If you're interested in the numbers, we've got you covered here! We'll be going over the UFC on ESPN 44 odds. More specifically, the Holloway vs Allen odds!
This weekend, Max Holloway returns to action for the first time since losing to Volkanovski for the third time. As he tries to bounce back into the win column, he'll have to try and step over surging fighter, Arnold Allen, who is undefeated in the UFC thus far. Here, we'll take a look at what the bookies are thinking for this weekend's main event.
Given both fighters' position in the division, it's really hard to predict what will happen here. But, you know, that's MMA! Holloway has made a strong case for him being the best boxer in the UFC, but he's also got one of the best chins in the UFC. He's fought the likes of Alexander Volkanovski(three times), Dustin Poirier(twice), and Conor McGregor — Holloway still has not been dropped in the UFC.
So, yeah, he's a pretty durable dude. However, Arnold Allen can crack. Though he struggled to get a finish in the UFC for a stretch there, he put it all together when he demolished Dan Hooker, who was returning to the 145lb weight class. Take that performance and follow it up with how he performed against Calvin Kattar, and that's a fighter that seems to have finally hit his stride.
Really, this is a super, super tough for both fighters. Though there are no easy matchups, especially at the top of the featherweight division, this one poses some issues for both Holloway and Allen, who really have no blatant weaknesses. Tough for them, but exciting for us fans!
With all of that being said, it makes sense that the odds look the way they do. Let's go ahead and look into the numbers.
Moneyline: Holloway vs Allen odds
Across the board, it seems that the masses have faith that the Blessed express will move forward and leave Arnold Allen in its wake. Although he's not a sizeable favorite, Holloway has the odds on his side. These numbers will do nothing for him in the cage, but it's got to feel good to be a favorite.
BOOKMAKER
ODDS
BET HERE
Max Holloway -165
Arnold Allen +140
BET WITH DRAFTKINGS
Max Holloway -185
Arnold Allen +150
BET WITH BETMGM
Max Holloway -186
Arnold Allen +150
BET WITH BETRIVERS
Overall, the former champ has a slight edge as a favorite. And, just a rule of thumb for any situation, Holloway is typically a safe bet. This is pretty close to a pick 'em bout, but the major betting companies are ever so slightly favoring Holloway's experience and boxing savvy over Arnold's grit and determination.
Method of victory: Holloway vs Allen odds
Check out these odds! Seen here is what the fans are pundits are thinking in terms of who will win, but more specifically, how they're expected to win.
Holloway by decision +175
Holloway by KO/TKO or decision +215
Holloway by submission +120
Allen by decision +330
Allen by KO/TKO or DQ +550
Allen by submission +1100
BET WITH DRAFTKINGS
Holloway by decision +150
Holloway by KO/TKO, submission or DQ +200
Allen by decision +350
Allen by KO/TKO, submission or DQ +400
BET WITH BETMGM
Holloway by decision +185
Holloway by KO/TKO or DQ +285
Holloway by submission +1700
Allen by decision +425
Allen by KO/HO or DQ +480
Allen by submission +1100
BET WITH BETRIVERS
Across the board, it seems that Max Holloway getting his hand raised by decision is what most people are putting their money on. Arnold Allen is 19-1 and has only lost by decision. This was two fights before ‘Almighty' made his promotional debut. As for Holloway, he's only been finished once, and that was by submission in his UFC debut.
So, both fighters are as durable as it gets. Allen really hasn't seen a whole lot of controversy inside the octagon, and Max has dealt with all of the heavy hitters the UFC could throw at him. With that information, it's fair to assume that the judges will be needed for this fight.
Round to win: Holloway vs Allen odds
Though we just discussed the likelihood of this fight going to decision, it's MMA and anything can happen. Couple that with me being great at predicting things poorly and you've got the ingredients to a fight that will end via stoppage.
Holloway round 1 +550
Holloway round 2 +850
Holloway round 3 +1200
Holloway round 4 +1800
Holloway round 5 +2500
Allen round 1 +1200
Allen round 2 +1600
Allen round 3 +2200
Allen round 4 +2800
Allen round 5 +3500
BET WITH DRAFTKINGS
Holloway round 1 +650
Holloway round 2 +900
Holloway round 3 +1400
Holloway round 4 +1800
Holloway round 5 +2200
Allen round 1 +1200
Allen round 2 +1600
Allen round 3 +2200
Allen round 4 +2800
Allen round 5 +3500
BET WITH BETMGM
Holloway round 1 +1000
Holloway round 2 +1200
Holloway round 3 +1400
Holloway round 4 +1700
Holloway round 5 +200
Allen round 1 +1200
Allen round 2 +1500
Allen round 3 +1800
Allen round 4 +2000
Allen round 5 +2400
BET WITH BETRIVERS
Again, the safest bet per the numbers seen here is Max Holloway via decision. But, if you're feeling that there will be a stoppage, then the payouts are just getting bigger as the fight goes on. Despite Holloway's track record of putting on a brutal pace and finishing people in the third and fourth rounds, the odds are showing that the masses think he'll get things done fast.
The numbers have the same trend for Arnold Allen; the safer bet, in terms of a finish win, is earlier in the fight.
But, you know, there's some more perks to winning. Whoever leaves Kansas City as a winner could make a strong case for them jumping the line and facing the winner of Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez. Holloway has already lost to Volk three times, albeit one on very controversial, but he's not wrong to ask for a fourth should he beat Arnold.
Antithetically, if Allen gets his hand raised, then what else is one to do in order to get a title shot? Knocking Holloway should be a surefire way of getting a title shot. The waters at featherweight are deep right now. Josh Emmett is still in the wings, Ilia Topuia is on a tear, and we're unsure of what'll happen after Volkanovski and Rodriguez go at it. But, a big win this weekend could have either Holloway or Allen jump the line.
Erik is a long-time MMA fan and writer. Ever since catching some Chael Sonnen trash talk on a commercial, he's been hooked on the sport. Erik spent a lot of time writing while attending college at Wichita State University. Now, he spends his time covering the sport of MMA, training in BJJ here and there, and occasionally hitting skateparks!