Pros and cons of US UFC betting sites
Pros and cons
- Wager on all UFC fights
- Place real wagers in 30+ states
- Live stream every fight
- Tons of ways to bet
- Outstanding market coverage
- Regional restrictions apply
The finer details of UFC betting sites in the USA
The thrills and spills of the UFC are such that the full-throttle combat sport has become a mainstay of the USA’s sporting landscape. Millions tune in to watch their favorite fighters climb into the cage, with interest in UFC betting sites hitting new highs in recent months. Of course, before you rush to place a wager on your prized puncher, there is some housekeeping to clear up first.
Chiefly, is it even possible to place legal sportsbook bets on UFC bouts, particularly given the USA’s strict gambling laws? This is one of the questions I’ll be answering right here, as I take an introductory look at the ins and outs of UFC betting sites in the USA.
Bet now
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
Bet now
Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
BetMGM Review
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Is it legal to bet on UFC in the USA?
Good news: it is possible to bet on UFC in the USA, so long as you live in a state where online sports betting is permitted.
As of 2018, when the US Supreme Court abolished its outright federal ban on sports wagering, states have been able to set their own rules for licensing and regulating online gambling. This triggered a relaxation in sports betting laws in several jurisdictions, as lawmakers recognized the commercial benefit of allowing some licensed bookmakers to set up shop on state soil.
Ultimately, that’s great news for UFC betting fans, as it means there are legal routes to placing real bets on upcoming bouts. Of course, I should caveat this by noting that UFC betting sites are not available in all US states, and even where sports betting has been legalized, specific restrictions and limits may still apply.
So, where can you access UFC betting sites in the US?
OK, so while the state-by-state licensing of
US sportsbooks
is pretty fluid, I can at least show you where UFC betting sites are currently permitted across the States. Note that this list was accurate at the time of writing, but that some regions may have updated their gambling laws in the meantime. Always check local laws before attempting to sign up with a UFC sportsbook.
| States where UFC betting is legal |
States yet to authorize legal UFC betting |
| Arizona |
Texas |
| Arkansas |
California |
| Colorado |
Georgia |
| Connecticut |
Alabama |
| Delaware |
Alaska |
| Florida |
Idaho |
| Illinois |
Utah |
| Indiana |
Hawaii |
| Iowa |
South Carolina |
| Kansas |
|
| Kentucky |
|
| Louisiana |
|
| Maine |
|
| Maryland |
|
| Massachusetts |
|
| Michigan |
|
| Mississippi |
|
| Montana |
|
| Nebraska |
|
| Nevada |
|
| New Hampshire |
|
| New Jersey |
|
| New Mexico |
|
| New York |
|
| North Carolina |
|
| North Dakota |
|
| Ohio |
|
| Oregon |
|
| Pennsylvania |
|
| Rhode Island |
|
| Tennessee |
|
| Vermont |
|
| Virginia |
|
| Washington DC |
|
| Washington State |
|
| West Virginia |
|
| Wisconsin |
|
| Wyoming |
|
Remember, too, that some states have specific rules on how and where you place sports bets, along with strict criteria governing who can wager. Make sure you’re up to speed on these regional guidelines.
3 of the best UFC betting sites to try in the USA
If you live in any of the states listed on the left-hand side of our table above, you should be clear to press ahead with your UFC betting ambitions. But where exactly should you place wagers on the Ultimate Fighting Championship? I’ve got you covered with three of my favorite UFC betting sites below.
FanDuel – The ultimate UFC betting site?
Pros and cons of FanDuel sportsbook
- One of the Best Sportsbook Apps
- Quality Odds
- Clean & Organized Design
- Customer Support Can be Lackluster
FanDuel ticks a lot of boxes from a UFC betting perspective, as well as being a solid online sportsbook in general. Its UFC betting markets are among the most varied I’ve encountered, with opportunities to wager on everything from method of victory to time props and total strikes. All UFC fights are available to live stream directly within the FanDuel mobile app (or in-browser site, if you’d prefer), with in-bout betting available for those who want to place an additional bet based on the momentum of the fight. All UFC fixtures are organized into navigable categories, too, while features like early cashouts and same-fight parlays help to separate FanDuel from its rivals.
DraftKings – The official UFC partner sportsbook
DraftKings: Pros & Cons
- Recognizable Green & Black Design
- Dynasty Rewards Loyalty Program
- Top-Tier App
That’s right – DraftKings is the UFC’s partner sportsbook, with the brand appearing on broadcast overlays and official UFC signage when fights are taking place; anyone who’s watched UFC will be familiar with the DK-endorsed “Fight Clock”. And this isn’t just basic advertising; DraftKings is wholly committed to bringing its customers an immersive UFC betting experience, including UFC-specific welcome bonuses like “No Sweat Bets” up to $1,000. Like FanDuel, DraftKings also offers extensive UFC betting markets, including method of victory, total rounds, point spread, and niche fight props. There’s high-quality live streaming available too.
bet365 – Comprehensive UFC coverage
Bet365: Pros & Cons
- One of the Best US Sportsbooks
- Great Live Streaming
- Iconic & Pleasing Design
- Limited Availability in U.S. States
- Interface Can Feel Outdated
bet365 benefits from excellent UFC betting market depth, including odds on round times, win method, and a range of props. It’s revered for its advanced UFC bet builder tool, which can be utilized alongside same-fight parlays. Speaking of, the brand offers parlay boosts as part of its regular UFC promo offering, along with generous welcome offers for new customers. In-fight betting complements live video streaming of all UFC fights, while the early cashout feature is excellent for those moments when your confidence drops. Do note that bet365 is only available in around 11 US states at the moment, though it is hoping to expand its coverage.
What are the most popular bets to place on UFC betting sites?
The USA’s top UFC betting sites offer tons of ways to wager on your prized fighters. Let’s take a closer look at some of the bets you might place.
| Type of bet |
Explainer |
Example |
| Moneyline |
A moneyline bet means picking the fighter you think will win. It’s the simplest and most popular type of UFC wager. |
Islam Makhachev to win at -160 (favored) |
| Method of victory |
Wager on how you think a fight will be decided, be it KO, submission, or scorecard. |
Jon Jones to win by KO at +200 |
| Round end |
Correctly choose the round when you predict a fight will end – be it with the first, the third, or the fifth. |
Stipe Miocic to win in round 2 at +500 |
| Over/under total rounds |
Predict how long you think the fight will last, wagering on the total number of rounds. You’ll need to select over or under correctly to win. |
Fight to last 2.5 rounds at +800 |
| Go the distance |
Think a fight has the legs to go the distance? You can bet on that. |
Yes – fight to the go the distance at -200 |
| Double chance |
Cover more ground at lower odds by placing a double chance bet, effectively covering both outcomes of a fight. |
Jon Jones to win by KO at +200; Stipe Miocic to win in Round 2 at +500.
|
| Props |
UFC props bets include things like “fight will end in the first minutes” and “both fighters will experience a KO”. Available props vary by sportsbook. |
Both Jones and Stipe Miocic to get knocked down in Round 2. |
| Live bets |
Most UFC betting sites in the UFC support in-play betting, perfect if you’re live streaming a fight. Dynamic odds mean you can take advantage of the fight momentum to place new wagers. |
Stipe Miocic to achieve a KO knockout in Round 2, after Jon Jones fails to capitalize. |
5 top tips for using UFC betting sites in the USA
Get your UFC betting experience off to a knockout start with my five essential tips for Ultimate Fighting Championship wagering success.
🏪 Compare UFC odds before choosing your preferred sportsbook
More so than pretty much any other sport, UFC betting odds can vary massively between different US sports betting sites. I’m not exactly sure why this is the case, but it’s well worth comparing moneyline odds for upcoming bouts before choosing a vendor, as you may get stronger numbers by shopping around for the best odds.
🤼♂️ Research different fighters and their scrapping styles
Since UFC incorporates different fighting styles, you need to be clued in on how different fighters, well, fight. Some are heavy hitters with genuine boxing-style pedigree, while others are grapplers who prefer the wrestle. Distinguishing different fight styles will bring clarity to your UFC betting strategy, particularly when deciding on the best route to take for different matchups. The same goes in staying updated to their injuries, weight class changes, and many more.
🚫 Don’t place too much value on big-name fighters
There are certain UFC fighters whose out-of-cage personas overshadow their actual fight performance (McGregor being a prime example), but don’t let this skew your judgment. Often, it’s the underdogs that offer the best value, as the reputation of big-name fighters can wreak havoc with bookmaker odds.
🏆 Utilize “method of victory” to score big wins
Some fighters like to win fights a certain way, and won’t rest ‘til they’ve achieved this. Even so, you can still get some excellent odds on method of victory wagers, even though it’s almost a given that “Fighter A” will be pursuing a KO finish hard. That’s why it’s so important to research individual fighters to get the measure of their fighting style and finishing.
⚖️ Take a cautious approach to parlays
UFC is nothing if not unpredictable and chaotic, with the outcome of a fight turning on a dime. As such, I’d advise caution when building out complicated parlays, as you could easily get stung by a late tap-out move that would have been nigh-on impossible to see coming. At all times, make sure to practice responsible gambling and avoid potential losses by setting limits.
I’m tapping out on my UFC betting site guide
That’s a wrap on my guide to UFC sports betting in the USA, and I for one think it’s been a total knockout. We’ve covered some serious ground here, laying out the legal status of UFC betting before exploring some of the key tips, insights, and strategies that can improve your Ultimate Fighting Championship betting experience.
Granted, UFC betting sites won’t be available to all those who arrived on this page, with legal sportsbooks currently only available in roughly half of all US states. I’m sorry to those who may miss out on the chance to place real UFC wagers this time around, but I would encourage you to check out sweepstakes-style sportsbooks (which are growing in popularity across the States) if you happen to live in a jurisdiction with no legal sports betting permitted.
For those that do have access to legit sports betting sites in their state, be sure to check out DraftKings, FanDuel, and bet365 if you’re looking for a comprehensive UFC betting experience. You won’t be disappointed.
Don't miss out on these premier betting bonuses
1.
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $200 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
Min. Deposit: 5
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
2.
Bet $5 & Get $150
Wagering: 1x Bonus
Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
3.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Min. Deposit: $5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
4.
Bet $1, Double your Winnings on your Next 20 Wagers. Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost
Wagering: 1x Deposit
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
5.
Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win
Wagering: Only the first placed cash bet will qualify for this promotion, Min. Deposit: 5
The promotion is available for all new players on Hard Rock Bet. An initial deposit is required, and the players first cash bet must be at least $5 to qualify. Additionally, the qualifying wager must win to receive the $150 in Bonus Bets. To be eligible, the Player must be at least 21 years old, physically located in a Eligible Jurisdiction: AZ, IL, IN, NJ, OH, TN, or VA, and not on any exclusionary lists in any Eligible Jurisdiction. Excluded patrons are prohibited from participating in Promotions. To be eligible all personal and contact data associated to your account must be verifiable. | T&C apply | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
UFC betting sites FAQs
📺 Can you live stream fights on UFC betting sites in the US?
Yes, you can. In my experience, most legal and regulated US sports betting sites offered full live streaming of all UFC fights, along with the possibility of placing in-play bets. However, some restrictions may apply, and streaming performance may differ by region.
💰 If you win money betting on UFC in the US, do you need to pay tax on the winnings?
Yes, you will. Any money you win betting on sports, including UFC, in the USA is classed as tax-deductible income. I recommend contacting your local gaming commission for more details on tax rules and how to pay.
🌍 I’m currently travelling but live in a state with legal sports betting – can I bet on UFC?
Potentially, though this will depend on the state in question and your preferred bookmaker. You may be able to place bets outside of state lines in some instances, but do be aware that most sports betting sites use geolocation technology to ensure that you’re physically located within a particular legal state.
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by
Jason Bevilacqua
as part of our fact-checking process.
Advertiser disclosure
![Best Maine Sports Betting Sites in [month] [yyyy]: Our Top Picks for ME Sportsbooks](https://cdn.dimers.com/sc/11/maine-flag-online-gambling-300x169.jpg.webp)
![Best Rhode Island Sports Betting Sites in [month] [yyyy]: Our Top Picks for RI Sportsbooks](https://cdn.dimers.com/sc/11/rhode-island-flag-online-gambling-300x169.jpg.webp)
![Top Betting Sites & Sportsbooks in the US for [month] [yyyy]](https://cdn.dimers.com/sc/11/shutterstock_1228238917-300x169.jpg.webp)
