Opening Odds for Leon Edwards vs Nate Diaz

• Nate Diaz is back on May 15 in the co-main event of UFC 262
• Leon Edwards finally gets a big fight he has been after
• Sportsbooks have opened odds, but how will the odds change

UFC star, Nate Diaz, will make the walk to the Octagon on May 15th at UFC 262 in the co-main event against Leon Edwards. It will be Diaz’s first fight since he suffered a TKO doctor stoppage loss to Jorge Masvidal in November of 2019 for the BMF title. Surprisingly enough, Leon Edwards opens as a sizeable favorite in the Edwards vs Diaz opening odds.

Since Diaz’s loss to Masvidal, he has been holding out for a big fight which is why when it was announced he was fighting Edwards it came as a surprise. It is also the first-ever five-round non-title fight co-main event in UFC history.

Leon Edwards vs Nate Diaz Opening Odds

Odds as of April 1

Are The Odds Surprising for Edwards vs Diaz?

I’m slightly surprised that Edwards is a -310 favorite in the opening odds. In the past, he is someone who hasn’t gotten the most respect from oddsmakers and the betting public. Diaz, meanwhile, is a big name that attracts the casual bettor to throw some money on him. More importantly, when fans see him at a +220 underdog it will no doubt be tempting for them.

Check me out may 15th I’ll be headlining #ufc262 in Houston Texas I’ll also have the new UFC lightweight title fight on the card I need people to know these guys are they’ve been working very hard and I can’t wait to see who gets my old 👑 I’ll see uguys there 👊🏼

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) March 31, 2021

However, in terms of skill, there is no question Edwards is the better mixed martial artist and should be favored against Diaz. The Stockton native gets hit a lot but does have good cardio, so the longer this fight goes, the better he will likely do. Yet, Edwards is very well-rounded and will pose problems for Diaz in all aspects of the fight.

How Might The Odds Change?

I think the line will see two-way action.

Edwards is already up to a -310 favorite in the opening odds as the sharps have gotten on the early opening line. I do expect most of the sharps to bet this fight early to try and get Edwards under -350 odds. Come fight week, however, the casual bettors will start backing Diaz, and that will bring this line down to around +200.

Nate Diaz will return against Leon Edwards in the co-main event of UFC 262 on May 15, sources told @arielhelwani.

It will be the first five-round non-title co-main event in UFC history. pic.twitter.com/kUXHzGi60P

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 31, 2021

If you like Nate Diaz in this fight, I think you can wait to bet this fight until either fight night or the week of the fight as the early action is all on Edwards.

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