It was always going to be difficult for bookmakers to consider CM Punk a favourite in his UFC debut, in spite of all the hype.
It was established on Saturday night that Mickey Gall would be the man to welcome Punk (real name Phil Brooks) to the octagon.
And it’s easy to see why Gall is favourite: he has a pair of first round victories filling out his 2-0 professional record, as well as healthy amateur experience under his belt.
After a spectacular performance by @MickeyGall, @CMPunk now has an opponent! #UFCVegas https://t.co/sU1gct1OIo
— UFC (@ufc) February 7, 2016
Brooks, meanwhile, has never competed in any martial art, even at amateur level, prior to making the decision to swap the ring for the octagon over a year ago.
The former WWE superstar has been training with esteemed coach Duke Roufus out of Milwaukee’s Roufusport gym but the fact that nobody has seen him in competition has understandably led bookies to lean towards Gall.
Early odds emerged after Gall’s victory at the weekend and he’s almost a 1/5 favourite to deny Brooks a successful debut, according to MMAOddsBreaker.com.
Brooks, on the other hand, is a pretty healthy underdog as he is 13/5 to make a triumphant transition to mixed martial arts.
The bout isn’t expected to last very long, with the over/under market favouring a finish inside the first 1.5 rounds.
CM Punk +260 (13/5)
Mickey Gall -380 (13/50)
Over 1.5 +135 (27/20)
Under 1.5 -175 (57/100)
