When it comes to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), there is no bigger franchise than the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The UFC was founded in 1993 in Las Vegas and is now based at the Apex. Featuring 12 different weight divisions, UFC events now take place across the globe, under the guidance of President Dana White. The popularity of such events has inevitably led to the rise in wagering on the sport, with UFC betting sites now being big business too.

Those living in certain US states can now back their favorite fighters at online sportsbooks. This page will outline the very best UFC betting sites. We will also explain exactly how online UFC betting works. This will include available lines and UFC betting odds explained. Looking for the best UFC betting site? The operators below all have excellent reputations surrounding this exhilarating and fast-growing sport.

How We Rank the Best UFC Betting Sites 

UFC betting online is available at an increasing number of sportsbooks. As a result, deciding which brand to sign up with is not easy. This is where we at Safebettingsites step in. Betting customers can rest assured that our recommended UFC betting sites are nothing but the very best. When ranking sportsbooks, we take into consideration the following factors:

UFC Betting Basics & Most Popular UFC Betting Lines

Many enjoy betting on the UFC because fights come with just two potential outcomes. While ties are possible, this will result in bets being void at the vast majority of UFC betting sites. Therefore, customers must simply bet on Fighter A or Fighter B to come out on top. The UFC is also a popular betting market because of its unpredictability and competitiveness. While there are some who regularly dominate fights, most are separated by fine margins.

Whether it be a kick, knee, elbow or submission move, UFC bouts have a number of possibilities. The UFC also regularly sees the best fighters go head to head, something which is not always the case in combat sports. Many result in trilogies, with fighters entering the Octagon together numerous times in order to decipher who is the best. It is worth noting that 68% of the time, the winner of the first bout will also be the victor in the rematch. So, which lines are available to customers at UFC betting sites? Let’s take a closer look at the most popular markets:

UFC Moneyline 

Ahead of UFC fights, odds on both fighters will be added to sportsbooks. Generally, one will be installed as the favorite, with the other being the outsider. To place a moneyline bet, customers must simply predict which fighter will come out on top. Only the result of the fight will determine whether your wager wins or loses. The method of victory or number of rounds has no significance here.

Visit DraftKings for the best Moneyline odds on UFC

UFC Rounds

UFC fights will take place over either 3 or 5 rounds. The majority come with 3, with Championship and other main event bouts having 5. As a result, it is also possible to bet on how long a bout will last. Whether it be the specific round in which the fight will end or over/under rounds, most UFC betting sites offer this market. For example, betting on there being over 1.5 rounds. This means that the fight must go into at least the 2nd round for your bet to win.

Visit FanDuel for the best UFC Rounds odds

UFC Method of Victory

For fights featuring the biggest names in UFC, such as Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor or Holly Holm, wagering on the method of victory is also available. Here, odds are set on whether the contest will be decided by decision, KO/TKO or submission. 

Visit FanDuel for the best Winning Method odds

UFC Props 

Referred to as “Specials” at some UFC betting sites, prop bets are more specific in their nature. For example, punters can stake on fights going the distance, the winner to call out a specific rival or the fight to end in the first round.

In all, pre-fight, live and outright bets can be found at UFC betting sites. It is also possible to place parlays on a host of fights. Those who can successfully back the winner in a series of UFC bouts are in line to make some significant profits. However, remember that just one incorrect pick will see your bet lose.

Visit Pointsbet for the best UFC Props odds

How to Read UFC Betting Odds

Before placing any bet, it is important to understand exactly how UFC betting odds work. Using the American odds format, it is clear to see who is the favorite and who is the underdog. The fighter fancied to come out on top will be given a minus (-) sign, with the outsider coming with a plus (+) sign. For example, for the fight between Nurmagomedov and McGregor at UFC 229 in 2018, the odds looked somewhere close to this:

Mcgregor -155

Nurmagomedov +125

This means that those betting on McGregor would have had to stake $155 in order to win $100. However, those looking to back Khabib would have to stake $100 in order to win $1125.

The example above features American odds, however both fractional and decimal formats are likely to be available too. Those familiar with NFL, NBA or NHL betting will likely be familiar with such alternatives.

UFC Live Betting

It is not just pre-fight when customers can back their favorite at UFC betting sites. Bets can be placed on fights while they are taking place. While bouts can potentially be over in a matter of seconds, those who are able to place a live wager at the right time could well reap the rewards. The same lines are generally available, including fight result, rounds and method of victory. Odds will fluctuate as the fight progresses.

Fighters who are causing damage to their opponent are likely to see their odds shorten. Watching the fight as it plays out is a major benefit when it comes to live betting too. If you feel like a knockout is coming up, bet on this occurring and claim the rewards! The vast majority of our recommended UFC betting sites offer live options. 

Top 5 UFC Betting Tips

As with any form of sports betting, there are no guarantees when wagering on UFC fights. However, there are certainly steps that punters can take to give themselves the best possible chance of success at UFC betting sites. So, before staking any funds, be sure to take the following factors into consideration:

How to Watch UFC Live in the US

UFC events are pay-per-view (PPV). This means that viewers must pay the subscription fee ino order to watch the action live. In the United States, the action is broadcast by ESPN. Those paying can choose to watch on TV, desktop or mobile. Some US sportsbooks will also offer live streaming surrounding MMA, however this will likely be on less high profile events.

Bottom Line

MMA, and the  UFC in particular, is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, which includes betting. Lines are attractive to punters because of the value on offer. For those with a good knowledge of the fighters involved, winning bets can be more regular than with other sports. Our top ranked UFC betting sites cover everything from Championship bouts to fights from Bellator and Cage Warriors. So, whether you are new to the world of UFC or have been following it since its launch almost 20 years ago, be sure to check out our recommended operators for yourself.

FAQs

Which are the best UFC betting sites?

With the vast majority of legal betting sites in the US covering the UFC, it is difficult to state just which is the best. However, based on thorough research and testing, we can certainly safely say that FanDuel and DraftKings are platforms worth checking out.

Which are the most popular UFC betting lines?

Betting on the winner of a specific fight remains the most popular method of wagering on the UFC. However, lines surrounding rounds and method of victory are also available, along with potential props.

Is live betting available on UFC bouts?

Yes. Live betting is 100% available. This means that wagers can be placed once fights are underway. The same lines are generally available. Customers who can back a winner at the right time can potentially win big!

Can I place parlay bets on the UFC?

Absolutely! Parlay bets are a good way of increasing the odds and potential returns. Add 3+ picks to your bet slip in order to place such a bet. However, all picks must win for your bet to be successful.

What happens in the event of a tie?

This differs between UFC betting sites. However, most operators will state in their terms and conditions that bets placed on drawn fights will be void. This means that punters will receive their stake back in full.