On September 14, the UFC brings the action to the Sphere in Las Vegas for a specially themed pay-per-view event that may require spending a fortune for an unforgettable show.

UFC 306, also known as “Riyadh Season Noche UFC,” is being billed as a card celebrating Mexican independence. The Riyadh part is meant to indicate that the event is sponsored by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, because nothing makes more sense than a Mexican Independence Day event paid for by Saudi Arabia and held in Las Vegas.

The betting odds have changed significantly for the main event of UFC 306. UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley and challenger Merab Dvalishvili are now virtually neck and neck. O’Malley was the underdog at the start despite his title, but as money was placed on the popular 135-pounder, the odds have dropped.

Here’s a complete look at the UFC 306 betting odds, starting with the main event:

Sean O’Malley (-110) vs. Merab Dvalishvili (-110)

O’Malley’s success continues to surprise people who see the colorful hair and lanky frame and can’t believe this guy can really be that good at fighting. Dvalishvili presents a difficult stylistic opponent for him, as he is first and foremost a wrestler who has had a lot of success using his limitless stamina and blistering speed as a weapon.

O’Malley will want to keep this up while standing, and if he can fend off a few takedown attempts early on, his chances of winning should increase significantly. Dvalishvili has hinted that he might try to strike while standing, but that is most likely just tactics, as his boxing game has some significant weaknesses when used for purposes other than setting up a takedown.

Alexa Grasso (-120) vs. Valentina Shevchenko (+100)

Finally, a trilogy fight that will hopefully put things in order once and for all and allow the women’s flyweight division to finally move on to other tasks. Grasso pulled off a huge upset as a huge underdog in the first fight, then fought the former champion in a rematch and reached a draw. Now Grasso is looking to prove she truly deserves the belt, while Shevchenko is trying to seize what may be her last chance to get it back.

Shevchenko appeared to be the better kickboxer in this pairing, but she also showed signs of slowing down at this stage of her career. Grasso is less polished, but she makes up for it with a dangerous submission game and a bend-but-don’t-break approach in defense. Grasso doesn’t give up that title easily, and Shevchenko generally seems less intimidating now that her championship aura has faded.

Brian Ortega (+150) vs. Diego Lopes (-185)

Ortega has had a rough road to get here, but lately fans seem to be accepting that he’s not done yet. His jiu-jitsu is always a threat, and when he can do his thing, he’s one of the best in the division.

Lopes has consistently performed above average over the past year or so, suggesting that it may be time to finally take him seriously. He has standing power and seems to be gaining more confidence with each fight, which in turn translates into aggressiveness and forward pressure.

Daniel Zellhuber (-225) vs. Esteban Ribovics (+185)

This fight is on the main card due to the rivalry between Mexico (Zellhuber) and Argentina (Ribovics). Both are young fighters still making their way in the UFC, but Zellhuber probably has the edge in terms of experience and quality of competition. Together, they seem to be the recipe for a three-round war that will force everyone else to step up their game if they want the Fight of the Night bonus.

Ronaldo Rodriguez (-165) vs. Ode Osbourne (+140)

Rodriguez hasn’t lost a fight since his unsuccessful appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2020. It’s been a long road for him to reappear on the UFC’s radar, but his win at a UFC Fight Night event earlier this year was his sixth straight victory. In comparison, Osbourne has been in the UFC for five years now and still hasn’t really made his mark. He’s coming off two losing fights and is likely fighting for his job against a Mexican fighter who doesn’t exactly seem like someone the UFC brought here to lose on the Mexican Independence card.