Kentucky Derby 2026 odds and picks: Betting lines, favorites, expert prediction, post positions
Kentucky Derby 2026: Odds, Favorites, and Expert Picks

Arman Tsarukyan believes that drama is essential for the growth of MMA, citing Conor McGregor's impact on the sport. He argues that the pre-fight theatrics, like McGregor's infamous bus incident, contribute significantly to the sport's popularity.
Mentioned in this story
Arman Tsarukyan thinks the UFC doesnât necessarily dislike drama from fighters.Â
Conor McGregor (22-6) is credited for taking MMA to unforeseen heights, also becoming the sportâs greatest ever star in the process. While McGregor is known for his legendary trash talk, âNotoriousâ also arguably crossed some boundaries to promote his fights.Â
The most notable of McGregorâs build-ups was ahead of his UFC 229 clash against Khabib Nurmagomedov. The Dubliner threw a dolly at a bus carrying Nurmagomedov and other fighters at UFC 223 in 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. However, Tsarukyan doesnât think the UFC was disappointed with McGregorâs actions. According to âAhalkalakets,â it was the drama leading up to the fight that made McGregor vs. Nurmagomedov the biggest fight in UFC history.
âItâs good for the UFC,â Tsarukyan told Patrick Bet-David. âYou think they didnât like it? They liked it⊠The sport is getting big because of drama, not because of fighting. Like Conor, Khabib, Diaz, the trash talk, everything. Not just fighting, but what's going on before the fight. The bus thing went viral too. Because of that, that fight was the biggest fight in the UFC. If it wasnât for the conflict before that, yeah, Conor-Khabib, they talk sât in the press conference, they fight, itâs gone.âÂ
McGregor is rumored to return against Max Holloway at UFC 329 this summer, though nothing has been officially confirmed. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan (23-3) isnât shying away from his share of drama. Tsarukyan was suspended for punching a fan while walking out for his UFC 300 clash against Charles Oliveira in 2024. Tsarukyan recently offered to buy Ilia Topuriaâs house, which went up for sale, provided the champion agreed to fight him.
Conor McGregor's dramatic persona and trash talk have played a key role in elevating MMA's popularity, making him one of the sport's greatest stars.
Tsarukyan refers to the 2018 incident where McGregor threw a dolly at a bus carrying Khabib Nurmagomedov, which helped generate massive interest in their UFC 229 fight.
Tsarukyan believes that drama, such as pre-fight conflicts and trash talk, is crucial for attracting attention and growing the sport, beyond just the fights themselves.
Kentucky Derby 2026: Odds, Favorites, and Expert Picks
Jeremy Shockey predicts Francis Mauigoa will be an All-Pro in his rookie season with the Giants.
Chelsea's Liam Rosenior Sacked: Full Cost of His ÂŁ24m Contract
Inter Milan is worried about Juventus pursuing their summer target, Tarik Muharemovic.
Odegaard reacts to rumors about leaving Arsenal this summer.
Fernando Tatis Jr. is the biggest disappointment in RF this season due to poor home run stats.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.