UFC 249 is poised to create a sports betting oasis on Saturday night in Jacksonville, Florida, thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis reopening the state and allowing for live competitions to take place without fans present.
The event is the first for the Ultimate Fighting Championship since UFC Fight Night 170 in Brazil on March 14th, which was held out of the country due to the spread of the Coronavirus. The South American promotion allowed for the company to gain insight on the best methodologies for post-pandemic MMA fight cards.
With the Sunshine State easing restrictions for athletic competitions, moving UFC 249 to Jacksonville was a no-brainer for company president Dana White. Florida’s northeast coast marks the third proposed venue for UFC 249, with bookings at New York’s Barclays Center and California’s Tachi Palace Casino Resort canceled after COVID-19 related difficulties.
Although the event was clear to proceed at the California Tribal casino and hotel, the New York Times reports that the event was canceled after requests were made by ESPN and Disney corporate offices.
The card’s second postponement has caused one of the main event participants, UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, to drop out of the fight. His religious beliefs require him to remain home in Russia in observance of Ramadan.
Now that the date is finalized and approved to commence, odds have been released, enticing gamblers across the globe that are interested betting on the UFC.
Justin Gaethje has replaced Nurmagomedov and will battle Tony Ferguson for what will likely offer the winner the next shot at the title. Ferguson vs. Gaethje betting odds have appeared at major online sportsbooks, so let’s have a look at how the two opponents compare.
Ferguson vs. Gaethje Tale Of The Tape
| Tony Ferguson | Justin Gaethje | |
| Overall MMA Record | 26-3-0 | 21-2-0 |
| Height | 5’11” | 5’11” |
| Weight | 155 lbs. | 155 lbs. |
| Reach | 76” | 70” |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Age | 36 | 32 |
| Betting Odds | -180 | +145 |
UFC 249 Betting Odds Provided By MyBookie.
Ferguson vs. Gaethje
Winner
- Ferguson -180
- Gaethje +145
Will Fight Go The Distance?
- Yes +300
- No -450
How will the fight end?
- By KO or TKO -165
- By Submission +225
- Either on points +300
- Draw +5000
Both fighters bring an impressive record to the octagon, with similar attributes across their comparative measurements. Gaethje has a four-year age advantage, but it is Ferguson’s reach advantage of six inches that is the biggest odds mover. Ferguson is favored to win the fight with -180 odds. A wager of $180 will earn a payout of $100 if Ferguson is the victor.
Oddsmakers at top USA sportsbook sites indicate through their betting lines that the fight will be stopped early via a knockout or TKO. If bettors feel confident that Ferguson will win the match, but are not confident that it will be by a KO, then the following, more all-inclusive odds might be more suitable.
Justin Gaethje vs. Tony Ferguson – Final Result
- Tony Ferguson By KO, TKO, DQ Or Submission -120
- Justin Gaethje By KO, TKO, DQ Or Submission +160
- Justin Gaethje By Decision Or Technical Decision +900
- Tony Ferguson By Decision Or Technical Decision +450
- Draw +5000
Although it offers the lowest payout, the -120 odds are near even money and cover all options for Tony Ferguson winning the main event of UFC 249. The same can be said for Gaethje with this line, as all possibilities for victory are covered. Keep up with the latest in USA Sportsbook developments to get notified when more betting sports return to action.