The reaction to former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor's major New Year's Eve announcement has continued with the release of the opening odds for his planned middleweight scrap against Michael Chandler.
After recovering from the brutal leg break he sustained against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, McGregor was initially slated to make his return to mixed martial arts competition last year.
But despite a coaching stint opposite Chandler on The Ultimate Fighter setting the stage for a showdown, uncertainty regarding his USADA status and frequent delays ruled out a comeback in 2023.
However, the ex-featherweight and lightweight champ didn't let a new year arrive without hitting the headlines with a fresh claim regarding his next walk to the Octagon.
Hours before 2024, McGregor released a social media video announcing his return for International Fight Week on June 29. He confirmed Chandler as the opponent, but shocked the community by claiming the matchup will be contested at 185 pounds — a weight that neither man has entered the cage at.
Subsequently, DraftKings released opening odds for the apparent bout, with McGregor sitting as a narrow -120 favorite. And like the middleweight stipulation, that betting line has caused quite the stir...
The release of the opening odds for the long-awaited showdown unsurprisingly drew plenty of reactions, ranging from agreement and firm disagreement to suggestions that the odds won't get tested inside the Octagon at all.
Makes sense with the fight at 185
— Next Pro Scouting (@NextProScouts) December 31, 2023
Can’t wait to bet chandler at +250 when mountains of McGregor casuals bet the line up.
— Tanner Richey (@Tan_Rich) January 1, 2024
Why on earth would Conor be the favorite
— Cody McGhee (@CodyMcGhee4real) December 31, 2023
Ain’t no way you can honestly favor Conor based on the layoff alone. Chandler has looked much better than Conor over the last 5 years, losses included.
— The Niggler™ (@daniggler) December 31, 2023
McGregor hasn't won a fight since Obama was in office
— Pete DeHeat (@njpd2015) January 1, 2024
I'd bet huge on the fight not happening.
— Lex Jurgen (@Lex_Jurgen) December 31, 2023
Betting the house on chandler
— KC (@kingcosmuder) January 1, 2024
This is crazy
— Jack (@jack4mvp) December 31, 2023
Only ppl favoring Conor are his fans
— TheCrazy1 (@psyckotik1) January 1, 2024
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