Introduction to MMA Betting
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Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a fast-paced sport that attracts millions of fans around the world. In its present-day form, MMA not only draws significant interest from in-person spectators and television and online audiences, but it is also increasingly included in the portfolios of top online sportsbooks and is no longer considered a niche discipline for betting.
First, a few words about the sport itself. Under the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, MMA fighters compete in a ring or fenced area, wearing fingerless gloves but no shoes or headgear. These rules were adopted in 2009 and allow MMA fighters to strike, throw, kick, or grapple with their opponents. Attacks can be launched from both standing and ground positions.
However, unlike during the sport’s early days, headbutting, eye-gouging, biting, hair-pulling, and groin attacks are strictly forbidden. Referees can also issue warnings, deduct points, or disqualify a fighter for using downward elbow strikes, striking the head of a grounded opponent with a kick, or seriously violating any other rule. These restrictions were introduced to improve MMA’s reputation, as many considered it a brutal, no-holds-barred sport. In 1996, U.S. Senator John McCain even compared it to cockfighting and called for a complete ban. Nowadays, non-championship MMA fights consist of three five-minute rounds, while championship bouts comprise five rounds.
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It is safe to say that mixed martial arts has been a rising star in the online sports betting industry over the past decade. If you, like us, are fascinated by this dynamic sport and would like to learn more about betting on it, keep reading this MMA betting guide. It will provide you with the essential information you need to get started.
Basics of Online MMA Betting
If you lack experience but want to become a successful MMA bettor, you should not be discouraged. Getting started is not as overwhelming as it may seem. Of course, this does not mean that betting on MMA matches is easy or that you will achieve profitable results from the very beginning. First, you need a comprehensive understanding of the sport so that you can follow what is happening and make informed predictions.
Essential areas to understand include types of bets, odds formats, promotional organizations, and more. If you feel that your knowledge of the discipline is not extensive enough, set aside some time to read about the sport. This is where Sportingpedia can help, so let’s get started.
Odds Formats in MMA Betting
A thorough understanding of MMA odds will help you make informed decisions and calculate your potential winnings correctly. As the UFC is the leading MMA promotion company, it is no surprise that the most common odds format presented on online betting platforms is the American format. Also known as US odds or moneyline odds, these odds are based on wagering or winning $100 on a given bet. They appear with a minus or plus sign, indicating whether a particular fighter is considered the favorite or the underdog.
| Outright Winner Betting | |
|---|---|
| Fighter | Betting Odds |
| 1 Pedro Villa | 170 |
| 2 Casey Norton | -210 |
| 1 Emiliano Calderon | 500 |
| 2 Eddy George | -800 |
| 1 Jason Huntley | 375 |
| 2 Harris Bonfiglio | -500 |
The table above presents the betting odds for three upcoming UFC matches. For this example, we will examine the first bout. The online bookmaker has assigned Pedro Villa odds of +170, meaning he is considered the underdog. If you back him with a $100 wager and he wins, you will add $170 to your bankroll. The favorite, Casey Norton, comes with odds of -210. The negative value shows how much you need to wager to win $100. In general, the higher the positive number, the less likely the fighter is considered to win. Conversely, the greater the absolute value of the negative number, the more likely the fighter is considered to win.
Globally, the most widely used odds format is probably the decimal format, which is particularly popular among European betting enthusiasts. With decimal odds, you multiply your stake by the relevant odds and then subtract the original stake to calculate your net profit. If you wager $12 on an MMA fighter at odds of 4.1, the calculation is as follows: 12 x 4.1 – 12 = 49.2 – 12 = 37.2. Your net profit from a successful bet would be $37.20.
The final format we will discuss is fractional odds (e.g., 9/2). Fractional odds allow punters to calculate their potential profit directly in relation to their stake. The number on the left, in this case 9, indicates the potential profit, while the number on the right indicates the required stake. To calculate the total payout, use the following formula: 2 x 9/2 + 2 = 2 x 4.5 + 2 = 11.
Most Common Betting Markets
One advantage of MMA betting is that punters usually have many betting market options available for each bout. As with boxing, the availability of bet types varies from match to match and often depends on the event’s prominence. The more famous and highly ranked the fighters are, the larger the expected audience of spectators and punters, which encourages online sportsbooks to provide additional betting options.
The traditional moneyline bet is the most common option because it is familiar even to complete novices and is available for virtually every MMA bout. The concept is simple: you bet on the fighter you think will win the match. Based on various factors, bookmakers assess each fighter and then set the corresponding moneyline odds. Draws are rare, so not every online bookmaker offers three-way moneylines. If you believe a match is likely to end in a draw, check in advance whether your chosen betting platform allows wagers on this outcome.
Even if you are familiar with over/under betting from another sport, do not assume that it works the same way in mixed martial arts. In basketball, for example, this betting market relates to the number of points scored during the game. In MMA, you wager on how long you think a bout will last, specifically whether it will go over or under a threshold set by the bookmaker. This type of MMA bet may be suitable for newcomers because it does not require them to predict the winning fighter.
Nowadays, there are more opportunities to bet on mixed martial arts than ever before. Many fight enthusiasts are looking for more interesting and challenging betting markets that offer higher potential returns. Proposition bets meet this demand by focusing on specific elements of MMA matches, such as the method of victory, the number of points awarded, and various round-related outcomes. Because these events are more difficult to predict, they often come with more favorable odds than standard moneyline bets. There is much more to discuss about prop bets, but since we have dedicated a separate article to them in this guide, we will stop here for now.
MMA Promotions
MMA promoters and organizations are integral to the world of mixed martial arts, and their main function is to preserve and promote the sport. Promotions support fighters and contribute significantly to their success, helping them develop their talent and turning potential stars into sports legends. Promotions also organize events whose frequency and scale depend on the size and financial resources of the company.
The growing popularity and profitability of MMA have contributed to the establishment of dozens of promotions in different parts of the world. Below, we introduce five of the most reputable MMA organizations.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
There is no better place to begin than with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Its dominance is so significant that it has become synonymous with mixed martial arts for some people, who use the terms UFC and MMA interchangeably. The organization’s first official event was held in 1993 in Denver, Colorado, USA. The UFC organizes fight cards across eight men’s and four women’s weight divisions at locations around the world. Undoubtedly, the UFC has the largest exposure and reach of all MMA promotions and generates substantially more revenue than its competitors. This allows the organization to offer higher compensation to its fighters, which is one reason many seek to sign a contract with the UFC.
Bellator MMA
Another US-based MMA promotion in our compilation of the most prominent mixed martial arts organizations is Bellator MMA. It has been home to some of the world’s best fighters who chose not to compete under the Ultimate Fighting Championship or had not yet managed to sign a UFC contract. Viacom became Bellator’s main shareholder in December 2011, after which its fights were aired on the Paramount Network. Bellator MMA also had contracts with DAZN and ESPN Brazil, giving it access to audiences in more than 160 countries.
Absolute Championship Akhmat
The next MMA organization takes us outside the United States to Grozny, Chechnya, Russia, where Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) is headquartered. A significant date in ACA’s history is December 20, 2020, when the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced sanctions connected to its ownership by Ramzan Akhmadovich Kadyrov. At the time, the provisions prohibited US-based athletes and officials from participating in ACA events or accepting invitations to visit the Akhmat MMA fight club. ACA is a major European organization that holds mixed martial arts, kickboxing, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu events.
AMC Fight Nights
Russia is also home to another well-known MMA promotion, AMC Fight Nights Global, formerly known as Fight Nights Global. The organization supports a selection of top-ranked fighters and holds mixed martial arts events worldwide, including in Brazil, the US, and the EU. At the time this article was written, the heavyweight champion was Yusup Shuaev, who defeated Grigoriy Ponomarev by knockout on March 23, 2022, in Astrakhan, Russia.
ONE Championship
ONE Championship is a major player in the Asian MMA market and has its headquarters in Downtown Core, Singapore. One distinctive aspect of this promotion is its approach to weight classes. Following the tragic death of 21-year-old Chinese fighter Yang Jian Bing due to dehydration, ONE Championship introduced a revolutionary weight-control system designed to ensure that athletes are fully hydrated and in good health before their fights. The so-called walking weight is determined through multiple weigh-ins and tests conducted during the week or more before each match. Urine specific-gravity tests are also conducted in the hours before events to ensure that fighters are sufficiently hydrated. The system appears to have produced positive results, as there have been no significant recent incidents related to the health of ONE Championship fighters.
Common MMA Betting Mistakes
As with other sports popular among online punters, you can find many articles and guides offering recommendations and tips for achieving a profitable betting experience when wagering on mixed martial arts. However, we believe it is equally important to recognize the tempting behaviors you should avoid. These can lead to common mistakes that even experienced sports betting enthusiasts make. Learning to avoid the following errors can improve your chances of becoming a successful online MMA bettor.
Prioritization of Personality over Performance
Given how thrilling mixed martial arts can be, many online MMA punters are fans of the sport first. If you are one of them, you are likely to be captivated by certain fighters’ personalities, whether because of their pre-match trash talk, media appearances, or engaging social media posts. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, it is part of being a fan. However, when it is time to place your bet, you have to put your feelings as a fan aside.
This is crucial. Make sure your bets are not influenced by subjective factors such as a fighter’s personality. Emotions have had a detrimental effect on the bankrolls of too many MMA betting enthusiasts, and despite numerous warnings, they are likely to continue eating into bettors’ winnings. If you are not betting solely for occasional entertainment and instead want to improve your long-term results, you need to remain level-headed and make logical, fact-based decisions.
Betting Every Fight
Trying to bet on every fight on the card is not a sound approach. Two factors should be considered: how confident you are in your prediction and whether the potential payout adequately reflects the risk you are taking. If only one or neither of these factors is present, we do not recommend betting on the match. Even if you correctly predict that a fighter will win an upcoming bout, the bet may not offer sufficient value. The potential return must justify the risk; otherwise, you cannot expect to make money in the long run. Even if you are an excellent predictor, not every fight will provide worthwhile betting value.
Not Performing Line Shopping
One of the most costly yet easiest mistakes to fix is failing to ensure that you are getting the best available betting odds. A surprisingly large number of online punters neglect this step and miss out on extra money in their payouts. As long as you have accounts with several trusted online betting platforms, comparing odds requires only a few additional minutes of research. Approach each bet individually and place it through a sportsbook that offers you the highest potential payout. It is that simple.
Underestimating Bankroll Management
Some betting enthusiasts are overconfident in their self-control and abilities and underestimate the importance of keeping a separate “wallet” for sports betting. No matter what arguments we present, some people will listen politely but continue betting recklessly. That is why we will provide one clear example and let you decide whether to follow our advice. Ask any professional gambler whether they maintain a separate betting bankroll, and the answer will be “yes.” In fact, professionals are very strict about how they manage their funds because they want to avoid going broke and ensure that they can continue placing bets. Those who make a living from betting consider bankroll management essential, so why shouldn’t you?
Benefits of Online Betting on MMA
Sports in which subjectivity is absent or kept to a minimum are often preferred by punters around the world. When outcomes depend primarily on the contestants’ abilities, stamina, and courage, betting enthusiasts can make more informed predictions without worrying that a third party will tip the scales in one direction or another. MMA is often viewed as one of the purest forms of sporting competition. There is no specialized equipment, no timeouts, and no evaluation of elements such as artistry. Of course, an incompetent referee or outside influence can still affect an event. However, such cases are not common enough to undermine the overall appeal of mixed martial arts.
MMA is a growing favorite among millions of fans, and an increasing number of online punters have recognized the benefits it offers. Due to the high level of competition in the industry, top betting operators constantly seek to improve the services they provide in an effort to make MMA betting more appealing to gambling enthusiasts. This approach appears to be effective, as online sportsbooks continue to enjoy considerable popularity.
One of the first factors to consider when deciding whether online betting is right for you is the convenience it provides. Placing bets on MMA fights can be straightforward. One popular option is to select several fighters within one parlay bet. This type of bet allows you to combine selections involving multiple fighters, potentially increasing the payout. However, parlays are also risky and should be approached with caution.
Top betting sites that cover mixed martial arts events generally offer user-friendly layouts designed to provide a smooth wagering process. Online punters are also often offered special bonuses and promotions, including welcome bonuses, money-back promotions, and rewards linked to consistent betting activity. Avid MMA punters particularly appreciate bookmakers that provide exclusive increased odds for specific events.
One of the most useful MMA betting features is the cash-out option, which is available only for certain events. This feature can allow betting enthusiasts to secure a profit or reduce their potential losses. Imagine that you have conducted extensive research before an upcoming fight and placed your money on the fighter who appears well positioned to defeat the opponent. However, your chosen fighter may not have disclosed an injury or personal issue that could adversely affect their performance. If you notice that the bout is not unfolding as expected, you may be able to use the cash-out feature rather than wait for it to end.
Features of the Best MMA Betting Sites
Now that you are familiar with the basic aspects of mixed martial arts as a sport suited to online betting, it is time to choose a suitable sportsbook and explore the field of MMA wagering. Given the abundance of betting platforms available today, selecting one that suits your interests and preferences can be difficult. To help you avoid wasting time and money on a randomly selected website, we have summarized the features of the best online MMA bookmakers.
A good reputation is not an abstract concept. It is based on tangible indicators and genuine user feedback. A bookmaker cannot earn long-term trust from its users without offering first-class customer service, reasonable payouts, various fast payment methods, and, last but not least, a license issued by a legitimate regulatory authority. Many online sportsbooks meet these requirements, so you have no reason to compromise. Choosing carefully will also help you avoid the risk of being deceived or misled.
We have said this before, but it is worth repeating: the same MMA fight may be assigned significantly different betting odds by different sportsbooks. Sometimes, the variance can reach 10%, which is considerable, especially if you are a high roller. Fortunately, it is very easy to perform line shopping, so spend a few extra minutes finding a bookmaker that offers competitive odds. Otherwise, consistently using an operator with less favorable odds will inevitably affect your profitability over time.
Another feature that distinguishes highly rated online MMA bookmakers is their selection of generous short-term and permanent promotions, through which they seek to expand their user bases while retaining the interest of loyal customers.
If you have reviewed the factors above and selected an online MMA betting platform, we recommend checking its list of supported payment methods. This is an important consideration, so it is advisable to create an account with an online bookmaker that offers a variety of banking options. This allows you to use the payment method with which you feel most comfortable. Do not forget to check the expected payout time in advance. You do not want to wait an entire week to access your own funds.
Consult multiple sources when conducting your research, including articles by gambling analysts, specialized betting blogs, and customer reviews. If you find enough positive feedback about a particular MMA betting site, consider giving it a try. As a precaution, begin with smaller stakes and gradually increase the size of your bets once you are comfortable with the online bookmaker.