MMA: Holloway-McGregor drives record MMA handle for UFC 329

Max Holloway’s dominant first-round victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 329 not only ended the highly anticipated main event in quick fashion but also generated record-breaking betting activity for BetMGM.

According to BetMGM trading manager Alex Rella, the Holloway-McGregor showdown became the most-bet mixed martial arts event in the sportsbook’s history. McGregor’s long-awaited return to the UFC after more than five years fueled strong betting interest, despite entering the fight as the underdog.

McGregor opened at +250 and closed at +240, attracting 88% of all bets placed on the fight and 81% of the total money wagered. Holloway, who entered as the -300 favorite after opening at -345, received just 12% of bets and 19% of the money.

Holloway improved his professional record to 28-9 with a technical knockout victory just 1:09 into the opening round. McGregor suffered an injury to his right leg—the same leg he broke during his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021—which forced the fight to end early. McGregor’s record fell to 22-7.

BetMGM offered Holloway to win by knockout, technical knockout, or disqualification at -145. However, the most popular prop bet on the main card was McGregor to win by knockout, technical knockout, or disqualification at +275.

The event also became the second most-bet combat sports event in BetMGM history, trailing only the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight.

The UFC 329 card featured 14 fights, including a five-fight main card. In the co-main event, Paddy Pimblett strengthened his position in the lightweight division by submitting Benoit Saint-Denis with a D'Arce choke just 52 seconds into the first round.

Pimblett entered the bout as a +110 underdog and drew 87% of bets and 77% of the money wagered, making his victory the most favorable result for bettors on the card. His submission win, offered at +500, also became the most popular prop bet for the co-main event. -Field Level Media/Reuters