Kamaru Usman opens as sizeable favorite over Jorge Masvidal for potential UFC rematch

For the second time, UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has opened as a sizeable favorite over rival Jorge Masvidal.

According to BetOnline, Usman (18-1 MMA, 13-0 UFC) opened as a -300 favorite Tuesday, while Masvidal (35-14 MMA, 14-8 UFC) opened at +250 for a potential future rematch.

In layman’s terms, a bettor would have to place a $300 wager on Usman to see $100 profit should he win. Meanwhile, a $100 wager on Masvidal will return a $250 profit should the upset play out.

Usman’s 3-to-1 status makes him a slightly larger favorite than he closed at when the two fought at UFC 251 in July 2020. For that fight, Usman closed as a near three-to-one favorite at -262. Meanwhile, Masvidal closed at +214.

In that outing, Usman defeated Masvidal by unanimous decision. Masvidal took the fight on six days’ notice after fellow welterweight contender Gilbert Burns tested positive for COVID-19 and was removed from the card.

Usman has since defended his title successfully in a third-round TKO win over Burns this past Saturday at UFC 258. Masvidal has not competed since the loss.

The circumstances of the first fight and the popularity of the fighters involved have garnered interest in a rematch. Following Usman’s win over Burns, Usman, Masvidal, and UFC president Dana White all expressed interest in booking it.