Conor McGregor drops to less than 4-to-1 underdog after Floyd Mayweather world tour

When the Mayweather-McGregor superfight was first being discussed, Conor McGregor opened as an overwhelming betting underdog for the potential showdown against Floyd Mayweather — and for good reason.

The UFC lightweight champion was seeking to make his professional boxing debut against one of the greatest boxers of our era, and the initial betting odds reflected that vast experience disparity. But with the fight now a reality, and the unprecedented four-day, three-country Mayweather-McGregor world tour having captured worldwide attention, the Irishman’s odds have shifted dramatically.

McGregor, once listed higher than a 10-to-1 underdog on many betting lines, is now less than a 4-to-1 underdog, according to a Tuesday press release issued by Bovada, which announced McGregor at +350 odds and Mayweather at -500. The same press release quoted Kevin Bradley, Sports Book Manager of Bovada, as saying the books “will need Mayweather (to win) huge,” as an early-round KO for McGregor — just as the Irishman predicted — “would be a potential disaster” for oddsmakers.

Prop betting lines also opened for the total pay-per-view buys (over/under 4.99 million, a number that would beat the record set by Mayweather-Pacquiao) and whether McGregor will throw a kick during the 12-round boxing match (yes: +1100, no: -6500), among many others.

Mayweather vs. McGregor is scheduled to take place Aug. 26 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The event is expected to be one of the highest-selling fights in combat sports history, as the 29-year-old McGregor makes his pro boxing debut against the 40-year-old Mayweather, who last fought in 2015. With a win, Mayweather will push his record to 50-0, surpassing the mark set by legendary boxing champion Rocky Marciano.