The opening betting odds are not giving Tony Ferguson too much of a chance against Paddy Pimblett.
Ferguson (25-9 MMA, 15-7 UFC) will look to snap a six-fight losing skid when he takes on Pimblett (20-3 MMA, 4-0 UFC) at UFC 296 on Dec. 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
According to DraftKings, Pimblett is a -380 favorite, meaning a $380 bet would be needed on “The Baddy” to return $100 profit. Ferguson is a +300 underdog, meaning a $100 bet on the former interim champion would win $300.
The odds suggest a mismatch between 39-year-old Ferguson and Pimblett, but the likes of Michael Bisping have defended the matchup. Among Ferguson’s losses are former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and “BMF” champ Justin Gaethje since “El Cucuy” has been fighting top-level competition during his skid. His most recent setback came in a submission loss to Bobby Green at UFC 291 in July.
Pimblett is unbeaten in the octagon, but is coming off a controversial decision win over Jared Gordon at UFC 282 this past December. He underwent ankle surgery after the fight and will be returning after a yearlong layoff when he faces Ferguson.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 296.
