UFC 173 odds: Chris Weidman opens as -220 favorite over Lyoto Machida (+180) for May 24 title fight

In case you're just joining us (unlikely), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has replaced Vitor Belfort in the main event of UFC 173 (find out why here). Taking over the headlining spot is Lyoto Machida, who challenges Chris Weidman for the 185-pound strap inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 24, 2014.

And he'll do it as the -220 favorite.

That leaves Machida as the +180 underdog, according to our booking broskis over at Sportsbook, who today revealed the betting lines for the Memorial Day Weekend pay-per-view (PPV) event. The "All American" enjoyed a nearly identical opening line against Belfort.

Machida has never looked better since dropping down from the light heavyweight division. After laying waste to Mark Munoz last October, he followed that up with a convincing, five-round unanimous decision win against Gegard Mousasi earlier this month in Brazil.

But tall order is tall.

Weidman has already disposed of Anderson Silva in consecutive fights and has yet to taste defeat inside the Octagon, thanks to a near-perfect blend of grappling and striking. But he may find himself in unfamiliar territory against the unorthodox karate bite from "The Dragon."

This should be a great fight, any way you slice it.