There’s a big-fight feel going around the combat sports world this week. UFC 266 is scheduled to go down this Saturday and it’s hard not to feel excited about such a massive event. The card is absolutely stacked from head to toe and one of the most highly-anticipated fights is a bout for the UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship as Valentina Shevchenko will defend her title against Lauren Murphy.
There’s a lot to take into account ahead of the fight, which is why this betting guide has everything you need to know heading into UFC 266.
UFC 266: General Information
UFC 266 will take place on Saturday, September 24 at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. The early prelims will begin at 6 p.m. EST while the preliminary card will begin an hour later and both can be viewed on ESPN+. The main card will begin at 10 p.m. EST and can be viewed on pay-per-view for $69.99.
UFC 266 Odds: Valentina Shevchenko vs Lauren Murphy
Odds via BetOnline as of Wednesday, September 22
- Valentina Shevchenko (c) (21-3-0) vs Lauren Murphy (15-4-0)
- Moneyline: Shevchenko (-1650) vs Murphy (+950)
- Total Rounds: 2.5 — Over (-115), Under (+115)
- Method of Victory: Shevchenko by KO/TKO (-105)
Check out BetOnline.ag throughout the week for more odds and prop bets
Shevchenko Favored to Retain
At an overwhelming -1650 odds, Shevchenko is favored to retain her flyweight championship at UFC 266. She’s been absolutely dominant since defeating Joanna Jędrzejczyk for the vacant belt back at UFC 231 in December 2018. Shevchenko has successfully defended the championship five times in a row, with her most recent being a second-round TKO victory over former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade.
It shouldn’t be that surprising that Shevchenko is as heavily favored as she is. She’s only lost two fights since joining the UFC and both of those losses came at the hands of Amanda Nunes four and five years ago, respectively. That fact that she hasn’t lost since then speaks volumes when it comes to Shevchenko’s dominance. Nobody has even really been a threat during that span.
One thing that the champion has shown is that she can end a fight in just about any way. Of her 21 career wins, she’s won by decision, KO/TKO and submission seven times apiece. Shevchenko’s favored to win at UFC 266 by KO/TKO (-105) and while she’s a good striker, Murphy has yet to be knocked out. Nevertheless, if anyone can accomplish that task, it’s the reigning UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion. Only time will tell if she can get it done.
Murphy UFC 266 Odds
The +950 underdog at UFC 266, Lauren Murphy has a tough road ahead of her if she wants to become flyweight champion this Saturday. The 38-year-old may have joined the company later than most, however, she’s currently on her best run in the UFC so far.
Murphy will challenge Shevchenko after winning six of her last seven fights — including the last five in a row. The thing is that the opponents she’s defeated during this stretch weren’t the most noteworthy, with her most recent win being one that came via decision over Joanne Calderwood back in June. Regardless, those victories have boosted Murphy up the rankings and now she has her first-ever shot at a UFC championship.
Murphy is a solid fighter, however, her inability to be really good in one area has her at a disadvantage at UFC 266. Shevchenko is better than her in virtually every area and hasn’t had a tough time with anyone since moving into the flyweight division. It’s going to take something special for Murphy to get the victory over the champion. Obviously, you can never say never in the mixed martial arts world, but there’s a reason why Shevchenko is the overwhelming favorite this weekend.
