Fight fans got some upsetting news this week when the Conor McGregor-Michael Chandler fight at UFC 303 was called off due to a McGregor injury. But outside of fans, another group that also felt the disappointment was bookmakers in Las Vegas and around the world.
McGregor still commands bettors' attention like no other fight in UFC -- and potentially all of combat sports -- and bookmakers were looking forward to the increase of handle in the slower summer months without football.
"I don't think there is a single more popular athlete in combat sports," one oddsmaker told me this week. "I think McGregor got to that level and passed Floyd Mayweather. He's the biggest draw UFC has, and when he's on a card the prelims get more action as well. I wouldn't be surprised if the handle doubles by the time it's all said and done."
McGregor had been installed as a small favorite at some sportsbooks nearly a year ago, and Chandler ended up closing as a small favorite. Respected early money on the fight had been on Chandler.
"Not having him is a massive loss for the handle," another oddsmaker said. "McGregor is the biggest draw in UFC history, ahead of Ronda Rousey and others. He brings revenue and more handle to the entire card. That's why the UFC doesn't stack up the McGregor cards."
In their place, Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka will face off as the headline fight at UFC 303, with Perieria a -170 favorite.
