Betting Strategy Guide
How to Bet on MMA and UFC
Key takeaways
- The most common MMA bet is the fight moneyline: you pick the fighter who wins, by any method.
- Method of victory, round betting and total rounds pay more than the moneyline because you must also predict how or when the fight ends.
- How a draw, a no-contest or a late change of opponent is settled varies by sportsbook, so check the house rules before you bet.
To bet on MMA, you most often pick the fighter who wins the bout on the moneyline. You can also bet on how the fight ends, in which round, or how long it lasts. Most MMA betting centers on UFC cards, which stack several fights in one night.
Fight moneyline
| Fighter | Odds | $100 bet wins | Implied probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Favorite | -250 | $40 | 71.4% |
| Underdog | +200 | $200 | 33.3% |
Backing the favorite, you risk $250 to win $100. A KO, a submission and a decision all pay the same. See how to bet the moneyline.
Method of victory and round betting
Method of victory asks how the winner gets there: KO/TKO, submission or decision. Round betting asks for the fighter and the round of the finish. If the underdog is +450 to win by KO/TKO, a $20 bet wins $90. Where a disqualification fits varies by sportsbook.
Total rounds and goes the distance
Most UFC fights are scheduled for three five-minute rounds; main events and title fights go five. Total rounds lines such as over/under 1.5 or 2.5 are bets on how long the fight lasts. At most sportsbooks the half round falls at 2:30, so over 1.5 wins if the fight passes the midpoint of round 2. Goes the distance is a yes/no bet on the fight reaching the judges. See total betting.
Draws, no-contests and late changes
A draw is rare but possible. On a two-way moneyline many sportsbooks return the stake; others price the draw separately. A no-contest, such as a fight stopped by an accidental foul, is often treated as no action. If a fighter misses weight or a replacement steps in, bets on the original matchup may be void. These rules vary, so read the house rules.
What to consider before you bet
- Styles: a wrestler against a pure striker can play out very differently from what records suggest.
- Weigh-ins: a hard weight cut can leave a fighter drained, and a miss is worth noting.
- Short notice: a fighter who took the bout late has had less time to prepare.
- Cardio: pace and conditioning matter more over five rounds.
See upcoming cards on the UFC odds page, and look up terms in the betting dictionary.
Betting at Betcris Arizona
Betcris Arizona is licensed by the Arizona Department of Gaming. You must be 21 or older and located in Arizona to place a bet. Check the current promotions before you bet, and read our responsible gaming policy. If gambling stops being fun, call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you bet on a UFC fight?
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Pick a fighter on the moneyline, or bet on how and when the fight ends with method of victory, round and total rounds markets. Availability varies by fight.
What does over 1.5 rounds mean in UFC betting?
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The fight must last past the midpoint of round 2, which at most sportsbooks is 2:30 into the round. If it ends earlier, the under wins.
What happens to my bet if a UFC fight is a draw?
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It depends on the market. Many sportsbooks return the stake on a two-way moneyline, while a bet on the draw itself wins. Check the house rules.
What happens to my bet if a fighter is replaced?
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A bet on the original matchup is commonly void when an opponent changes, but rules vary. Check the house rules before you bet.
