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This summer, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is setting the stage for an unprecedented surge in UFC betting activity, with DraftKings anticipating a record-breaking handle. At the heart of this excitement is Sean O’Malley’s upcoming bout against Merab Dvalishvili on June 7, which is drawing significant attention from bettors who are backing the underdog. Additionally, Ilia Topuria’s fight in UFC 317 has caught the eye of oddsmakers, signaling another highly anticipated matchup among upcoming UFC events.

Despite a schedule brimming with action, including two major pay-per-view (PPV) events and three UFC Fight Night events in June alone, Johnny Avello of DraftKings dismisses any notion of bettor fatigue. Avello, a seasoned Las Vegas bookmaker and member of the Sports Betting Hall of Fame who currently directs DraftKings’ race & sportsbook operations, attributes this to a strategy adopted during COVID-19. The UFC aggressively filled its event calendar to capture audiences at a time when live sports were scarce. This approach not only maintained but grew its viewer base and betting interest.

“We’re projecting a bigger handle this year than we did last year,” Avello notes, indicating a bullish outlook for UFC betting. This meticulous approach ensures that every wager placed isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about engaging with the sport on a deeper level as bouts unfold and fortunes change within the octagon. For more insights, check out DraftKings’ strategic investments.

Spotlight Matchups and Betting Odds

The spotlight shines on Newark’s Prudential Center come June 7 for UFC 316, where Dvalishvili defends his bantamweight title against Sean O’Malley in a highly anticipated rematch from their previous encounter last September—a bout that saw Dvalishvili emerge victorious through unanimous decision after delivering an overwhelming number of total strikes compared to O’Malley’s efforts.

Despite being pegged as the solid underdog with odds at +250 on DraftKings against Dvalishvili’s -310, money is flowing towards O’Malley. Bettors are drawn to his potential for redemption in this rematch, influenced perhaps by O’Malley’s assertion that unusual lighting conditions adversely affected his performance in their last meeting—an explanation Dvalishvili has since dismissed.

Avello expresses confidence in DraftKings’ position amidst this trend of bets favoring the underdog: “We don’t mind them taking the dog there.” This sentiment underscores a broader enthusiasm for what promises to be an electrifying series of matchups across upcoming UFC events.

Moreover, UFC 317 will captivate fans with Topuria facing Charles Oliveira in a battle for the lightweight title—a vacancy left by Islam Makhachev’s move up to welterweight. This event further illustrates the unique blend of athleticism, mental fortitude, and larger-than-life personas that continue to draw viewers and bettors alike into the world of UFC.

Setting odds for these fights involves intricate assessments beyond mere public perception; it demands an understanding of each fighter’s career trajectory—identifying those on their ascent versus those possibly facing decline—alongside evaluations of fighting style and skill set.

In essence, as Avello points out: “There’s quite a bit that goes into it.” Stay updated with our latest updates on UFC and more.