Odds Open with Aldo as Near 3 to 1 Favorite Over Florian, Penn vs. Condit Dead Even

Jose Aldo

The odds have opened on two of the biggest fights coming up later this year with one match-up at UFC 136 and the other at UFC 137.

Oddsmaker Nick Kalikas from BetonFighting.com has opened the lines for both B.J. Penn vs. Carlos Condit and the UFC featherweight title fight between Jose Aldo and Kenny Florian.

In the case of Penn vs. Condit, the line has opened extremely close with neither fighter coming out as the clear cut favorite.

Penn currently comes in as a slight favorite at -125, while Condit comes back at -105. Condit is of course on a great winning streak right now, while also coming off a knockout win over Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 132.

Meanwhile, Penn has been on hiatus since February when he fought to a draw with Jon Fitch in Australia, and a shoulder injury has put him out of action until his return in October.

“Really looking forward to this fight. As you can tell by my opening line, I’m expecting an ultra competitive battle,” Kalikas told MMAWeekly.com. “Both fighters have the tools & skill set to win. I have BJ Penn opening as a very slight favorite, but that could change as we get closer to fight day.”

The other bout that was opened on Wednesday is the co-main event fight between featherweight champion Jose Aldo and top contender Kenny Florian.

Aldo enters the fight as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport, undefeated since coming under the Zuffa umbrella, and a flawless title defense run thus far. Florian only has one win so far at featherweight, but it was an impressive performance over Aldo’s teammate Diego Nunes at UFC 131 this June.

Aldo’s reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters on the planet have led the odds to make the champion a heavy favorite at -270, while Florian plays the underdog at +210.

“Very intriguing match-up. I have Jose Aldo as a solid favorite heading in. He’s been one of the most dominant fighters in sport the last 3 years, pretty much destroying everyone Zuffa has put in front of him,” Kalikas stated. “With that being said, I do think Kenny Florian’s probably the biggest threat to Aldo’s Title we’ve seen. Even though Aldo is listed at nearly a 3-1 favorite, this line is actually closer than his previous few title defenses.”

Aldo and Florian face off at UFC 136, while Penn and Condit meet later that same month at UFC 137 in Las Vegas.