Dimers earns a commission when you sign up with sportsbooks through our links, helping us deliver expert analysis and tools as part of our service.
Read How We Make Money
How to Bet on MMA
Betting on MMA and the UFC has never been simpler! Whether you want to wager on your favorite fighter or learn how to bet on Dana White’s main man, we’re here to show you how to get it done.
So, let’s break down the best options when it comes to betting on MMA.
Things To Know
MMA title fights last a maximum of 5 rounds. There are occasions where non-championship bouts are only 3 rounds long at most, however most main event matches are sanctioned for the longer variety. The length of a round is always 5 minutes, unless of course there is a submission or knockout which ends the fight.
Plus while betting on MMA is fun, the most important thing to know is that you never know what is going to happen. So check out this responsible gambling page to learn how to bet safely on your favorite sports.
MORE: How do UFC/MMA odds work?
Moneyline (H2H)
The moneyline is the simplest MMA bet to make! Betting the moneyline simply means you are picking a fighter to win outright.
If a fighter is favored on the moneyline they will have a “-" next to their name. Conversely, the underdog will have a “+.”
Example
- If a fighter has a -200 moneyline it means you need to wager $200 in order to win $100.
- If a fighter has a “+” moneyline, it's different. The + tells us how much you would win betting $100, if you win of course.
- For example, a +150 moneyline would mean — if successful — a profit of $150
- Similarly, if a fighter had a +185 moneyline, you would make $185 profit — $285 total — when betting $100.
MORE: MMA/UFC live betting explained
Round Betting (Over/Under)
Round betting is unique to combat sports like MMA and Boxing. Round betting over/under simply means you are wagering on how many rounds the fight will last, NOT who will win.
Example:
If the sportsbook set the total at 3.5 rounds, you have two options:
- Bet the Over (fight to last 17 minutes, 30s or more).
- Bet the Under (fight to last 17 minutes, 29s or under).
There are other round betting options to choose from, including exact round betting. In this instance, you can choose in which round the fight will end, often these types of bets can be quite lucrative given the often long odds. This is a good time to look at the best betting strategies for UFC, as often there are new or different ways you can approach your bets.
Depending on your sportsbook you can place what is often described as a double bet — whereby you choose the victorious fighter and which round they will end the fight.
e.g. Nate Diaz victory over Conor McGregor in 3rd round
MORE: How to use Dimers Bet Hub
Method of Victory
Similarly to round betting, the method of victory does not necessarily need to involve the choice of a victor, simply how the fight will end — knockout/submission/points decision.
Although in some cases, depending on your sportsbook, you may be able to choose a fighter to win and their method of victory.
e.g. Conor McGregor to win by knockout
If you’re lucky your sportsbook will also have a method & round combination.
e.g. McGregor TKO/KO in Round 2
MORE: How to determine the best sportsbooks
Futures
Futures bets are exactly what they sound like. You are wagering on an often far away event. If you’re looking to lay down some capital in the hopes of large winnings down the line, this is the bet for you. They’re not too popular within MMA but they do still exist.
The most popular future bet is: Fighter to retain a championship in a calendar year
The only downside to futures bets is they can take weeks or even months to occur. If you’re patient, they can pay off big.
MORE: Is online gambling a scam?
Prop Bets
Prop bets are popular throughout the MMA and enable you to bet on almost anything which may unfold in a game.
You can wager on fighter props; choosing whether they will achieve over/under a certain amount of aces and so much more.
Common prop bets include:
- Going the distance — whether the fight will last the totality
- Draw bet
- Which fighter will draw blood first
- Exact time fight will end
- Which body part completes KO/TKO
Depending on the sportsbook, there may be options to include props in a mixed parlay. Although most books force you to have a parlay strictly involving props. On the topic of prop bets, you may have heard the term ‘grand salami’ used and wondered ‘what does grand salami mean?’. Don’t worry, we have you covered in our guide.
MORE: What sports can I bet on?
Multiple-Game Bets
Parlay
A parlay simply involves more than one wager combined together for greater odds. For those that are new to this sport, find out how MMA UFC odds work explained in our guide, which can help clear things up. You can place a same fight MMA parlay — multiple events from one matchup — or alternatively, events across multiple fights.
You could take the Khabib Nurmagomedov (-3.5) to cover against Justin Gaethje, before could add bets from other matches, say Jorge Masvidal to beat Nate Diaz (moneyline).
More legs = higher odds and a greater chance at a larger return. Of course though, the more legs you add, the less likely a win becomes.
In any parlay you will need to get each event correct for there to be a payout. Unless your sportsbook has an offer running, there is no refund for getting 7 out of 8 right.
In the event of one or more legs resulting in a push, your parlay as a whole will be considered a push, meaning your stake will be refunded.
MORE: Best athletes to bet on
Live Betting
Live or in-play betting is where you wager on a MMA/UFC fight currently in progress. As odds shift throughout the fight, you can find the bet to suit you whilst the action continues on.
Example
- Moneyline
- Round betting
- Prop bets
- Next round outcome
Move fast and read our MMA live betting explained guide, otherwise you’ll miss out!
Put the theory to practice with these fine sportsbooks
1.
New Customers: Bet $5+ Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins + 3 Months of League Pass On Us!
USA Welcome
21+, Other T&Cs Apply
4.
Bet $1, Double your Winnings on your Next 20 Wagers. Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost
USA Welcome
More Articles
DraftKings
DraftKings Review
Bet365
Bet365 Review
BetMGM
BetMGM Review
Caesars
Caesars Review
Hard Rock Bet
Hard Rock Bet Review
DraftKings Promo
T&Cs apply
Bet365 Promo
T&Cs apply
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. This Referral Code is used for marketing/tracking purposes only. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs 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 Promo
T&Cs apply
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.
Caesars Promo
T&Cs apply
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)
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
