Rousey opens as betting favorite over Nunes ahead of UFC 207
Now that Ronda Rousey's long-awaited return has a date, oddsmakers are jumping back on her bandwagon.
The former women's bantamweight champion will open as the betting favorite in her recently confirmed shot at regaining the title against reigning queen Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 on Dec. 30. According to ESPN's Brett Okamoto, "Rowdy" will be listed at -280, while Nunes stands as a +220 underdog, citing odds courtesy of Nick Kalikas of MMAOddsBreaker.com.
Despite most recently losing the title to a Holly Holm head-kick knockout at UFC 193, Rousey's superstardom and previously dominant run as the promotion's inaugural women's bantamweight champion were enough for Kalikas to deem her the favorite.
"Rousey had an era of dominance, but there are many questions surrounding her now that she has not only been defeated but also knocked out," Kalikas told ESPN.com. "This fight will boil down to who can utilize their strengths most. Will Nunes be able to keep this fight upright and do damage? Can Rousey close the distance with power or judo throws?
"Rousey is still one of, if not the most popular fighters of the modern era, so she's still going to open a -280 favorite."
Nunes beat Miesha Tate to win the strap at UFC 200 with a flawless performance. The first-round submission victory, coupled with Rousey's year-long layoff, has led to the shortest odds ever in a "Rowdy" title fight.
Rousey has opened as a favorite in every one of her fights since joining the UFC in 2012.