Chris Weidman opens as 2-to-1 favorite over Vitor Belfort in UFC title defense

After back-to-back stints as a betting underdog, Chris Weidman is again a favorite.

The middleweight champ is a 2-to-1 favorite to defend his title a second time when he meets Vitor Belfort later this year, veteran MMA oddsmaker Joey Odessa told MMAjunkie.

Weidman opens at -200 while Belfort is +160.

“I think Weidman wins the fight and should be favored anywhere on the planet – even in Brazil,” said Odessa. “He just beat arguably the best 185-pound fighter to step into the octagon two times and will get to defend in the United States.”

Of course, Odessa is referring to a pair of wins Weidman owns over ex-champ Anderson Silva, whom he beat a second less than a week ago at UFC 168. Despite his repeat status as an underdog, Weidman dominated the fight early and earned a second-round TKO when he broke Silva’s leg with a leg-check.

The American took the belt from Silva via second-round knockout at this past July’s UFC 162. The win was one of the most shocking upsets in UFC history.

A report Thursday from ESPN.com said the UFC is targeting a bout between Weidman (11-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) and No. 1 contender Belfort (24-10 MMA, 13-6 UFC) in May or July in Las Vegas. The bout’s timetable will be determined by Weidman’s health, as he sustained a knee injury in training for the bout and may need surgery.

Ex-champ Belfort, who two years ago lost a bid for Silva’s title, earned his title shot with a trio of spectacular knockouts in 2013, dispatching Michael Bisping, Luke Rockhold and Dan Henderson to get another chance.

Despite his confidence in a Weidman win, Odessa said the UFC will have an easy time promoting the fight.

“It’s always tough to predict how close the preview shows leading up to the event will paint the bout, but they will have plenty to work with on both sides to make a case for both fighters,” said Odessa.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Chris Weidman)