Topuria (Still) Betting Underdog Against Makhachev

10/28/2024 10:09 AM

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Ilia Topuria defended his featherweight title by smashing former 145-pound champion Max Holloway atop the UFC 308 pay-per-view (PPV) event last weekend in Abu Dhabi. In the process, "El Matador" validated all those claims about being the best in the division and may have set himself up for a potential stadium show in Spain.

The promotion is leading toward a rematch of their UFC 298 affair, where Topuria iced Volkanovski in the second stanza. Not surprisingly, the bookies over at BetOnline.ag opened "El Matador" as the odds-on betting favorite over "The Great," and also seated him well above rising featherweight contender Diego Lopes.

Ilia Topuria -350
Alexander Volkanovski +285
Note: The odds opened Topuria -300, Volkanovski +250. The odds have since moved in Topuria's favor

Ilia Topuria -350
Diego Lopes +285
Note: The odds opened Topuria -300, Lopes +250. The odds have since moved in Topuria's favor.

Ilia Topuria +300
Islam Makhachev -400
Note: The odds are unchanged.

There's also a remote chance this fight takes place.

Don't expect to see Topuria make his Octagon return until some point in early-to-mid 2025, depending on whether or not the promotion is serious about booking his next title defense in Spain. A Makhachev super fight is unlikely as the lightweight champ is currently attached to top 155-pound contender Arman Tsarukyan.

For more UFC 308 results and fallout click here.