Kayla Harrison opens as huge betting favourite for fight against Holly Holm

26 January 2024

In anticipation of her highly anticipated debut in the UFC at UFC 300 on April 13, two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, Kayla Harrison, is already establishing herself as the overwhelming favourite against former bantamweight champion Holly Holm. Harrison, who has been a dominant force in the majority of her MMA fights, opens as a 5-to-1 favourite over Holm in what promises to be a historic clash.

This fight marks not only Harrison's debut with the UFC but also her first venture into the bantamweight division, having spent almost her entire fighting career at 155 pounds, with only one bout at featherweight. The transition to bantamweight requires Harrison to undergo a significant weight cut, adding an extra layer of challenge to her UFC debut.

Despite the weight-cut challenge, oddsmakers remain unfazed, with Harrison initially opening as a -375 betting favourite. Such was the confidence in her favour that the odds quickly shifted within hours. Currently, a $500 bet would be required to win back $100 on a Harrison victory at UFC 300.

Conversely, a $100 bet on Holm could yield $385 if she manages to pull off an upset against the formidable Harrison in April. The odds, coupled with Harrison's reputation as a judo powerhouse and her undefeated streak, contribute to the buzz surrounding this clash.

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Having recently signed a deal to join the UFC roster after a successful tenure with the PFL, where she claimed two championships, Harrison is poised to make a mark in the bantamweight division. As she embarks on her journey to meet the weight requirement for the first time, expectations are high for Harrison to deliver a performance that lives up to her reputation when she faces Holm at UFC 300.

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