Volkanovski a Betting Underdog to Gaethje in Odds
Volkanovski is a betting underdog to Justin Gaethje in new hypothetical UFC odds; Yan favored in bantamweight rematches.
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Alexander Volkanovski is listed as a betting underdog against lightweight champion Justin Gaethje in newly released hypothetical odds, while Petr Yan sits as a heavy favorite in possible bantamweight rematches with Sean O'Malley and Song Yadong.
BetOnline Sports put out opening numbers this week covering potential future matchups for both men after they retained their Ultimate Fighting Championship titles at UFC 333. None of the matchups listed have actually been booked, but the lines give a snapshot of how oddsmakers currently view each champion's stock.
Volkanovski Priced as Underdog to Gaethje, Even Money Against Silva
Volkanovski comes in at +160 against Gaethje, with the lightweight champion a -180 favorite in that price. That gap signals real respect for Gaethje's power and pace at a weight class above Volkanovski's featherweight limit, and it would represent a significant step up in size if it ever materialized. By contrast, a potential featherweight title defense against Jean Silva is priced close to even, with Volkanovski at -115 and Silva at -105. That tight number reflects how live oddsmakers view Silva as a threat to the two-time featherweight champion inside his own division.
Yan Favored in Both Potential Bantamweight Rematches
Petr Yan opened as a -250 favorite against both Song Yadong and Sean O'Malley, pricing each challenger at roughly +210 and +207 respectively. Yan already holds a win over Song, taking a unanimous decision in 2024, and he dropped a split decision to O'Malley in 2022 that remains a sore subject for his camp. Yan has said he views Song as more deserving of the next title opportunity but has left that call to UFC matchmakers.
Betting Angle
The numbers suggest the market sees Volkanovski as comfortably live at featherweight but genuinely overmatched if he ever tested himself against a lightweight champion the caliber of Gaethje. For bettors, the Silva line is the one worth watching closely since a near pick'em price on a champion usually means a live betting opportunity once a fight is actually made. Yan's standing price against either bantamweight contender reflects how dominant he looked in victory over Song and how much juice remains in avenging the O'Malley loss, with sportsbooks clearly favoring him to settle that score if it comes together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexander Volkanovski fighting Justin Gaethje?
No fight has been announced. Betting odds for a hypothetical matchup list Alexander Volkanovski as a +160 underdog to lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.
What are the odds for a potential Petr Yan rematch with Sean O'Malley?
Petr Yan opened as a -250 favorite against Sean O'Malley in hypothetical odds, despite losing a split decision to O'Malley in 2022.
How close are the odds for Volkanovski against Jean Silva?
A potential featherweight title defense between Alexander Volkanovski and Jean Silva is priced nearly even, with Volkanovski at -115 and Silva at -105.
