Adesanya's Odds Shift After Heavy Betting On Magomedov

Israel Adesanya has seen his status as the clear front-runner erode in the weeks since UFC Saudi Arabia was announced. The former middleweight champion, who opened as a -205 pick to beat Sharabutdin Magomedov on Dec. 5, has slipped to -150 after a wave of action on his unheralded opponent.

Magomedov, known as "Shara Bullet," moved from +180 on opening day to +130 as of Sunday, per Sherdog. The shift reflects confidence in the Russian despite Adesanya's name value. Magomedov enters on a two-fight streak after decision wins over Marc-Andre Barriault and Michel Pereira, bouncing back from his only career defeat against Michael Page in 2025.

Adesanya Chasing First Win Since 2023

Adesanya has not won since losing the title to Sean Strickland and carries a four-fight skid into Riyadh. The former champion faces Magomedov in the main event at ANB Arena with his relevance at 185 pounds on the line.

The co-main event has followed a similar pattern. Ian Garry opened as a -185 choice against Yaroslav Amosov but has tightened to -145. Amosov, the former Bellator welterweight champion, is now +125 after finishing both of his UFC opponents to date.

Garry is coming off a title challenge against Islam Makhachev at welterweight. The five-round bout with Amosov serves as a bounce-back opportunity for the Irishman in what could be one of the highest-level welterweight matchups outside a championship fight this year.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — UFC Saudi Arabia odds: Israel Adesanya's odds take a major hit