Gamblers like Kamaru Usman’s chances if he ends up competing on “Fight Island”.
Reportedly, with Jorge Masvidal in talks to replace Gilbert Burns against Usman at UFC 251 next Saturday after Burns’ positive test for COVID-19 and the subsequent withdrawal, betting website BetOnline.ag has established the opening chances for a Usman-Masvidal welterweight championship match.
Usman opened as a sizable favorite at -255 (more than a 2-to-1 favorite), while Masvidal appears as a loser at +215 (lines have fluctuated since then). Those lines could be based on a number of factors, including Usman’s intact UFC record, Masvidal taking the fight short-term and stylistic showdown.
This will be Usman’s second defense of the UFC welterweight title. He defeated Colby Covington by fifth-round TKO at UFC 245 in December, which improved his UFC record to 11-0. He also has notable victories over Tyron Woodley, Rafael dos Anjos, and Demian Maia.
Masvidal, a 17-year veteran, emerged as a welterweight contender thanks to the strength of three spectacular 2019 victories over Nate Díaz, Ben Askren and Darren Till. It took him five seconds to knock Askren out with a flying knee and win the fastest KO in UFC history.
After winning the “BMF” belt by defeating Diaz at UFC 244, Masvidal became a leading candidate to challenge Usman. However, in recent months, “Gamebred” has expressed discontent with the compensation the UFC offered for a title fight with Usman and stated that it would not take advantage of the opportunity unless the money is correct.
