If Islam Makhachev does fight for the UFC lightweight title next, it appears he’ll do so as a massive betting favorite.
Following his first-round rout of Bobby Green at UFC Vegas 49, Makhachev opened as more than a 4-to-1 favorite to defeat UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in a potential showdown between two of the best talents at 155 pounds. Internet bookmaker BetOnline set the opening line behind Makhachev at -415 odds, while Oliveira was introduced as a +345 betting underdog, meaning a $100 bet on Oliveira would pay out $345 if the hypothetical fight took place and the Brazilian champion was able to defeat Makhachev.
Oliveira is currently a slight betting favorite (-155) to successfully defend his UFC lightweight title against Justin Gaethje (+135) on May 7 at UFC 274.
Makhachev (22-1) has won 10 consecutive UFC fights, a run highlighted by victories over Dan Hooker, Green, Thiago Moises, Drew Dober, and Arman Tsarukyan. He has lost his last four victories and was stopped by Green’s three-minute TKO.
Oliveira (32-8, 1 NC) has also won 10 consecutive UFC fights. He captured the vacant lightweight belt last year with a second-round knockout of Michael Chandler then defended it as a betting underdog with a third-round submission of Dustin Poirier at UFC 269.
