Nate Diaz and Miesha Tate threw the UFC’s well-laid plans into disarray with their upset wins at UFC 196. Had Conor McGregor beat Nate Diaz, White had stated that he’d probably have let the Irishman challenge Robbie Lawler for the welterweight crown. And if Holly Holm had bested Tate, it would have segued perfectly into a title rematch with Rousey that likely would have been the highest selling PPV in UFC history. But now, Joe Silva will have to flex his matchmaking skills.
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BACK TO “FEDDERWEIGHT”
Conor McGregor -175
Frankie Edgar +145
You can currently find odds for this matchup in our Future Events section. McGregor stated in the post-fight press conference that he would likely defend his 145-pound title in his next fight. You could say that his ambition got the best of him, but now reality has set in.
Outside of Jose Aldo, there is nobody more deserving that Frankie Edgar for McGregor’s first title defense. The former lightweight champion has won five straight fights, most recently blasting Chad Mendes this past December. There are many experts who feel that Edgar’s elite wrestling and hyperactive movement could be McGregor’s cryptonite.
BIG MONEY FIGHT
Nate Diaz +225
Robbie Lawler -190
Yes, Diaz made a permanent move back to lightweight after an unsuccessful stint at 170. But his stock has never been higher, and no doubt the Stockton native wants to capitalize on his current momentum. Why not give him the McGregor treatment and put him on the fast track to a title shot?
Dana White has already stated that a Diaz vs. Lawler matchup makes “a lot of sense.” Like Condit-Lawler, there’s just no way that this matchup would disappoint. Isn’t it strange that Diaz getting a welterweight title shot after beating a featherweight somehow makes sense?
TATE VS. ROUSEY, ROUND 3
Miesha Tate +350
Ronda Rousey -625
These odds are currently available in our Future Events section. Dana White has already come out and said that Ronda Rousey will get the next crack at Miesha Tate for the bantamweight title. Tate has already lost twice to Rousey, and a belt around Ronda’s waste means dollars in the UFC’s pockets.
Rousey is a bad matchup for Tate, but Holm exposed “Rowdy’s” weaknesses at UFC 193. There is a clear blueprint for Tate to beat Rousey, but “Cupcake” possesses a far different skillset than Holm. Still, this is the biggest women’s rivalry in the bantamweight division, and while it won’t do the numbers of Holm-Rousey 2, it’ll still draw plenty of buzz.
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Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! You can even wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Money lines, totals, props and money line are all available now. UFC Fight Night 85 takes place Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Australia. The card will stream on Fox Sports 1 at 10 p.m. ET following the prelims starting at 7 p.m.
