You’ve come to the right place if you want to learn more about UFC betting.
Before you can start betting, you must first understand how the game works. Before you can make any accurate selections, you must first understand the rules, the fighters, and how to calculate UFC odds.
That is where we can assist you. Our guide will teach you everything you need to know about UFC betting. With our advice, you’ll gain a better understanding of making predictions and selecting the best fighters on the card. You’ll know exactly how to bet on the UFC by the end of this guide.
History Of The UFC And MMA
MMA, or mixed martial arts, is a hybrid sport that incorporates techniques from boxing, wrestling, judo, BJJ, Karate, and Muay Thai, among other disciplines.
It was once known as a brutal sport with no rules, but it has since evolved into one of the fastest-growing spectator sports in the early twenty-first century.
The sport can be traced back to the Olympic Games in 648 BCE, when the combat sport of ancient Greece was martial training of Greek armies. The fights were so brutal in some cases that competitors died during the matches. It was later prohibited in 393 CE.
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However, the fighting style reappeared many years later in the twentieth century in Brazil, where it was known as vale tudo, or “anything goes.” It arrived in North America in the 1990s, with the first event, UFC 1, held in Denver in 1993.
The name referred to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which has since become the leading promoter of mixed martial arts (MMA) events.
This first fight drew 86,000 viewers, and UFC 229, Khabib vs. McGregor, has since drawn over 2.4 million pay-per-view viewers. The UFC has taken the world by storm, with over 40 live events per year, broadcasting in over 165 countries and territories, and streaming to over 1 billion TV households.
UFC Betting Odds and Basics
Because of the format of MMA, UFC betting is relatively simple. Unlike football or tennis betting, there aren’t as many markets available, which can be viewed positively or negatively. UFC betting online entails placing bets on the two fighters involved, making it a good option for both beginners and experts.
The unpredictable nature of UFC fights is also appealing, with a fight potentially ending in a matter of seconds or lasting five rounds. As a result, fans are constantly on the edge of their seats, with a single blow or well-timed submission often sufficing to secure victory. Having said that, let’s take a closer look at the UFC betting markets that punters are likely to encounter:
Winner
The most straightforward way to bet on UFC and MMA in general is to stake on which fighter will win. It makes no difference what else happens in the cage; only the overall result determines whether or not punters are successful.
Way Of Victory
Customers can also bet on the method of victory, such as KO/TKO submission or decision, at some UFC betting sites. This is especially appealing when a fighter is well-known for a specific fighting style. Based on his previous performances, you might want to bet on Khabib Nurmagomedov winning his next fight via submission.
Total Rounds
Betting on rounds may be worthwhile for those looking to improve their odds. This market has grown in popularity, whether it is staking on the exact number of rounds or over/under a set figure. For example, you could bet on an upcoming fight between Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa going all five rounds.
UFC Betting DOs And DON’Ts
DOs
Keep up with UFC news: Because there is a lot of media attention surrounding MMA, you’ll always be able to find out about any news surrounding upcoming fights that may affect your UFC bets.
Take advantage of underdog opportunities: While they are not always obvious, there are plenty of upsets in the UFC. Keep an eye out for underdog opportunities and make the most of them.
Parlay your bets: Many fights will have heavy favorites, and parlaying your bets is an excellent way to increase your profit. You can combine legs to make a larger bet with better odds. Parlay betting is available at the majority of the best online sportsbooks and is a fantastic way to bet.
DON’Ts
Bet on personal bias: It’s easy to become a fan of a particular fighter, but don’t always back them just because they’re your favorite.
Always go with the favorite: MMA odds are notoriously difficult to calculate. It is not uncommon for favorites to lose at major MMA events. Look for opportunities among the underdogs.
Make bets solely on their track record: While a winning record is a good indicator of a fighter, it is not the only factor. This ignores the opponent, the location, and the training camp situation.
UFC Betting 101: Know The Rules
Before you can learn how to bet on UFC fights, you must first understand the rules of the cage. If you’ve ever heard the expression “two men enter, one man leaves,” you’ll understand that these fights aren’t for the faint of heart.
While not a fight to the death, knockouts do occur, and injuries are common when such blows are delivered. If you want to make money betting and understand UFC odds, you must first learn the rules:
- Fights must take place in a ring or fenced-in area (the cage), and mouth guards are required.
- Regular fights are usually three rounds long, with a one-minute break in between, whereas main events and bigger fights are five rounds long, with a one-minute break in between.
- Three judges assess the match from different vantage points outside the ring. Using a 10-point scoring system, they monitor fighter techniques such as striking, grappling, cage control, aggressiveness, and defense.
- One of these officials may not be the referee.
- Butting your head, pulling your hair, and throat strikes are just a few of the many fouls a fighter can commit. If a fighter commits a series of these offenses, the referee has the option to call a DQ. Certain fouls can result in the loss of points on the scoreboard.
Some fighters break the rules, which can affect your UFC predictions. They use the rules to develop or improve their styles, and if you understand the rules, you can see how combatants’ techniques and judges’ votes can influence the outcome of a fight. This will assist you in learning how to bet on UFC matches.
UFC Betting Strategies and Tips
Take in as many UFC betting tips as possible to give yourself the best possible chance of beating the bookies. This will not only assist punters in developing a strategy, but it will also ensure that common mistakes are not repeated. So, here are some of our top UFC betting predictions:
- Look for Value – When it comes to UFC, there is usually a favorite and an underdog, just like in many other sports. As a result, betting on the fighter you believe will win is not always profitable. Always look for better deals, and use more diverse markets if necessary. There will be times when your MMA knowledge will be superior to that of the bookie!
- Raise the Stakes – While it is always important to stay within your budget, it may be worthwhile to raise the stakes with certain UFC betting lines. This should be determined by your level of confidence in the market. If you’ve done enough research and are still confident in a particular outcome, don’t be afraid to back it up.
- Investigate Markets – MMA betting odds are not always good value. As a result, even if you still want to back the favorite, looking at markets like over/under rounds and method of victory is worthwhile.
- Do Your Research – Before you back a particular fighter, do your homework on both them and their opponent. There is almost infinite UFC information available online today. Examine their previous fights, favorite moves, and potential flaws. This will provide punters with the best chance of winning.
- Observe the Action – If possible, observe fights as they occur. Streaming events live will allow punters to gain a better understanding of what the eventual result may be, which is especially important when it comes to live UFC betting markets.
How To Watch UFC Fights
The UFC is shown all over the world, and each country’s provider will broadcast the UFC.
ESPN is the best place in the United States to watch UFC and other MMA fights. ESPN signed a lucrative contract with the UFC in 2019 to bring even more fights from even more weight classes to viewers across the country.
The most important UFC fights will have to be purchased via ESPN+ pay per view. ESPN+ can be accessed via Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, smartphones, Xbox One, and PlayStation 5 consoles.
UFC Betting: Over/Under
When betting on UFC fights, over/under bets are relatively simple to place. A bookie will list a specific round, and you must bet on whether the fight will end before or after that time. When it comes to the UFC, over/unders are a little different.
Over/unders are similar to other sports in appearance, but they differ in that the “.5” indicates halfway through the round.
If you bet over 1.5 rounds, the fight does not have to last two rounds for you to win. It only has to get to the halfway point of that round.
For example, the fight between Adesanya and Whittaker would be limited to 1.5 rounds. To win as an under, the fight must end before 1.5 minutes in the second round. The match must cross the 1.5-minute mark in round two to qualify for an over wager.
You may also see over/under 3.5 rounds, which means the match must reach the halfway point in the fourth round. This is typical for championship matches, and you should shop around for the best UFC betting odds before placing a bet.
Prop Bets
Prop bets are a broad term for bets that are not directly related to moneyline betting. They are very popular among bettors because they provide various ways to bet on fights. Here are some examples of UFC prop bets available on sportsbook websites.
- How the fight will end
- Points Spread
- Fight to go the distance
- Players touching their gloves
The availability of other prop bets is entirely dependent on the sportsbook. Some will provide a wide range of options, while others will limit players to specific ones.
UFC Betting: The Moneyline
A moneyline bet is probably the easiest type of bet to comprehend. You only need to pick a winner, and if your fighter wins, you’ll get your money. Unless there is a clear favorite, the UFC betting odds for these matches are rather average. Fighters can be favored by as much as -1000 or more in many fights.
Conclusion
UFC is without a doubt the most popular form of MMA for both fans and bettors. The number of secure and entertaining UFC betting sites is also rapidly growing. As a result, punters now have more options than ever before. Whether you want to bet on your favorite fighter on desktop or mobile, with a welcome bonus or a PayPal deposit, or via an in-play market in the fifth round, all of your needs are now met.
FAQs
Is UFC Betting Legal?
Yes, depending on where you live. Online sports betting, including the UFC, is not legal in every state or province, so check with your preferred sportsbook to see if it is legal in your area. (It should be noted that in the United States, you are not required to be a resident of the state in which you are betting.)
How Do Betting Sites Work For UFC?
Throughout the year, UFC betting sites cover a wide range of events and fights. Those who have registered can place bets on their favorite athletes, with odds reflecting their standing in the sport and recent performances.
What Are The Best Apps For Betting On UFC?
That depends on your preferences, but a number of apps, including FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, SI Sportsbook, PointsBet, and others, offer bets on UFC fights.
