Despite the unfavorable odds, Derrick Lewis will benefit from the support of a hometown Houston crowd in the upcoming UFC 265 headliner.
In Saturday’s main event, Lewis (25-7), a highly adored figure in the MMA world, will face off against the unbeaten heavyweight sensation, Ciryl Gane (9-0).
The pay-per-view event at Toyota Center in Houston features a headline bout, with an interim heavyweight belt up for grabs.
In the upcoming heavyweight clash between “The Black Beast” and Gane, the odds are stacked against Lewis as the underdog. However, with the Texas venue filled with passionate fans, it’s safe to say that Houston resident Lewis will have the overwhelming support of the crowd.
Betting public also backs Lewis at UFC 265
Ever since Lewis, a New Orleans local, relocated to Houston during his teenage years, he has embraced his Texan identity with pride. As Saturday night approaches, there is no doubt that the crowd will be firmly in his corner.
Nevertheless, as of Wednesday, the betting public is also favoring Lewis.
In Virginia’s DraftKings Sportsbook, Lewis is considered an underdog with odds of +280, meaning that betting $100 would yield a profit of $280. On the other hand, Gane is strongly favored with odds of -375, implying that one would need to bet $375 to earn a profit of $100.
However, in early-week betting at sportsbooks in Virginia, Lewis has been heavily favored by the public. According to DraftKings officials as of Wednesday, 54% of the bets placed on the headliner of UFC 265 were in favor of Lewis, while 46% were for Gane. Surprisingly, a staggering 91% of the betting dollars have been placed on Lewis to emerge victorious.
However, is there valid justification for that public support? Are the oddsmakers or the public correct in their assessment?
Breaking down Lewis vs. Gane
Lewis was initially scheduled to face the formidable and reigning heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou. However, due to a typical dispute during the UFC negotiations with Ngannou, officials decided to instead arrange a fight between Lewis and Gane for the interim championship.
Despite Gane’s involvement, the task doesn’t become any easier for the 36-year-old.
At the age of 31, Gane, a talented French striker, has already emerged victorious over prominent UFC contenders Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Alexander Volkov this year. Now, he bravely puts his diverse range of skills to the test as he faces off against Lewis.
Lewis has demonstrated an impressive talent for recovering from harm, rising from the ground, and achieving victories from seemingly hopeless positions. Moreover, he possesses the kind of knockout power that can swiftly alter the course of a bout with just one punch.
In recent years, Gane has skillfully developed an impressive range of abilities. His arsenal now comprises of underrated wrestling and grappling techniques, as well as significantly improved striking accuracy.
Gane is expected to inflict significant damage throughout the planned five rounds. However, Lewis, known for his 20 knockouts in 25 career victories, always has the potential to end the fight with his signature uppercut or relentless ground-and-pound.
Some UFC 265 bettors are contemplating placing “total rounds” bets for various reasons. For the Lewis-Gane match, you have the option to bet on the fight lasting under 4.5 rounds (-182) or under 3.5 rounds (-148). If you choose under 2.5 rounds, the odds become plus-money (+110). Additionally, by betting “No” on the prop bet of “fight to go the distance,” with an odds of -200, you are essentially predicting that either a knockout, submission, or DQ win will occur before the five rounds conclude.
However, if you are fond of that betting aspect, there is another potential wager to contemplate, all thanks to the experienced UFC broadcaster Jon Anik.
UFC 265 betting special: Jon Anik’s Fast Finishes
The UFC broadcasting team gained immediate credibility in 2011 when Jon Anik departed ESPN to become a part of it.
The UFC also gained a fervent and unashamed sports gambler.
Anik’s passion for sports betting is no secret, and the UFC has embraced and encouraged his openness. Similar to other sports organizations, the UFC recognized the potential benefits of legal and controlled betting, including increased fan participation and a larger fan following.
Utilizing his fondness for sports betting, Anik collaborates with DraftKings to devise a unique wager centered around himself for UFC 265.
When you navigate to the “Odds Boost” section on DraftKings, you will come across a distinctive betting market.
The odds for fast finishes in the Lewis/Gane fight, under 4.5 rounds, and in the Chiesa/Luque fight, under 2.5 rounds, on August 7th have been increased from +235 to +265 by Jon Anik.
In the parlay, another bet includes a welterweight showdown on the main card between Michael Chiesa (18-4) and Vicente Luque (20-7-1). These two fighters, known for putting on an exciting show, have accumulated a total of 29 stoppage wins in their combined 38 career victories.
The odds for the fight to last “under 2.5 rounds” are at +115, while the odds for the fight not ending in a decision are at -106.
Anik, the co-host of the “Anik & Florian Podcast” alongside former UFC fighter Kenny Florian, has placed bets on the outcomes of both fights, predicting they will end in the under. Despite the possibility of losing the bet, the presence of these seasoned entertainers guarantees an enjoyable viewing experience.
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