerous and powerful boxer in his own right. It only took a single punch for him to stop one of the best lightweight runs in recent memory. McGregor has proved himself to be extremely durable, but a clean hit from Alvarez is difficult to recover from.
Breakdown and Prediction
I suspect that Alvarez is going to do whatever it takes to press McGregor into the fence - engaging in a sparring match with the bigger, longer man would be reckless endangerment. Still, it’s tough to see Alvarez successfully smothering the Irishman for five rounds. At -140, McGregor to win is a great value bet.
UFC odds: McGregor TKO Alvarez, R3
How to Bet
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today. UFC 205 takes place November 12, 2016 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. The main card airs on pay-per-view following the FOX Sports 1 prelims.
