How To Bet on UFC
If you’re a fan of mixed martial arts and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), you might be wondering how to turn your fight predictions into real money. Learning how to bet on UFC can be fun, exciting, and rewarding—if you know what you’re doing.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about UFC betting, including the types of bets, how to read odds, tips for beginners, and where to place your bets online. Whether you’re new to betting or just new to UFC, this guide will help you get started.
What Is UFC Betting?
UFC betting is when you place a wager (money) on the outcome of a UFC fight. Just like betting on football or basketball, you try to predict what will happen and place money on that outcome.
You can bet on who will win the fight, how they’ll win, or even how long the fight will last. UFC betting has become very popular because of how exciting and unpredictable the fights are.
Is It Legal to Bet on UFC?
Yes, in many places, it’s legal to bet on UFC fights. But it depends on where you live. In the United States, for example, many states allow legal sports betting, while others do not. Always check your local laws before placing any bets.
Make sure you use licensed and regulated sportsbooks or betting apps. These are safe and legal places to bet on UFC.
Understanding UFC Betting Odds
To be successful at UFC betting, you need to understand how betting UFC odds work. Odds tell you how much money you can win and also who is favored to win.
In the U.S., odds are shown in “moneyline” format, like this:
Jon Jones -200
Stipe Miocic +170
A minus (-) number means the fighter is the favorite.
A plus (+) number means the fighter is the underdog.
Here’s what those odds mean in money:
Jon Jones -200: You need to bet $200 to win $100.
Stipe Miocic +170: If you bet $100, you win $170.
Odds change depending on how people are betting and new info (like injuries or fight updates), so always check the latest odds before betting.
Types of UFC Bets
There are several different kinds of UFC bets you can make. Here are the most popular ones:
1. Moneyline Bet (Winner of the Fight)
This is the most common UFC bet. You simply choose who you think will win the fight.
Example: Bet on Conor McGregor to win. If he wins, you win. If he loses, you lose.
2. Method of Victory
With this bet, you guess how the fighter will win: by knockout (KO), submission, or decision (judges’ scorecards).
Example: Bet on Israel Adesanya to win by KO. He must knock out his opponent for your bet to win.
3. Over/Under (Rounds)
This is a bet on how long the fight will last. The sportsbook sets a number of rounds, and you bet whether the fight will last over or under that number.
Example: Over 2.5 rounds – The fight must go past the halfway point of the third round.
4. Round Betting
You pick which round the fight will end in and who will win in that round.
Example: Amanda Nunes to win in Round 2.
This is a harder bet to win but usually comes with higher odds (more money).
5. Parlays
A parlay is when you combine two or more bets into one. You must win all your picks to win the bet, but the payout is much bigger.
Example: Bet on three fighters to win. If they all win, your payout increases.
Tips for Betting on UFC as a Beginner
Betting on UFC isn’t just about guessing. Here are some smart tips to help you make better bets:
1. Do Your Research
Don’t bet just because a fighter is famous or popular. Look at their past fights, their fighting style, and who they’ve faced.
Are they a striker or grappler?
Do they win by decision or knockout?
How do they match up against their opponent?
2. Watch the Weigh-Ins and Face-Offs
Weigh-ins can tell you a lot. If a fighter looks weak or has trouble making weight, that could affect their performance.
3. Understand Styles Make Fights
Some styles work better against others. A strong wrestler might beat a striker by taking the fight to the ground. Learn how styles match up before you bet.
4. Don’t Bet with Emotion
Just because you like a fighter doesn’t mean they’ll win. Stay calm and use logic—not feelings—when placing bets.
5. Start Small
Only bet what you can afford to lose. Start with small bets and learn the ropes before putting big money on the line.
How to Win More UFC Bets
- Winning every bet is impossible, but here’s how to increase your chances:
- Follow UFC news: Injuries, changes in fight cards, and training updates matter.
- Watch fights: Get a feel for fighter styles and strategies.
- Track your bets: Keep a record so you learn what works.
- Look for value bets: Sometimes an underdog is better than the odds suggest.
- Avoid parlays at first: They’re tempting, but risky for beginners.
Final Thoughts: Should You Bet on UFC?
Betting on UFC can make watching the fights even more exciting, but it’s important to treat it as entertainment, not a way to get rich fast. Take your time, learn the sport, and bet responsibly.
If you enjoy fight nights and want to test your knowledge, betting on UFC might be a fun way to do it. Just make sure you understand the odds, know the fighters, and always gamble within your limits.
How to Bet On UFC: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is UFC betting legal?
Yes, in many places. Make sure you use a legal sportsbook in your state or country.
What’s the best bet for UFC beginners?
Start with moneyline bets (picking who wins) before trying more complex bets like method of victory or parlays.
How much should I bet on UFC?
Only bet what you can afford to lose. Start small and increase as you get more confident.
Can I bet on live UFC fights?
Yes! Many sportsbooks offer live betting, where you can place bets during the fight.
Ready to Place Your First UFC Bet?
Now that you know how to bet on UFC, you’re ready to jump in and make your picks. Choose a legal sportsbook, do your research, and place your first bet with confidence.
Good luck—and enjoy the fights!
