The vacant lightweight title is up for grabs as Charles Oliveira battles Michael Chandler in the main event of UFC 262 in Houston, Texas on May 15.
After Khabib Nurmagomedov vacated the lightweight title, many expected Oliveira to face Dustin Poirier for the lightweight belt. But, “The Diamond” wanted the McGregor trilogy, so Chandler got the shot.
UFC 262 Opening Odds:
Charles Oliveira -178
Michael Chandler +146
Current UFC 262 Odds (as of April 26)
Charles Oliveira -130
Michael Chandler +110
Oliveira and Chandler’s recent fights
Charles Oliveira is on an eight-fight winning streak but he hasn’t been fighting the highest level of competition until his last two fights where he submitted Kevin Lee and beat Tony Ferguson by decision. During his run, he also beat Jared Gordon, Jim Miller, and Clay Guida among others. He’s also 9-1 since moving back up to lightweight.
Michael Chandler, meanwhile, made good on his UFC debut as he knocked out Dan Hooker in the first round. Before that, he knocked out Benson Henderson and Sidney Outlaw in the first round in his final fights in Bellator. He holds notable wins over Eddie Alvarez, Brent Primus, and Patricky Pitbull among others.
Are the odds surprising?
I am surprised at the odds, as to me, I thought this was a pure pick’em. Although Oliveira is on a winning streak, and dominated his opponents, many are poking holes at his run. Chandler, meanwhile, has a ton of hype after his KO win and I thought the oddsmakers wouldn’t want to put him as an underdog as the public would bet it heavy.
How might the odds change?
As the odds have already shown, I do expect people to bet Chandler at plus-money. He is now only a +110 underdog, and even at that price, I think there is still value. Chandler has great wrestling and if he can keep it standing, it will be his fight to lose against Oliveira.
As well, given the fact Oliveira isn’t a household name and doesn’t speak English, I expect the casual bettor to back Chandler as they know of him from knocking out Hooker in the fight before Poirier-McGregor 2. By fight night rolls around, I do think this fight will be a pick’em at -110 a piece.
