Boxing vs. UFC this Weekend - Can Mayweather-Marquez outdraw UFC 103?

Fans of combat sports are going to be truly spoiled this weekend, as some of the best boxing betting and UFC betting are all available on the same night. Saturday night will be a busy night for pay-per-view, and those who wager on sports, but it will also be a stressful night for the promoters involved on either side.

This weekend will mark perhaps the most significant head to head matchup between “The Sweet Science” and mixed martial arts. Not only is the UFC competing with Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions for ticket sales amongst fight fans, but more importantly, they are grappling over numbers on the television.

In the modern world of event marketing, par-per-view buys are almost more important than the numbers at the gate. Seemingly, the swing factor in this competition will rest in the waiting and greedy hands of restaurant and bar owners. Said owners must pay airing fees in order to broadcast events in their establishments, and it is highly unlikely that any bar will choose to play both events, given the exorbitant cost.

Judging by recent statistics, most establishments are going to choose to play UFC 103, due to the momentum behind mixed martial arts and UFC odds as of late. Although Mayweather has drawn more than any single UFC event ever has on pay-per-view (for his bout against Oscar De La Hoya), recent boxing numbers have been less than stellar. Smart business owners seek consistency.

However, restaurant and bar buys will probably not determine the outcome of this battle. Mayweather vs. Juan-Manuel Marquez will also be broadcast in theatres across the United States, and unquestionably, its headline bout is far more intriguing than the UFC’s offering of Rich Franklin vs. Vitor Belfort. Household purchases always play a huge part, and fans of both boxing odds and UFC lines will inevitably look to the big attractions and weigh their options.

Experts believe that Mayweather-Marquez will outdraw UFC 103, and the BetUS Sportsbook is expecting a flood of sports betting action on Saturday night as well. “Pretty Boy” Floyd is a +500 favorite on current boxing lines, and those who analyze the sport expect him to put his defensive mastery to work. If you simply cannot choose however, consider a parlay bet, and wager on both Mayweather and the returning Vitor Belfort to make the combat weekend a truly memorable one!