The opening betting odds have been released for the matchup many expect to serve as UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira's next title defense, and they've certainly split opinion.

Pereira further cemented his grip on the crown at this past weekend's UFC 303 pay-per-view. "Poatan," a former two-weight Glory Kickboxing kingpin, headlined International Fight Week on short notice opposite a familiar foe of his in Jiří Procházka.

As if often the case when a champion keeps ahold of their belt, it didn't take long for a potential challenger to make their voice heard, with Magomed Ankalaev calling for an opportunity to unseat the Brazilian later this year.

Odds were quickly put out by BetOnline.Ag, with Pereira opening as a +210 underdog against Ankalaev's -250 line.

The Dagestani has long been touted as a future champion by many, and it would appear that his wrestling ability has left the oddsmakers seeing "and new" as a real possibility should the UFC match them together next.

Fans React To Pereira vs. Ankalaev Odds: 'Is This A Joke?'

Unsurprisingly, the opening odds became a topic of discussion and debate in the MMA community.

Others, however, made note of Ankalaev's well-rounded game, which is expected to give Pereira the kind of grappling test that he's yet to experience inside the Octagon.

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