Ever since the inaugural main event in 1993 that marked the dawn of the MMA craze captivating sports betting enthusiasts today, the UFC has held the dominant position. With sports betting reaching new heights of popularity, our team of specialists has crafted the definitive guide on wagering on UFC bouts.
This comprehensive UFC betting guide is designed to instruct you on how to place bets on MMA fights, offering insights drawn from tried-and-true UFC betting tactics that seasoned bettors have employed for years. Even if you can’t distinguish a guillotine from a triangle, our guide will equip you with the necessary toolkit to place wagers on UFC matches today.
Apart from finding the latest tipping information, you should understand the process of placing a bet on MMA fights before you commence.
Mastering the Art of Betting on UFC Fights
The UFC reigns supreme as the premier platform for mixed martial arts, maintaining its position at the apex of the sport for over two decades. It showcases a thrilling mix of diverse fighting styles, a range of weight divisions, and both male and female combatants within the confines of an octagonal cage. Numerous factors come into play when predicting the victor in the heart of the Octagon.
In the United States, betting on the UFC is achievable through two primary routes. You can either visit a physical sportsbook, typically found in sports bars or casinos, or opt for a leading online sportsbook, such as BetMGM. However, it’s crucial to remember that you must be located in a state that has approved and regulated sports betting.
In Australia, the process is similar, with bettors having the option to place wagers at a physical sportsbook or through reputable online betting platforms like Ladbrokes. With that said, let’s delve into our guide on how to bet on UFC fights.
How UFC Betting Works
For beginners who need further clarification, let’s break down UFC betting odds. A UFC fight can only have three possible outcomes — either fighter one wins, fighter two wins, or the match ends in a draw. The most probable outcome among the three will have the lowest odds, while the least likely outcome will have the highest odds. The higher the odds, the greater the potential for a big payout. There are also numerous other betting opportunities tied to specific factors of a match. For instance, the “method of victory” which also have odds set based on their likelihood.
To illustrate how UFC betting works, let’s consider some examples. These are actual betting scenarios from BetMGM. One scenario might be that BetMGM predicts Dustin Poirier will defeat Justin Gaethje. This can be determined since Poirier has lower odds of -125 compared to Gaethje’s +105. If Gaethje was to win, the payout from a $10 bet would be $2.50 greater than if Poirier won.
Alternatively, you could place a few different wagers. For example, you might bet on Marcin Tybura to overcome Tom Aspinall in one bet, and another could predict the “Fight to last the full length”. To win both bets, you would need Marcin Tybura to win by decision.
UFC Betting Tips
Our comprehensive UFC betting guide brings you the most effective strategies to ensure your betting success. Whether you’re venturing into undercard betting or wagering on the main event, these principles apply universally to any fight you decide to bet on.
Opt for live betting for superior odds: Live betting often provides better odds than pre-fight betting. The unique approach that oddsmakers take when setting live odds can yield more favourable in-play odds for the same markets you’d explore pre-fight.
Avoid over-betting on favourites: The UFC is notorious for its frequent upsets. Placing a large bet on a heavy favourite with the expectation of a significant return is a common pitfall. Make informed betting decisions, don’t be swayed solely by the odds.
Adopt strategy-centric thinking: Take into account critical factors like the fighters’ age, reach, stance, and fighting styles. Contemplate how each fighter will attempt to push the other onto the back foot. For example, during the Ultimate Fighter 13 final, Clay Guida cleverly neutralised Anthony Pettis’ aggressive kicking game by keeping him down on the mat.
Remain objective: It’s natural to root for your favourite fighters in modern MMA, but don’t let personal biases cloud your betting judgment. If all indications are that your favourite is likely to lose, consider betting against them or refrain from betting altogether.
Factor in the location: Travel and climate conditions can significantly affect a fighter’s performance. For example, at UFC 188, Fabricio Werdum defeated a visibly fatigued Cain Velasquez who only arrived in Mexico City’s high altitude a day before their fight. In contrast, Werdum had been training in these conditions prior to the bout.
UFC betting strategies
Understanding the mechanics of UFC betting is only part of the equation – implementing effective MMA betting strategies elevates your game to a whole new level. Betting on UFC involves consideration of several elements and the application of time-tested strategies that have proven successful over time. Here are some key strategies to bear in mind:
Track the training camps: Gaining an understanding of a fighter’s training camp can offer valuable insights into their preparation for an upcoming fight. Pay attention to things like a fighter showing signs of sluggishness when moving up a weight class, a novice fighter having difficulty during sparring sessions, or a fighter who may have suffered a concussion during training. These factors can suggest how a fighter might perform in a future bout.
Take note of the cage size: The UFC utilises two different cage sizes. While the difference may not be drastic, statistics show that fights in the smaller cage end 12% more often than fights in the larger Octagon. Keep this in mind when betting on UFC Fight Night events, as they frequently use the smaller cage.
Watch the weigh-in: Look out for indications like fighters appearing lethargic or unwell due to a strenuous weight cut. It is also crucial to check the weight class in which each fighter typically competes and their weight during the off-season. Some fighters can shed an impressive amount of weight easily, while others appear to lose their knockout power when they do so.
Identify signs during the fight: Live bettors should be on the lookout for signs faster than the bookmaker can adjust the odds. A fight may appear evenly matched by the second round, but astute bettors may spot the underdog exploiting a weakness in the favourite that could lead to a surprise outcome in the final round – all while the underdog’s odds are still high.