In terms of combat sports, the UFC reigns supreme. UFC odds have always enticed bettors to wager on their favorite fighters to try and cash out.
In order to bet on the UFC, you need a basic understanding of the sport and fighters, and you need to learn how to read the odds. Odds Shark’s got you covered like two fighters locked in a clinch.
How To Read UFC Odds
Most sports odds are presented in the same way. The favorite is represented by the minus sign (-), while the underdog is represented by the plus sign (+). You’ll also notice that odds are usually based on bettors wagering $100.
When you see +110 or -110, it means that the juice or vig – what the sportsbook collects – is $10. Sportsbooks have to make money in order to be able to operate and the juice is usually in the $5 to $10 range.
For example, you may see odds for a fight between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira shown like this:
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Magomed Ankalaev | -196 |
| Alex Pereira | +152 |
If you decided to bet the favorite (Ankalaev), you would need to lay down $196 to win $100. Conversely, if you bet the underdog (Pereira), you would only need to lay down $100 to win $152.
Underdog bets come with more risk, which is why you don’t have to put up as much money as you would with a bet on the favorite. Something to note, you don’t have to bet $100 on the fight. You can wager whatever you like, depending on the sportsbook.
Types Of Bets You Can Make On UFC
When it comes to wagering on this combat sport, you have many options like the moneyline, method of victory and total rounds.
To Win Fight
UFC moneyline betting simply comes down to betting on who you believe is going to win the fight. For example, as noted above Magomed Ankalaev is the moneyline favorite for his bout with Alex Pereira at UFC 320.
method of Victory
The method of victory bet is a wager you place on how the fight will be won instead of who will win it.
| Method of Victory | Ankaleav Odds | Pereira Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Knockout | +490 | +480 |
| Submission | +800 | +160 |
| Decision | +550 | +500 |
Using the same example of the UFC 320 main event, if you believe Ankalaev will win via knockout, that would be your method of victory bet.
Round Betting
A total rounds wager is similar to an OVER/UNDER bet you would make on any other sport. Instead of guessing if the points total will be less or more than the amount set by the sportsbook, you would bet on the number of rounds.
| Option | Rounds |
|---|---|
| OVER | 2.5 (+100) |
| UNDER | 2.5 (-128) |
If you think the fight between Ankalaev and Pereira will be over in 2.5 rounds or less, you would bet the UNDER. If you think the fight will go more than 2.5 rounds, you would bet the OVER.
Fight to Go the Distance
At the same time, if you believe the fight will be decided by the judges scorecards, or have a strong feeling one fighter will stop the other in the Octagon, you can simply bet on the fight to go the distance market.
In this UFC betting odds market, you are simply answering the question of will the fight go the distance and betting on either yes, or no. UFC 320's main event between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira, the will the fight go the distance market odds will look like this:
| Option | |
|---|---|
| Yes | +240 |
| No | -340 |
UFC Betting Tactics
The straightforward nature of UFC betting leads to straightforward handicapping and strategy as well. UFC bettors are tasked with picking:
- • Winners
- • How a fight will end or which round it will end in
- • How long a fight will last
In order to make smart bets, you’ll need to do your homework. The only difference between doing your homework now vs when you were in high school is that UFC homework can win you some money. If only that were the case when you were a teenager, although you probably would’ve spent your homework reward money on Nine Inch Nails CDs like some of us did thinking they were going to start the goth revolution.
Fighting Style
The greatest UFC fighters are versatile cage fighters, but he or she is going to have strengths and weaknesses. These show up in the style that the fighter employs.
- • A powerful striker is going to try to keep the fight off the mat and win with punches and kicks.
- • A grappler is going to try to get the fight down to the mat and win by submission.
Bettors should take the time to learn and understand the different styles presented by each fighter and how they play off each other. While one fighter will usually be able to dictate the pace of a fight, a vulnerable weakness against the wrong opponent could send a favorite to a bitter loss and pay off with a nice underdog wager.
Where Can I Bet On The UFC?
If you’re serious about UFC betting, you’ll want to check out different sportsbooks to see which ones offer the best odds. In the days before a big event, check out Odds Shark's MMA fight analysis, and our Best UFC Betting Sites page to see which books are more conducive to your betting needs.
