While the actual fight has yet to even be discussed among the competitors, the odds wait for no one.
According to a report by ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, top contender Francis Ngannou is an early betting favorite over reigning and defending UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic.
Wow … Francis Ngannou will open a -160 betting FAVORITE over the champion Stipe Miocic (+130), according @MMAOddsBreaker, if/when that fight becomes official. Even after UFC 218, that's not what I would have guessed.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) December 5, 2017
Ngannou (11-1) scored his sixth finish inside the Octagon when he knocked out former Strikeforce champion Alistair Overeem this past weekend at UFC 218. The 31-year-old also holds wins over former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski, Anthony Hamilton and Curtis Blaydes to his resume.
Miocic (17-2) has defended the belt twice since winning it – as an underdog – vs. Fabricio Werdum in Brazil last year. He also finished Overeem in the first round and defeated former champion Junior dos Santos this past May.
The two have already started a Twitter battle of their own, as they are expected to reach a deal to fight in 2018.
And still… pic.twitter.com/IwZPxLIXpL
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocicufc) December 4, 2017
Enjoy the belt while you can and say your farewell before your next fight .#AndNew https://t.co/30i41ZKP5b
— Francis NGannou (@francis_ngannou) December 4, 2017
