SAN JOSE, Calif. – For his first attempt at a title defense, Bellator’s lightweight champion is a betting favorite of almost baffling proportions.
Usman Nurmagomedov (16-0 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) is a 25-1 favorite against challenger Benson Henderson (30-11 MMA, 7-6 BMMA) in the Bellator 292 main event, which doubles as a quarterfinal fight in the start of the promotion’s lightweight grand prix.
A number as big as -2500 seldom is seen in men’s MMA, and certainly not in title fights. That it comes against Henderson, a former UFC and WEC lightweight champ, makes Nurmagomedov look all the more impressive.