Kayla Harrison, the former PFL women’s lightweight champion, has emerged as a significant betting favorite in her upcoming UFC debut against Holly Holm at UFC 300, according to an announcement made by UFC CEO Dana White on Tuesday evening.
This bout is particularly noteworthy as it marks Harrison’s first appearance in the bantamweight category.
Despite the unique circumstances of Harrison making her UFC debut and stepping into the bantamweight division for the first time, BetOnline has positioned her as a considerable favorite over Holm.
Opening #UFC300 odds via @betonline_ag
Kayla Harrison -375
Holly Holm +310— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) January 24, 2024
The initial odds set Harrison at -375, indicating a 78.9% probability of winning. However, shortly after the odds were released, wagers started pouring in, causing the odds to shift in Harrison’s favor to -500, reflecting an 83.3% chance of victory.
To place a bet on Harrison at -500, one would need to wager $500 to potentially win $100. Conversely, a $100 bet on Holm could yield a payout of $385 if the former champion manages to secure an upset victory.
In her most recent match in November, Kayla Harrison secured a decisive victory over Aspen Ladd, bouncing back from a surprising decision loss to Larissa Pacheco in the 2022 PFL women’s lightweight finals.
Harrison boasts an impressive record with notable victories over opponents such as Pacheco (twice), Genah Fabian, Kaitlin Young, Cindy Dandois, and Mariana Morais.
Holly Holm, currently ranked fifth in the bantamweight division, is coming off a submission loss to Mayra Bueno Silva in July, which was later overturned to a No Contest due to a positive test for ritalinic acid.
Holm’s career includes a memorable title win in 2015 against Ronda Rousey, followed by three consecutive losses to Miesha Tate, Valentina Shevchenko, and Germaine de Randamie for the featherweight title.
Despite the setbacks, Holm has secured notable victories over Raquel Pennington (twice), Bethe Correira, Irene Aldana, and Megan Anderson, showcasing her resilience and competitive spirit.