SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
UFC 205 has already broken records as the most bet on UFC fight night of all time, according to figures from Sportsbet.io. The Bitcoin sportsbook has enjoyed a steady stream of bets in the lead-up to Saturday night’s event in New York, which has already beaten Sportsbet’s previous high for the most wagered on a UFC card.
Unsurprisingly, the headline fight, Conor McGregor v Eddie Alvarez has received the most attention.
Of all of the bets placed so far, 70% of those have been on McGregor, with 75% of the money staked so far going on the brash Irishman, who is currently a short favourite to win at 1.60.
However, outsider Alvarez has been cut from 2.45 to 2.30 as punters eye an upset.
The rush of money on the fight, ever since it was announced in September, has ensured Sportsbet.io have taken more money on Saturday’s card than any previous UFC event – which was set during McGregor’s last outing, against Nate Diaz at UFC 202.
Sportsbet.io spokesperson Joe Jordan said: “Conor McGregor is possibly the biggest draw in all sport, let alone UFC, and punters have rushed to back the trash-talking fighter. Despite a one-sided fight expected, we’ve also taken quite a few big bets on Eddie Alvarez – so don’t count against McGregor not getting it all his own way.
“Either way, we’re expecting a great evening of action, and plenty more bets to flood in before, and during the night.”
