Conor McGregor Opens as Big Betting Favorite Against Nate Diaz at UFC 196

Ultimate Fighting Championship 145-pound champion Conor McGregor will open as a big favorite in his 170-pound debut against Nate Diaz at UFC 196.

UFC 196 was to be headlined by a 155-pound title fight pitting lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos against McGregor, but those plans were canned when the Brazilian broke his foot in training. Diaz accepted the fight on late notice Tuesday night, and those circumstances contributed to the opening betting lines.

According to online sportsbook Bovada, Diaz, 18-10, is a +260 underdog. McGregor, 19-2, currently sits as the favorite at -350.

Structured as a money-line game, McGregor started the day as a -350 favorite (2/7). For the layperson, that means a player would need to put up $350 to win $100. Adversely, Diaz opened at +260 (13/5). That equates to a $260 purse if $100 is laid.

Anyone interested in the line should be aware that the odds will change in either direction as the fight approaches, as the sportsbook will attempt to even the playing field and spread wagers on both sides as to cover its risk.