McGregor Opens As Betting Underdog For Potential Masvidal Bout

Ever since Jorge Masvidal took aim at Conor McGregor earlier this week the MMA world has been discussing a potential clash between the two UFC strikers.

Masvidal wasted little time calling out “Notorious” following his five-second knockout over Ben Askren at UFC 239 earlier this month. With divisional momentum and public notoriety at an all-time high, it was the perfect timing for Masvidal to throw his name into the mix for a Red Panty Night, compliments of the retired McGregor.

While Masvidal has joined a list chock full of recognizable stars like Floyd Mayweather and Khabib Nurmagomedov, there’s a really good chance “Gamebred’s” recent striking prowess catches the eye of the confident McGregor. At least that’s what the oddsmakers think, as betting lines for a McGregor vs. Masvidal showdown have already been released.

According to BestFightOdds (shown above), Masvidal would be the -160 betting favorite if he locked horns with “Notorious” today. McGregor, on the other hand, would come in as a +140 underdog. McGregor, who has done some incredible things throughout his MMA career, is no stranger to fighting as the underdog.

While these odds may shock some of McGregor’s biggest fans, they do make sense. McGregor, who lost his only UFC fight in the past three years to Khabib Nurmagomedov this past October, would be coming into the fight the smaller man. Although Masvidal once competed at 155 pounds he is a true welterweight. McGregor has to bulk up to 170 pounds and would likely have a power disadvantage come fight time.

Of course, Masvidal would likely strike with McGregor and allow the former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion to land his patented left hand. Masvidal has never been finished by strikes throughout his UFC career, which is probably another reason he’s the betting favorite, but that doesn’t mean “Notorious” can’t catch the American Top Team standout with one punch.

It would be an interesting matchup to say the least, especially because both men have a gift for gab, but don’t expect a fight between McGregor and Masvidal to be booked anytime soon. While Masvidal has been on an absolute tear with back-to-back knockout finishes over Darren Till and Askren, he isn’t the biggest star on McGregor’s list.

“Notorious” is more likely to pick a fight with Khabib, Tony Ferguson, the winner of Anthony Pettis vs. Nate Diaz, or even Mayweather, before he tests his luck against a red-hot welterweight contender like Masvidal.