Betting on MMA and UFC
With MMA (mixed martial arts) and UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) growing in popularity, the number of people interested in betting on the sport is also on the rise.
If you are a fan of MMA and UFC, you are well on your way to placing wagers that could win you a lot of money. Even if you don’t have any knowledge at present, you can change this by altering your approach and learning more about the process of getting started.
MMA betting and UFC betting is much the same as many other sports. There are many types of bets to make. There is also a variety of online services that take wagers from bettors located all over the world.
Where to bet on MMA & UFC
Where to Bet on MMA and UFC
Generally speaking, you have two options for betting on MMA and UFC:
Online sportsbooks. This is the most convenient option for those who are able to wager on sports in their country. There are many MMA betting sites to choose from.
Land based casino. This is most popular among US-based bettors, as they don’t have access to online betting. For this reason, they have to visit a casino in Las Vegas (or another part of Nevada) to place their wager.
Regardless of where you decide to place your bet, nothing changes the fact that there are many details to consider. Let’s take for example an online player.
MMA and UFC betting sites
First things first, you should learn more about the many MMA betting sites. Which ones have the best odds? Which ones are easiest to work with in terms of depositing money? How simple is it to open an account? What is their reputation among other bettors?
Once you compare UFC betting sites side by side, it is easier to determine which one best suits your situation. If all else is equal, you should seek out the online sports book with odds that work in your favor.
Note: some MMA and UFC sports books have bonuses for signing up. By taking advantage of these, your money can go further than you ever imagined.
How to Bet on MMA and UFC
It is one thing to say you are interested in betting on MMA. It is another thing entirely to place a wager that puts you in a position to win. Your job is to do whatever it takes to tilt the scales in your favor, even if only a little bit.
For example, before you bet on MMA you should research every detail associated with a match. This can include but is not limited to:
- The overall record of each participant
- The head to head record of each participant
- Injuries
- Location and time of the event (compared to past outcomes)
These are the types of details that can give you insight as to which participant has the best chance of winning. It is no guarantee, but it can definitely work in your favor.
Now that you understand how to research MMA and UFC betting, it is time to learn more about the two most common types of wagers: money line betting and prop bets.
Money Line Betting
MMA betting lines are set before a match. Since these can and often do change, make sure you place a wager as soon as you are comfortable with the line.
Here is the good thing about a money line bet: you are doing nothing more than choosing the fighter you think will come out on top. It doesn’t matter how they do so or when they do so, if you choose the fighter who wins you are going to cash in.
Of course, there is something to consider: MMA betting odds. There is a favorite and underdog in each match. The favorite always pays out less money, because this person is expected to come out on top.
Example
Fighter A: +400
Fighter B: -500
The +400 means that for every $100 bet on this fighter you could win $400. The -500 shows how much you need to wager to win $100.
As you can see, Fighter B is the clear favorite in this match. Since this fighter is expected to win, it takes $500 to win $100. If you bet on Fighter A, the underdog, and this person comes out on top, your payout is much higher.
Prop Betting
MMA and UFC betting odds also come into play for prop betting. This is not as common as money line bets, but it is something to consider if you want to add more action to a particular event or fight. Some of the most common prop bets include:
- How the fight will end, such as a TKO, decision, or submission
- How many rounds the fight will last
- If the fight will last the entire time or be cut short for any reason
One of the primary benefits of prop betting is that you can add more action to a match. You can still place a money line bet but add in a prop bet for the chance to win even more.
Sticking with the example above, you can bet on Fighter B, the favorite, to be the outright winner. If you think this fighter will win by a TKO, you can place a prop bet as well. If both your wagers are correct, your payout will be greater.
UFC and MMA Betting Tips
Are you more excited than ever about betting on UFC and MMA? If so, it is only a matter of time before you are getting started.
While there is nothing wrong with placing a wager before you fully understand what you are doing, this doesn’t give you the best chance of winning. Instead, you should formulate a strategy and follow tips that have been successful for others in your position.
Here are five tips for all bettors:
1. Learn more about MMA betting odds. You don’t want to get involved with MMA and UFC betting until you know more about betting odds, as well as the many types of wagers. If you do, you could easily make a mistake that costs you a lot of money.
Note: before you place a real wager, review a few betting lines and make an educated guess who on paper will win. From there, once you have some experience, it is easier to be confident in what you are doing.
2. Research, research, and research some more. Placing UFC bets is a simple process. You visit a sports book, choose a match, and place a wager on who you think will win (or a prop bet).
Just as the process can be simple, it can also be in-depth at the same time. This holds true for bettors who understand the importance of research. You want to learn as much as you can about a match and fighters before placing a wager.
3. Start slow. If you are new to placing a bet on UFC, for instance, you don’t want to lay down a large amount of cash. You are better off starting slow, learning more about what you should and should not be doing, and seeing where it takes you. This can be frustrating, but it is the best decision in the long run.
4. Track UFC betting lines. Did you know that betting lines often change by the day? The odds may not move much, but this is something that you should keep your eye on. It could signify something important, such as an injury by one fighter. It is simple to track betting lines via your favorite online sports book.
5. Stay involved with the sport. You don’t have to be involved with MMA or UFC to bet on the sport, but it can definitely help your odds of winning. Do you watch as many matches as possible on television? Do you follow fighters online to get a better idea of where they stand in terms of rankings, what they are thinking, and what they will do in their next fight? Just the same as more traditional sports, such as soccer and American football, you can learn a lot by staying involved with UFC and MMA.
Place Your First Wager
MMA and UFC betting is a lot of fun. On top of this, it provides the opportunity to add more action to a match, while also winning plenty of money.
If you are ready to place your first wager, don’t delay in learning more about the sport, finding the right sports book, and choosing a fighter to win an upcoming match.
Once you are familiar with UFC betting and all it involves, it won’t be long before you feel good about your approach.