Though it would be one of, if not the, largest fights on PPV in history, the action on a potential boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and the UFC-controlled Conor McGregor wouldn’t be that spectacular by Las Vegas standards.

According to a report from ESPN, an estimated $30 million would be wagered on the fight in the state of Nevada, the only place in the country where such bets would be legal. That would be less than half of the estimated $70 million bet on Mayweather’s superfight with Manny Pacquiao in 2015. Nevada sports books retained about 10 percent of the wagers on Mayweather-Pacquiao.

The reason?

Mayweather is such a massive favorite against McGregor. Right now in Las Vegas, a gambler would get Mayweather at -2500. The Irishman has opened in Sin City as an +1100 underdog.

Mayweather was -200 in his Pacquiao fight.

A boxing bout between McGregor (21-3 MMA) and Mayweather (49-0 boxing) has been labeled by some as “pure spectacle,” thanks to McGregor’s lack of professional experience in the sport.

It’s also significant, according to the report, that there wouldn’t be a title on the line in the fight. It would essentially be an exhibition match, causing some gamblers to stay away or bet less.

The event would still be positive for Las Vegas in terms of visitation and other ancillary benefits for the $11-billion-a-year Silver State gaming industry.

The UFC came to terms recently with McGregor, but negotiations with Mayweather are apparently still ongoing. There are still some people who think the fight will never happen.

 

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