UFC 264: A Must Win Bout For McGregor

UFC 264 Betting Guide

• Bovada is listing Conor McGregor as the -115 favorite in his rematch with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264
• Poirier knocked out McGregor in the second round of their first meeting at UFC 257
• McGregor knocked out Poirier in the first round when they met at UFC 178

Conor McGregor is known in MMA circles as the Notorious One. However, exactly how notorious can one be when last seen in a puddled mess on the canvas? That's not the kind of notoriety any fighter seeks out.

His second-round knockout defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 a matter of record, it isn't merely important for McGregor to avenge that defeat in their rematch at UFC 264. It's mandatory if McGregor desires to rebuild his reputation as one of the most feared fighters in the history of the promotion.

Some oddsmakers think he can do it. Others aren't as sold on the notion. Bovada is listing McGregor as the -115 favorite in the UFC 264 odds. However, both MyBookie and BetUS are calling the fight even, offering -115 betting lines on each fighter in the McGregor-Poirier II odds.

The two lightweights will contest the main event at the UFC 264 card on July 10th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

If you're new to wagering on mixed martial arts, check out our handy how-to-bet-on-UFC guide.

Is McGregor Still Notorious?

So badly beaten was McGregor in his loss to Poirier that he was issued a six-month medical ban from competing in combat sports. The defeat was the first knockout loss of McGregor's UFC career.

Poirier attacked McGregor's legs so effectively with kicks that the Irish fighter required crutches at the post-fight press conference. The American trapped the immobile McGregor against the cage, unleashing a barrage of an assault that left the Notorious One slumped on the ground, a bloody mess.

It was only McGregor's fourth fight since 2016 if you include his failed boxing match against Floyd Mayweather. Overall, he's 1-3 in those four bouts. He also suffered a submission defeat at the hands of UFC lightweight world champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

It all adds up to create a must-win scenario for McGregor in the UFC 264 Vegas odds. His reputation and his career are all on the line. Another loss and his best hope for future paydays might be more circus events like his boxing bout with Mayweather.

Poirier The No. 1 Contender

McGregor has dropped to No. 6 in the UFC lightweight division rankings. It's Poirier who now holds status as No. 1 contender in the division. The title is vacant since Nurmagomedov announced his retirement last year.

Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler will fight for the lightweight title at UFC 262. Clearly, the winner of McGregor-Poirier II will be in line for a title shot against the winner of that bout.

His win over McGregor was the fifth career victory by Poirier over former UFC world champions. He's also defeated Max Holloway (twice), Eddie Alvarez, Anthony Pettis, and Justin Gaethje.

Completing The Trilogy

This will be the third meeting inside the octagon between McGregor and Poirier. They've each emerged from the cage as the victor once and as the vanquished once.

Some of his contemporaries have gone out of their way to trash talk McGregor leading up to this fight. Fellow lightweight contender Beneil Dariush is suggesting that McGregor lacks the hunger that created the Notorious One persona. Outspoken welterweight contender Colby Covington took the verbal abuse to a much harsher level of criticism. He described McGregor as washed up, insisting he's done and that he's viewed as a laughingstock by other UFC fighters.

McGregor needs a decisive victory over Poirier to re-establish his aura within the MMA community. When the prop wagers eventually drop on this bout, it might be worth looking at an early stoppage as the method of victory.

Poirier needed two rounds to dispatch McGregor. In their initial fight, McGregor stopped Poirier in the first round. The question is whether at 32, McGregor still has it in him physically, mentally, and emotionally to be the Notorious One.

Dustin Poirier To beat Conor McGregor

-105

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Where To Bet On UFC 264

There are a number of leading online sports betting sites that will provide bettors the chance to place a wager on the UFC 264 odds. The best bet you can make is to shop around in advance and seek out the ideal offer before joining one of these sportsbooks. Check out BetUS and MyBookie as examples.

The signup bonus offers that are in place at all of these recommended sites will prove advantageous to the bettor. And since you'll get a good deal wherever you go, why not assess a number of sites and find the proper fit for your needs?

Remember that new players and returning customers are eligible for more lucrative bonuses when they deposit using Bitcoin. As well, take advantage of the betting advice offered at these sites to help newcomers acclimatize to sports betting.

See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you: