LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 30: In this handout provided by UFC, Gilbert Burns of Brazil reacts after ... [+]
‘Spectator Free’ UFC Event In Las Vegas Hits Home Run for Sports and Betting with UFC 250 on deck June 6
Fight fans or not, bettors were back last weekend for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in Las Vegas. The May 30 event was staged at the UFC Apex facility with no fans, and broadcast on ESPN+.
The 11-fight card had bettors swinging, kicking and jabbing at the bookmaker before and during the matches with live in-play wagers.
UFC’s return to Las Vegas was the first live sporting event in Nevada since the coronavirus pandemic shutdown sports in mid March. The 11 fights on May 30 drew massive betting interest and the Main Event produced a major upset when Gilbert Burns (+145) dominated ex-champ Tyron Woodley to win a unanimous decision. In the biggest match of his 22-fight career, Burns delivered an excellent performance. Woodley has now lost 10 consecutive rounds.
The UFC Main Event has now produced five straight underdog winners.
Nick Bogdanovich, Director of Trading at William Hill US in Nevada, told the Vegas Stats & Information Network (VSiN) Monday that the May 30 UFC betting action was “incredible,” and a “monster handle.”
Woodley getting beat was a big punch in the gut and hurt most bettors while bookmakers made out big. So did fans who watched at home, as Saturday’s event was highly entertaining.
UFC Betting Guide - How to Bet On UFC Fights Online
The success of Saturday’s event and overwhelming interest in betting was a positive sign for all major sports as they plan their return to live action. UFC’s restart provided us a glimpse into how live sports can work.
UFC President Dana White told the Las Vegas Sun that he’s spoken with leaders from several other major organizations since he began staging bouts. He hasn’t tried to pass along much specific advice except for one simple message: Pandemic concerns can be navigated properly; it’s possible to continue.
“They have to dive in, take a very time-consuming (look), break down an event piece by piece and figure out how to keep people safe in an environment once you put on the event,” White said.
Perhaps a surprising plan will be developed as leagues think outside the box when pro sports open up and return. It starts with the PGA Tour returning to the course next week on Thursday, June 11, with the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Expect a major boost in golf betting, and some sportsbooks including DraftKings and FanDuel have already posted odds to win the event with Rory McIlroy (+700) the favorite.
Saturday’s UFC success should result in even greater interest for this weekend’s UFC 250 event on ESPN and pay-per-view June 6 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The 12-fight card’s feature is the Women's light featherweight title with Amanda Nunes (-575) a huge favorite over Felicia Spencer (+425).
Canadian pro bettor Brian Steinberg (Sherwood) won’t be suggesting a bet on Nunes at that price, but you can checkout his insight and analysis on UFC 50 at sportswagers.ca along with posted odds. Sherwood had winners on both Chris Gutierrez (-110) and underdog Brandon Royval (+140, analysis) on May 30.
Some early percentage of UFC 250 bets and money wagered at FanDuel Sportsbook include:
- 55% of bets and 59% money for O'Malley (-440) over Wineland
- 80% of bets and 90% money for Hooper (-155) over Caceres
- 77% of bets and 71% money for Magny (-150) over Martin
- 64% of bets and 60% money for Clark (+200) over Menifield
Daily fantasy players can also get in on UFC 50 action and follow numberFire for more UFC and sports coverage, insight and analysis.
UFC in Las Vegas is leading the way back and setting a blueprint to follow for major sports and sports betting in the months ahead.
You can bet on it.
