How to Choose a Sportsbook for Betting on the UFC
The Ultimate Fighting Championship, better known as the UFC, has become the biggest fighting promotion in the world. Since the first events in the early 90s, it’s helped to popularise the sport of MMA (mixed martial arts), and fighters like Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor became global superstars.
The UFC offers something that fans of combat sports had been missing for years. More action, greater entertainment, and blockbuster matchups between the biggest stars. Since 2018, states across the US have been able to legalize and regulate UFC betting.
Today, there are UFC events on almost every weekend, and whether the fights are in Las Vegas or anywhere else in the world, they’re always must-see for any fight fans. If you want to start betting on them, you’re going to need to sign up to an online sportsbook first.
There are lots of great sports betting apps now offering the latest odds on UFC cards, but before you create your account, consider the following features:
License and Security
When choosing a sportsbook, you need to make sure it’s licensed and legal in your state. This means that it's safe to use, and ensures your money and personal details are protected when you join.
Reputation
Just like any company, high-quality sportsbooks have excellent reputations among their customers. You can learn more about a site’s reputation by reading reviews written by our expert review team.
Ease of Use
Betting on UFC events should be as simple as possible, with easy menus and a clear interface. You should be able to sign up, find the latest UFC odds, and place your bets within a few minutes.
Bonuses
One of the best things about betting on MMA online is that you can claim sportsbook promos and bonuses. Check to see which offers are available and read through their terms carefully before you claim them.
Odds
The odds make a big difference to how much profit you win from your UFC bets. Discover the best MMA odds by looking at our data in our sportsbook reviews.
Betting Markets
When you bet on the UFC, there should be a wide range of markets on every game. The best betting sites also offer live betting markets, so you can place bets during the fight.
Payments
Before you can place real money bets, you need to add funds to your account. The deposit process should be as straightforward as possible, and payouts should be simple and fast too.
Mobile Access
All of the sportsbooks we’ve tested are fully compatible with mobile devices. You can normally download an app to give you instant access to UFC betting no matter where you go.
Customer Service
Don’t overlook the importance of good customer service. Quality sportsbooks have a team on hand to answer your questions and provide assistance if you need it.
Our UFC Sportsbook Reviews
With so many sportsbooks to choose from, it’s difficult to know how to get started. Thankfully, we’ve made things a lot easier for you by reviewing all legal betting sites and showing you which are best. Our expert review team signs up to each site and tests them out, looking closely at all the features on offer.
Discover the best UFC betting sites simply by reading our reviews or by checking out our top-list. Learn what each site is like without needing to sign up, and then choose the one that you like the sound of the most. All of our reviews are updated regularly to ensure we only ever recommend the best UFC sportsbooks.
UFC Sports Betting Bonuses
Betting bonuses and promos are a big part of betting online. These special promotions help you take more value from your bet, and can boost your bankroll when you first join. There are lots of different offers out there, and it’s important to understand how they work before you try to claim.
Here are some of the most popular UFC betting promos:
- Risk-free bets – When you place a risk-free bet, you don’t need to worry about whether it wins or loses. If your bet wins, you keep the profits. If it loses, your stake is refunded up to a certain amount. For example, a $100 risk-free bet would give you a $100 refund if you place a $100 bet and it loses.
- Bet credits – Also known as free bets, these give you a token that you use instead of real money. Simply select your bet to open the bet slip and then apply the bet credits rather than adding your cash stake. The bet credits are used up whether your bet wins or loses, but you get to keep the winnings if your bet wins.
- Matched deposit bonuses – This offer gives you a bonus based on how much you deposit when you first open your account. For example, a 100% matched deposit bonus worth up to $500 would mean you have $1000 to bet with when your first deposit is $500.
- No deposit bonuses – These are definitely the easiest to claim, as you get the promo without needing to make a deposit first. Simply creating an account will mean you earn the no deposit bonus, and you can use it straight away. However, you’ll normally need to deposit before withdrawing any winnings.
- Odds boosts – Get boosted odds on selected markets with these special promos. You can apply boosts directly from your bet slip, increasing your odds and your potential winnings. This is a great way to add value to your UFC bets, and they’re very easy to claim and use.
How to Claim Your UFC Bonus
Receiving your UFC sports betting bonus is normally very simple. Most sportsbooks make it straightforward to claim and use these promos, although there are terms and conditions to watch out for. The full details of each offer will be easy to find on the promotions page. Here’s a quick rundown of claiming a typical promo:
- Register your account
- Enter the promo code if required
- Make your first deposit
- Place a qualifying bet
- Claim the bonus
Terms vary depending on the offer and the site you’re using. Reading them will help you find the most value from each offer you claim. Here are some common bonus terms and their explanations.
| Terms and Conditions | Example | Explanation |
| Rollover | 10x rollover on your matched deposit bonus. | Wager your bonus ten times before you can withdraw the funds and any winnings. |
| Promo code | BONUS10 | Use this code when making your deposit to claim the bonus |
| Minimum deposit | Deposit at least $20 to claim your deposit offer. | Only deposits of $20 or more will unlock this bonus. |
| Minimum bet | Make a bet of at least $20 to claim the free bets. | Your first bet needs to be $20 or more to unlock the offer. |
| Minimum odds | Bet at -200 or higher to claim your bonus. | Your first bet must be at odds of -200 or more to unlock the bonus. |
How UFC Betting Works
Throughout the year, UFC events take place most weekends, normally on Saturday evenings. Each event is broken down into three parts. There are the early-prelim fights, normally featuring lesser-known fighters. Then you have the prelims, with more recognizable names. Finally, the main card usually features ranked fighters and champions, culminating in the co-main and main events.
Betting on the UFC is very simple. You just need to log into your sportsbook, open up the UFC odds and choose an event. You can bet on most of the fights on the card, although not every book features early prelim fights. Selecting an event brings up all available fights you can bet on, and if other markets are available you can view those too.
When you choose a bet, it’s added to your bet slip, where you and enter the stake you want to risk. Confirm the bet to place it, and if it wins, you’ll receive your payout based on the odds at the time you placed the bet.
Understanding UFC Betting Odds
You need to understand the odds and how they work if you want to be successful betting on the UFC. Sportsbooks set odds based on the probability of an outcome. For example, if fighter A is undefeated and is up against fighter B who has three losses in their last three fights, the odds will be low for fighter A and high for fighter B.
The odds tell you the likelihood of an outcome in the fight, and also how much profit you can win from your bet. Over time, the lines may move, as sportsbooks will react to bets from the public and changes in circumstances.
When you look at fight lines, odds are displayed with either a “+” or “-” sign followed by a number. The sign used indicates whether the fighter is a favorite or an underdog. The “+” sign shows that a fighter has a lower chance of winning, while the “-” shows a fighter with a higher chance of a win.
For example, in Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland at UFC 293, Israel was the champion and the heavy favorite. His odds of winning the fight were set at -670. When calculating your payout, the number after the “-” sign is how much you need to bet in order to win $100.
On the other hand, Sean Strickland wasn’t given much hope of winning the middleweight championship against Adesanya. He was given odds of +470 to win the fight. This means that you’d have won $470 if you bet $100 on him.
UFC Betting Markets
The UFC has a lot of different markets you can bet on. The number of markets will depend on the size of the fight and the sportsbook itself. For example, a prelim fight usually won’t have as many betting options as a five-round main event for a championship.
Here are some of the most common betting markets:
| Market | Example | Explanation |
| Moneyline | Alex Grasso +140 Valentina Schevchenko -166 | This is a simple bet on which of the two fighters you predict will win the fight. Bear in mind that UFC fights can also end in a draw. |
| Total number of rounds | Over 2.5 rounds -110 Under 2.5 rounds -110 | This is a bet on how many rounds the fight will last. Standard UFC fights are three rounds, but a championship or main event will use five. Fights can end early due to a stoppage. |
| Method of victory | Fight to end in a submission +550 Fight to end in a ko/tko +250 Fight to end in a decision -125 | A bet on how you think the fight will end. You can usually find this market combined with the fight winner too, so you can bet on a fighter to win by a specific finish. |
| Round betting | Round 1 +200 Round 2 +200 Round 3 +200 | A bet on which round you think the fight will end. Some sportsbooks let you pick the round the fight will end in, while others let you bet over/under specific round numbers. |
| Futures | To be heavyweight champion on December 31, 2024 Sergei Pavlovich +175 Jailton Almeida +225 Jon Jones +450 Tom Aspinall +550 | This allows you to be on which fighter you think will be the champion of a specific division by a certain date. All the ranked fighters are available to bet on, including men’s and women’s divisions. |
| Parlays | Alexa Grasso, Kevin Holland, and Paul Rosas Jr all to win +538 | A combination of bets that lets you add as many selections as you like. You can add every fight on the card, though you’ll only win the bet if all of your selections are correct. |
Placing Your First UFC Bets
Now you understand betting odds and the markets available on UFC fights, you’re ready to place your first bets. Here’s a rough guide on how to get started:
- Choose one of our recommended sportsbooks, making sure it’s licensed in your state
- Create an account by providing your details and verifying your ID
- Select a payment method to make your first deposit
- Claim the welcome bonus by following the necessary steps
- Search for the UFC and choose an event or fight to bet on
- Select one of the markets to add it to your bet slip
- Enter your stake and confirm
- Watch the fight live to see if your bet is a winner
Live UFC Betting
While betting before the fight begins is the preferred way of UFC betting for most fans, it’s not the only way. All good sportsbooks now offer live betting, where you can view updated odds as a fight gets underway. From the first round to the last, you can see all available markets and place bets while it's in progress.
While live fights may have fewer markets, it’s a great betting opportunity as you can watch the fight and have a better idea of how things might play out. If a fighter is struggling to control the pace or looks injured, you might bet against them. Even if you’re not watching the fight, most sportsbooks will provide live stats that give you a picture of what’s happening.
Live stats available on UFC fights include:
- Significant strikes landed
- Striking accuracy
- Takedowns
- Takedowns defended
- Control time
In addition, most UFC betting sites will also allow you to cash out your bets early. If you’re winning and you want to take your profits before the fight has ended, simply cash out at the current odds. This tool is also great for protecting your stake on a bet that’s losing. If your pick doesn’t look like they’ll turn it around, cash out and avoid the full loss.
Betting on the UFC From Your Mobile
As long as you stay within the borders of a state that has legal online betting, you can place bets anywhere you like. All online sportsbooks are designed with mobile users in mind, meaning that placing bets on the go is extremely simple.
Whether you use the site through your mobile browser or download the app, betting from your smartphone or tablet has never been easier. All the top betting apps allow you to instantly find the latest odds and markets. We recommend using the app, although you don’t have to download it if you prefer not to.
| Advantages of Mobile Sportsbook App | Disadvantages of Mobile Sportsbook App |
| Place bets instantly | Need space on your device to download |
| Access a full range of markets and bonuses | |
| Bet from anywhere |
UFC Betting Strategies
It’s really easy to sign up to a sportsbook and start placing bets on the UFC. However, making consistent profits from your bets is much more difficult. There’s no single strategy that will make you money, but following these strategies will improve your chances.
Research every bet
While some bettors go with their gut, the ones that research usually end up on top. You can find loads of detailed information about every fighter online, with fight records at Sherdog and statistics at UFCstats.com. Pay attention to key statistics such as striking and grappling, and look for examples of where one fighter’s style might beat the other.
Follow the fight week news
Fight week is a stressful time for the fighters, who are usually undergoing weight cuts while also fulfilling media obligations. When they’re being interviewed, it’s a great chance to see their mindset and hear how they’re preparing for their opponent. They should look focused and motivated. Weight cuts can have a major impact on the fight, with fighters who miss weight losing the majority of the time.
Always get the best odds
With so many sportsbooks to choose from, there’s no excuse not to always place bets at the best possible odds. Use our research and data on all the top betting sites to find which sites give the best deals, and use promos like odds boosts to increase your value. Don’t be afraid to wait for line movement, especially when it’s an event that involves a popular fighter.
Manage your bankroll
The key to consistent success is to stay on top of how much you’re betting and take a methodical approach to your bankroll. Split it up into units, and keep your bet sizes to a certain percentage of your total bankroll. Be careful not to get carried away with your bets, and make sure you’re always responsible with how much you spend.
UFC Betting FAQ
Is betting on the UFC legal?
The legality of UFC betting depends on which state you live in. A growing number of states have made betting on sports legal, so check our full list to see if your state is included. If you are in a legal state, you need to make sure you meet the minimum age requirements before you sign up. Most sportsbooks verify that you’re at least 21 years old.
Are there UFC betting promos I can claim?
Yes, all of our top-rated sportsbooks offer betting promos which you can claim when you sign up and start betting on the UFC. Before you use a sportsbook bonus, make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions, and that you’re able to get full value out of the offer. You can find the best UFC promos right here at SportsbookPromo. We research and test the latest bonuses to help you find the best deals.
What’s the best strategy for winning bets on the UFC?
There’s no single strategy that works best for betting on the UFC. The key is to look at the data on each matchup and compare stats. You can also follow tipsters online, and use social media to find out the latest news on injuries and other things that may affect a fight. In mixed martial arts, styles make fights, so it’s important to consider how this might affect the result.
Which UFC markets should I bet on?
The market you bet on comes down to your own personal decision. There are lots of markets available, including the winner and the method of victory. A lot of UFC fans like to place parlays, betting on every fight on a card. This certainly helps to make an event even more exciting, although it may not be the best way to make long-term profits.
Sources
Author
Tom Edlin is a senior author and contributor to SportsbookPromo.com. He's been writing and reporting on the US sports betting industry for years and has crafted hundreds of in-depth reviews and guides.
