Masvidal Vs Askren Odds: Betting On The BMF Title Fight
What's up, fight fans! We're diving deep into one of the most electrifying knockouts in recent UFC history: Jorge Masvidal vs. Ben Askren. This fight was an absolute banger, and if you were thinking about placing some bets, you're in the right place. We're gonna break down the odds, who was favored, and what went down in that unforgettable night. Get ready, because this one was a doozy!
The Build-Up: Masvidal vs. Askren - More Than Just Odds
Before we even get into the Jorge Masvidal vs. Ben Askren odds, it's crucial to understand the narrative that fueled this fight. This wasn't just another bout; it was a clash of styles and personalities that had the entire MMA world buzzing. On one side, you had "Gamebred" Jorge Masvidal, a veteran striker known for his toughness, resilience, and increasingly, his devastating knockout power. Masvidal had been grinding in the UFC for years, always a dangerous opponent but often on the wrong side of close decisions. However, he was coming off some impressive performances, and the BMF (Baddest MotherF***er) title shot against Nate Diaz had propelled him into superstardom. He was the people's champion, the guy you rooted for when you wanted to see someone get absolutely lit up.
On the other side was "Funky" Ben Askren. Now, Askren was a completely different beast. An undefeated wrestling phenom from his amateur days through ONE Championship, Askren's entire game plan revolved around suffocating grappling. He wasn't the most exciting striker, and his personality was more measured, almost stoic, which contrasted sharply with Masvidal's fiery demeanor. Askren had made a splashy UFC debut, albeit controversially, submitting Robbie Lawler. He was still undefeated, and his wrestling was seen as a major threat to anyone in the welterweight division. The question wasn't if Askren would try to take Masvidal down, but when and how effectively. This stylistic clash set the stage perfectly, and the Masvidal vs. Askren odds reflected this intriguing matchup.
Fans were divided. Some saw Askren's relentless wrestling as an insurmountable obstacle for Masvidal, believing he'd simply grind out another victory. Others, however, saw Masvidal's striking pedigree and his newfound aggression as the perfect counter to Askren's predictable, albeit highly effective, grappling. The pre-fight hype was immense, with both fighters exchanging verbal jabs, but it was the undeniable contrast in their fighting styles that truly captured the imagination. Masvidal represented the explosive knockout artist, while Askren embodied the suffocating control of a world-class wrestler. This dynamic made the betting odds for Masvidal vs. Askren incredibly interesting, as oddsmakers and bettors alike tried to decipher which game plan would prevail. It was a classic striker vs. grappler narrative, and those are always the fights that get people talking and betting.
The fight itself was scheduled for UFC 239 in July 2019. This event was stacked, but the Masvidal vs. Askren co-main event was arguably the most anticipated bout on the card due to the narrative we just discussed. The Jorge Masvidal vs. Ben Askren odds were a direct reflection of this perceived stylistic battle. Bookmakers had to consider Masvidal's striking advantage and knockout potential against Askren's undefeated wrestling record and his ability to control opponents on the ground. This wasn't just about who was the better fighter; it was about which skill set would dominate in the Octagon. The fight promised fireworks, and the betting lines were designed to capture the uncertainty and excitement surrounding this clash.
The Betting Lines: Who Was the Favorite in Masvidal vs. Askren?
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the Jorge Masvidal vs. Ben Askren odds. Leading up to the fight, the betting lines were surprisingly close, which is often the case when you have a compelling stylistic matchup. Ben Askren opened as the betting favorite. This wasn't a shocker, guys. Considering his undefeated record and his reputation as one of the most dominant wrestlers in MMA history, many believed his grappling would be too much for Masvidal. Askren was known for his ability to control opponents, wear them down, and rarely, if ever, get taken out of his game. His path to victory was clear: secure takedowns, maintain top control, and either win by decision or find a submission. The oddsmakers reflected this confidence, making Askren the slight favorite.
However, Jorge Masvidal wasn't a massive underdog. As the fight approached, the odds shifted slightly, but Askren generally remained the favorite. Masvidal's price was attractive to bettors who believed in his striking power and his ability to keep the fight standing. He had the speed, the precision, and the knockout threat that could end any fight in an instant. For those who backed Masvidal, the strategy was simple: avoid the takedowns and land a fight-ending blow. His chin was solid, his cardio was usually good, and he had faced tougher competition in the striking department throughout his career. The Masvidal vs. Askren odds saw Masvidal as a live dog, meaning he had a legitimate chance to win despite not being the favorite.
We saw some fluctuations, as is typical with any major fight. Public money often influences these lines. If a lot of people were betting on Masvidal to pull off the upset, his odds would shorten, and Askren's would lengthen. Conversely, if the majority of bettors were leaning towards the undefeated wrestler, Askren's favorite status would be solidified. But generally, the consensus was that Askren was the more likely winner, based on his wrestling pedigree. The betting odds for Masvidal vs. Askren were a testament to the respect given to both fighters' skill sets. Oddsmakers had to balance Askren's dominant wrestling against Masvidal's dangerous striking. It was a fascinating gamble for bettors trying to pick the winner.
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