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Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje is arguably the most highly-anticipated UFC bout of 2020, but sportsbooks believe Nurmagomedov is a strong candidate to run his record to 29-0.

Nurmagomedov vs. Gaethje is the main-event of UFC 254 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on Saturday, and the bout represents a title unification.



Nurmagomedov, 32, has beaten all 12 of his previous UFC foes and is a -303 moneyline favorite by SportsBetting.com to make Gaethje (+240) unlucky No. 13.

FanDuel is offering Nurmagomedov as an even stronger favorite at -330 vs. Gaethje (+265). However, those odds had led to 75 percent of the total bets at the sportsbook being placed on Gaethje as of Friday, while 63 percent of the total money had been placed on Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov is the undefeated lightweight champion, but had to pull out of a scheduled UFC 249 fight against Tony Ferguson. That created an opportunity for the 31-year-old Gaethje, who holds the interim title after beating Ferguson in a unanimous decision..

That has set the stage for Saturday’s title-unifying fight.

SportsBetting.com prop bets

Nurmagomedov to win by KO, TKO, DQ or submission: -125

Nurmagomedov to win by Decision or Technical Decision: +275

Gaethje to win by KO, TKO, DQ or Submission: +400

Gaethje to win by Decision or Technical Decision: +10000

Draw: +8000

Total Rounds

Over 1.5 (-278), Under 1.5 (+200)

Over 2.5 (-125), Under 2.5 (-111)

Over 3.5 (+120), Under 3.5 (-164)

Over 4.5 (+162), Under 4.5 (-278)

Fight will go the distance: Yes (+200), No (-278)

FanDuel’s moneyline odds for two other marquee fights on the UFC 254 card:

• Alexander Volkov (-172) vs. Walt Harris (+144); Volkov is receiving 55 percent of the total bets and 75 percent of the total money placed on the moneyline.
• Robert Whittaker (+100) vs. Jared Cannonier (-118); Whittaker is receiving 84 percent of the total bets and 91 percent of the total money.

–Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)