Featherweight champion Max Holloway (18-3, 8 KOs, 2 SUBs) will defend his title against Frankie Edgar (22-5, 7 KOs, 4 SUBs) at UFC 218 on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The main card airs live on pay-per-view starting 9 p.m. ET. Bet on the latest UFC odds at BookMaker.eu now.
It’s time to see if Max Holloway can establish the “Blessed” era. The featherweight champion will make his first title defense against two-time title challenger Frankie Edgar at UFC 218 on December 2. It will be the Hawaiian’s first fight since capturing the title this past June with a spectacular TKO win over featherweight GOAT Jose Aldo.
The UFC odds at BookMaker.eu opened with Holloway as a big favorite, even though Edgar is the best fighter that he hasn’t faced yet. We’ll have an in-depth preview during fight week - today let’s get into your early betting options.
Opening UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Frankie Edgar +165
Max Holloway -205
Over/under 4.5 rounds, over -180, under +140
UFC Odds Analysis
Holloway is more than a 2-1 favorite at -205, with Edgar at +165. This sounds about right, although we wouldn’t be surprised if the Hawaiian’s price got more expensive in the coming months. While Edgar is a legend and a surefire Hall-of-Famer, you get the sense that his time is passing while the 25-year old Holloway is just getting started.
Fight Leadup
Since losing to Conor McGregor in 2013, Holloway has ripped off a 12-fight winning streak. That’s an extraordinary number, but even more impressive is the fact that he secured stoppages in eight of them. Along the way he’s beaten pretty much every contender at 145, including Cub Swanson, Charles Oliveira, Jeremy Stephens, Ricardo Lamas and Jose Aldo.
This is a scary good young fighter who is only getting better. He’s got the brash confidence that comes with youth, and the skills to back it up. A high volume, high-level striker, Holloway’s relentless striking style is not unlike current lightweight champ Tony Ferguson’s - both men press forward with creative strikes until opponents wilt.
Edgar is perhaps the final test for Holloway - in more ways than one. Besides the fact that he is the only top-4 fighter that the Hawaiian has not yet faced, Edgar is an elite wrestler who will test Holloway’s takedown defense. That’s an important milestone for any young fighter, as we can say that he’s yet to face a top tier wrestler yet. He’s faced good ones, but none on the level of Edgar.
Early UFC Betting Tips
Though Edgar is tough and experienced, Holloway is fighting on a different level right now. Because we expect Holloway’s price to increase, betting on him now would be a prudent move. If you’re looking for a better payout, the the rounds over is currently 35 points cheaper at -180.
UFC Odds Pick: Holloway to win at -205
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
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UFC 218 takes place on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The main card airs live on pay-per-view starting 9 p.m. ET.
