Conor McGregor has opened as a sizable favourite against bitter combat sports rival Floyd Mayweather.
Bookmakers have priced up the clash following reports that Mayweather has applied for his MMA licence, with a fight between the two looking more increasingly likely in 2018.
The Notorious One has been given a gargantuan favourite tag for the fight at 1/33, implying he has a 97% of victory.
On the other side of the proverbial cage, Mayweather is a sizable underdog at 9/1, in what would be his first bout in the octagon.
Bookies have launched other specials in the lead up to the potential scrap, pricing up Mayweather to have a UFC scrap in 2018 at a reasonable 3/1.
It’s 12/1 that McGregor and Mayweather get inside the octagon for a showdown, and plucky punters who think Floyd can go the whole way – it’s 100/1 that he becomes a UFC Champion during 2018.
The 50-0 boxer has openly admitted he’s begun training MMA with UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley, in preparation for an MMA debut at the age of 41.
Mayweather has claimed he needs a reasonable amount of time to train for the encounter.
He said: “Even if takes six to eight months, whatever it takes, we’re going to make sure that everything is done the right way.”
Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek said: “We’ve seen the circus-show of MayMac going down in the boxing ring, with the result not a questionable one.
“Mayweather schooled McGregor using the sweet science of boxing, but it’s a different ball game entirely with MMA.
“Bookies are taking no chances with a short price on McGregor winning, setting the opening odds at 1/33 for a victory from the Irishman.
“In layman’s terms, that means you would have to bet £33 in order to win a measly £1 – but in all honesty – you’re better keeping your cash.”
