Even after dedicating 15 years to reporting on mixed martial arts and other combat sports, I must confess that I am perplexed by the matchup between Tyron Woodley and Jake Paul.
In the untamed realm of officially approved hand-to-hand combat, I comprehend the concept of “entertaining battles.” I acknowledge the occasional necessity for individuals to engage in physical confrontations solely for the sake of boasting rights. Moreover, I fully support the pursuit of financial gains in a sport that frequently leaves its fighters penniless and physically damaged once they retire.
However, how should we interpret a boxing match involving Woodley and Paul? Woodley is a former UFC champion and part-time actor, while Paul is a social media personality and an intriguingly unconventional professional boxer.
How can we place bets on it, or even better?
The colorful road to Tyron Woodley vs. Jake Paul
Woodley and Paul will be the main attraction at a pay-per-view boxing event ($59.99) taking place on Sunday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.
These boxing PPV headliners are far from ordinary. However, it’s important to note that we are currently in the officially designated Stupid Era™ of combat sports.
Certainly, bloodsport boasts a rich and vibrant past filled with encounters that transcend disciplines and even sports (since professional wrestling can be considered a sport, correct?). Prior to the widespread recognition of “mixed martial arts” in the early 2000s, event organizers and showmen with a flair for the dramatic had been merging combat and fighting techniques, captivating audiences with their displays for over a century.
Over the last five years, these sideshows have transformed into the primary attractions. Consequently, individuals from various backgrounds such as boxers (Floyd Mayweather), MMA fighters (Conor McGregor and Ben Askren), NBA veterans (Lamar Odom), social media influencers, aspiring rappers, and many more, are all joining the Big Money Boxing phenomenon.
Despite combat sports fans pretending to dislike it, the impressive PPV buy rates and ticket sales indicate otherwise. This explains the heightened interest in Woodley, who is a former UFC welterweight champion and Big 12 wrestling champion, and Paul, a Youtuber with a promising 3-0 boxing record, which includes a win over Woodley’s friend and fellow MMA veteran, Askren.
According to my highly respected colleague Chuck Mindenhall,
“It is an unconventional boxing match featuring a non-boxer pitted against the renowned invader of the boxing world. These individuals, famous for their expertise in other domains, are willingly strapping on the gloves, fully aware that it caters to our innate fascination with sensationalism and scandal.”
Betting on Woodley vs. Paul
Certainly, betting on the Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley fight is allowed.
However, the sharps do not have a definitive agreement.
On Friday, at BetMGM, the Virginia sportsbook presented odds for Paul as the favored contender at -200. Meanwhile, the underdog, Tyron Woodley, had odds of +160, and the tie had odds of +2000.
If you were to place a bet with those odds, winning would earn you a net profit of $100.
- Jake Paul (-200): $50
- Tyron Woodley (+160): +160
- Tie (+2000): $2,000
Woodley debuted at global sportsbooks with odds ranging from +110 to +120. Nevertheless, as fight night draws near, early wagers have heavily leaned towards Paul, further solidifying Woodley’s position as the significant underdog.
In the eight-round bout, the overall number of rounds concluded at four. The odds for under 4 rounds were set at -135, while the odds for over 4 rounds were at +100.
If you place a bet on the fight to last till the end, the payout is 4-1 (+400). Paul winning by decision offers a +900 reward, while Woodley’s victory via decision stands at +1200.
On Sunday, BetMGM offers a range of round-specific and other prop bets for users to explore.
Additionally, featured on the undercard of the Woodley-Paul fight:
- In the upcoming featherweight title fight, Amanda Serrano, the reigning champion, is heavily favored with odds of -2500. Her opponent, Yamileth Mercado, enters the ring as the underdog with odds of +900.
- The upcoming heavyweight match features Daniel Dubois as the clear favorite with odds of -3000, while his opponent Juiseppe Cusumano is considered the underdog with odds of +1000.
- In the welterweight division, the upcoming match features Ivan Barancyhk as the favorite with odds of -225, while Montana Love enters the ring as the underdog with odds of +160.
- In the cruiserweight division, Tommy Fury is the favorite with odds of -2000, while Anthony Taylor is the underdog with odds of +800.
- In the super welterweight division, Charles Conwell is the heavy favorite with odds of -3000, while Lucas Brian Ariel Bastida is the underdog with odds of +900.
Nothing to lose for Tyron Woodley?
After a successful career as a wrestler at the University of Missouri, Woodley made the transition to MMA. He achieved great success by winning the UFC welterweight title in 2016 and successfully defending it four times, a remarkable accomplishment in the world of MMA. Unfortunately, he experienced a rough patch, losing four consecutive fights, which led to the end of his UFC contract and his departure from the company earlier this year.
Woodley has explored his musical talents while also making a mark in the world of TV and film. However, his upcoming bout against Paul has the potential to grant him his most lucrative payday to date.
Therefore, Woodley’s situation is such that he has little to risk in this scenario. Having already achieved great success in MMA, he has managed to secure advantageous opportunities beyond the cage, yielding commendable outcomes. However, by agreeing to battle a popular YouTube personality on a Sunday evening in northern Ohio, Woodley stands a strong chance of attaining the largest fight earnings of his entire career.
Paul is well aware of this fact. He has deliberately provoked UFC President Dana White and the entire MMA industry for their reputation of underpaying fighters.
Certainly, there is a history of animosity between these individuals. Earlier this year, Paul brutally knocked out Askren, who happens to be a close friend of Woodley. As a result, Woodley seeks retribution. Furthermore, the Paul team made a significant error by engaging in a heated argument with Woodley’s mother during a press conference before the fight.
Regardless of the outcome, both Woodley and Paul will be receiving payment. Woodley has the opportunity to earn recognition from the MMA community, while Paul can enhance his boxing resume with another prominent opponent.
However, above all else, fight enthusiasts are treated to yet another entertaining sideshow. In a seemingly pointless bout, the Stupid Era™ once again takes the spotlight for a night.
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