Official MMA tournaments are set at odds largely determined by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Therefore, people often use UFC betting or UFC and MMA to refer to MMA betting. MMA is an abbreviation for the phrase Mixed Martial Arts. For sports lovers, especially boxing fans, MMA/UFC tournaments held annually are well-known. This is followed by a series of accompanying services, including, of course, online betting. In today's article, Wintips experts will guide you on "How to bet on MMA?". There are also a few of the world's top MMA/UFC bookmaker suggestions. Don't miss out on it.
Overview of MMA/UFC
MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts, also known as freestyle or hybrid combat. It is a full-contact sport emphasizing comprehensive combat techniques. In this sport, participants can employ a wide array of strikes, kicks, grappling, and submissions. The goal of MMA is to extract the most effective fighting skills from various martial arts disciplines worldwide. Within MMA, fighters often hail from diverse backgrounds such as wrestling, boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, or judo. MMA is regarded as a practical martial art, allowing the utilization of techniques from different disciplines, as long as they lead to defeating the opponent.
UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is the name of an organization that hosts MMA bouts. Similar to how FIFA is associated with soccer and the NBA with basketball, UFC plays a pivotal role in the rapid growth of MMA, effectively promoting the sport through brand campaigns and top-notch events.
UFC and MMA matches have surpassed boxing in terms of popularity, both in viewership and betting, due to various factors over the past decade or more. One significant reason is that UFC and MMA organizations have successfully conducted live events during the pandemic period, drawing more attention than ever as other sporting activities came to a halt.
What is MMA Betting?
MMA, or Mixed Martial Arts, is a combat sport where fighters utilize a variety of techniques, including striking, kicking, punching, judo, jiu-jitsu, grappling, and more, to try to defeat their opponents.
Some basic forms of MMA betting include:
- Winner: You can bet on the fighter you believe will win the match.
- Method of Victory: You can bet on how a fighter will win, such as by knockout (KO), submission, judges' decision after the scheduled time, or technical knockout (TKO).
- End Time: You can place bets on the specific time when the fight will end, such as which round, or in seconds or minutes.
- Fight Length: You can bet on whether the fight will go the distance or end early.
- Specific Events in the Fight: You can bet on specific events that might occur during the fight, such as the number of strikes, punches, or the execution of specific decisive techniques.
MMA betting can be done through online sports betting platforms or at sportsbooks. However, remember that betting always carries a level of risk, and you should exercise caution before participating.
A guide on how to bet on MMA for newbies
Betting on MMA involves placing wagers on the outcomes of MMA fights. Here's a general guide on how to bet on MMA:
Step 1: Choose a reputable bookmaker and register an account
First, you'll need to select a reputable and licensed sports betting platform that offers MMA betting. There are many online sportsbooks and betting sites that provide options for MMA betting. Sign up and create an account on the chosen betting platform. You'll need to provide some personal information and may need to verify your identity.
Step 2: Deposit and Navigate to MMA Betting
Fund your betting account with the amount of money you want to wager. Most platforms offer various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Once your account is funded, navigate to the section of the platform dedicated to MMA betting. This might be listed under "MMA," "Combat Sports," or a similar category.
Browse the upcoming MMA fights listed on the platform and select the one you want to bet on.
Step 3: Selection of MMA betting methods
Different betting options will be available for each fight. Common types of bets include:
- Moneyline: Betting on the fighter you believe will win the match.
- Method of Victory: Betting on how a fighter will win (e.g., knockout, submission, decision).
- Round Betting: Betting on the specific round in which the fight will end.
- Over/Under Rounds: Betting on whether the fight will last more or fewer rounds than a specified number.
- Prop Bets: Betting on specific events or occurrences within the fight (e.g., number of takedowns, total strikes).
Step 4: Place Your Bet & Confirm
Enter the amount of money you want to wager on your chosen bet. The platform will calculate your potential payout based on the odds. Review your bet slip to ensure the details are correct, including the bet type, amount, and potential payout. Once you're satisfied with your bet, click the "Place Bet" or "Confirm" button to submit it.
Step 5: Watch the Fight and Collect Winnings
If your bet is successful, your winnings will be credited to your betting account. You can then withdraw your winnings or use them for future bets.
Remember that betting on MMA, like any form of gambling, carries risks. It's important to gamble responsibly and only wager money you can afford to lose. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the odds, terms, and rules of the specific platform you're using. It's also a good idea to research the fighters, their records, and their fighting styles before placing bets to make more informed decisions.
Top 5 MMA/UFC bookmakers
1/ W88
W88 is a leading online sportsbook in Asia. It has been operating since 2014 and is fully licensed by the Government of Curacao. You'll have a wide range of options for sports betting. Upon completing the registration process at W88, you gain access to the full functionality of the platform. This emphasizes the importance of creating a genuine account. The design features a dark theme with accents of blue and white, making the betting section stand out and user-friendly. It also allows for quicker placement of bets.
An interesting aspect of this platform is the numerous ways to contact customer support. Apart from the traditional chat channels at the bottom right corner of the screen, you can also click on the "Contact Us" links. From there, you can access various other support channels from the customer care department, all of which are operational.
2/ M88
M88 is a renowned online sportsbook in the Asian market. M88 is licensed by both the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority and the UK Gambling Commission. The website offers instant-play games without the need to download an application. Upon entering the site, you might find yourself slightly perplexed as there are two tabs related to sports. These tabs lead players to the sports betting section, where you can find odds for mainstream sports and other sports.
Due to its primarily Asian user base, you might come across unfamiliar payment options. However, there's no need to worry, as you won't encounter difficulties with deposits and withdrawals, given that they provide options familiar to most gamblers in Europe and North America.
3/ 188BET
188Bet is an experienced online sportsbook with over a decade of operation, recognized as a pioneer in expanding Asian betting options in Europe. It has gained global recognition and offers a range of unique betting markets, along with an impressive casino. Furthermore, for high-limit football leagues, it's difficult to find sportsbooks that rival 188Bet.
Safety and security are paramount when betting with 188Bet. Customers can rest assured that both aspects are tightly managed and monitored by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission and the UK government. Additionally, 188Bet employs Thawte security software for all financial services. Regular auditing and result disclosure ensure fair and secure operations. 188Bet is particularly renowned as an online sportsbook and prioritizes the safety of all customer information, including personal and financial details.
4/ Dafabet
With nearly 20 years of experience, Dafabet excels in customer satisfaction. The sportsbook offers a plethora of betting options for traditional sports and esports, while the casino features digital games and live games from 25 major software developers, including Playtech and Microgaming.
While some gambling websites focus on casino games and others specialize in sports betting, Dafabet excels in both areas. Additionally, players can profit from mobile gaming and in-play betting options.
5/ FB88
Regarding FB88, on this informational page, we present a list of the best online betting sites in the current market. We only introduce players to the most reputable and secure platforms. Therefore, readers should peruse this article to form an appropriate evaluation. Don't forget to read reviews about the selected casinos to better understand their benefits and limitations. Additionally, pay special attention to player complaints.
Our experts have thoroughly vetted all the information about online betting sites, and we know the stories behind them. Our top criteria are to provide an honest perspective, so players can trust their gaming experiences on these platforms. Join the recommended betting sites and share your feedback with us.
Strategy and Tips for MMA Betting
Tip 1: Assess Styles
The name "Mixed Martial Arts" accurately reflects the nature of the sport. This means fighters from various styles and training approaches will go all out in the cage, creating some highly engaging matchups. Some fighters are more stand-up strikers, preferring to exchange blows while standing. Others possess wrestling and jiu-jitsu skills, aiming to take the fight to the mat for a submission or dominant position.
Observing how these styles mesh together and any advantages one fighter holds over another is a great way to find value in MMA betting odds. Much like in boxing, stances – orthodox or southpaw – should be considered when handicapping a match. Depending on a fighter's style, a Southpaw (left-handed fighter) might find himself or herself with an advantage over an orthodox fighter, as the orthodox fighter might not be accustomed to defending against that stance.
Tip 2: Fighter Records and Analyzing Matchups
Fighter records play a crucial role in assessing UFC betting odds, though they're already factored into the odds. However, records can be misleading, as the quality of opponents isn't fully evident from wins and losses alone. Bettors should delve deeper into these outcomes and the surrounding MMA news. Fighter losses might stem from tough battles against elite opponents, while their rivals' wins might be against weaker adversaries. Fighters who've faced challenges tend to be better prepared and adaptable during fights.
Bettors often compare opponents' records and the opponents they've faced. In a weight class, there's considerable overlap in terms of competition. A fighter's past opponent, whom they lost to, might have been defeated by their current adversary. The "MMA Math" phenomenon arises – Fighter A lost to Fighter C, but Fighter B defeated Fighter C… so Fighter B should beat Fighter A – a misleading assumption that distracts from style analysis and fight study.
Tip 3: Ring Rust, Injuries, and Knockouts
In MMA, injuries are common due to the nature of combat sports. Fighters can be sidelined for varying durations, affecting their performance upon return. Bettors should analyze the impact of injuries on a fighter's ring presence, gathering information from training camp reports and media sources.
Consider these factors when incorporating this data into your bets:
- How does a knee injury affect a fighter's agility?
- To what extent does the fighter rely on the injured area?
- Will the opponent target the weakened area?
Extended breaks caused by injuries, contract negotiations, or fight cancellations can lead to "ring rust." Bettors should assess:
- Has the fighter remained active in training?
- Is their physical condition maintained?
- How does age factor into the break?
- How has the fighter performed after similar breaks in the past?
Knockout losses also impact fighters. While not always causing physical harm, they can lead to mental strain. Fighters may become more cautious, altering their octagon approach and style. Bettors should be cautious when analyzing fighters coming off knockout defeats.
Tip 4: Weight and Reach Considerations
In MMA, similar to boxing, weight classes play a vital role, with fighters moving up or down based on performance and competition. Cutting and maintaining weight varies among fighters; some excel while others, especially those dropping down a weight class, struggle to meet the limit. Bettors must track fighters struggling with weight and their pre-fight progress. The day-before weigh-ins lead to extreme measures like overtraining, starvation, and dehydration. These last-minute cuts can drain fighters before the match even begins.
Certain fighters are significantly heavier than their designated class and can swiftly regain weight after weigh-ins, gaining an advantage against smaller opponents. Bettors must know a fighter's accurate weight class and their adversary's weight class. Reach, defined by arm length, is another critical aspect of MMA betting analysis. Fighters with longer reach can land strikes from a safer distance. Combining reach discrepancies with style matchups can help identify strikers who utilize their reach effectively to connect and limit opponents' opportunities.
Conclusion
In short, MMA is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. In short, MMA is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and is also the subject with the highest popularity of all time. This is especially true with the UFC Ultimate Fighting Championship. The sport can be very profitable for recreational bettors. Additionally, MMA is arguably the most entertaining value to the demographic because of the brutal nature of fighting. Thank you for your interest in this article. Let's look forward to more quality sports news.
See also: The 7 best MMA Betting Sites to join
