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MMA

28th Jun 2015

Conor McGregor may be favourite over Jose Aldo but he’s opened up as underdog against Chad Mendes

Ah, Vegas

Darragh Murphy

Bookmakers really have no faith in Conor McGregor’s wrestling skills.

The Notorious is a slight favourite over long-time champion Jose Aldo because, presumably, bookies see the fight playing out on the feet where McGregor could have an advantage.

Aldo’s rib injury only strengthened McGregor’s position as 10/13 favourite for the July 11 featherweight title bout… if it goes ahead.

If it doesn’t come to fruition, the UFC’s contingency plan is to have the Dubliner fight Chad Mendes who will incorporate a more takedown-heavy gameplan.

UFC 179: Aldo v Mendes 2

And Vegas clearly foresees McGregor being troubled by Money as they have Mendes a very slight favourite if plan B is needed.

It makes for rather strange reading considering the fact that Aldo beat Mendes twice but is the underdog against McGregor yet Mendes is favoured against the Irishman.