How to Bet on MMA
Keen to learn about the outright and special markets available for MMA and MMA betting? Read our detailed guide on important terminology and the various ways you can access bonuses/promotions that could help enhance your experience.
MMA betting guide: how to bet on fights
Types of MMA betting lines
There is no shortage of MMA betting lines available for wagering on for each individual fight for an event. MMA betting odds work in the same way as any other betting market.
Depending on your personal preference, your odds will be displayed in American odds, as a fraction, or decimal. Shorter prices imply the event is more likely to occur, while large prices imply they are less likely
There are odds built around almost every facet of the sport. If you’re new to MMA and want to know how to bet on MMA, we’ll now detail all the possible betting markets that are available on MMA Fight Nights.
Moneyline
The most common MMA bets that you can place are on the Moneyline. This is a simple wager where you can bet on the winner of the fight. There will be two options to choose from for every fight on the Moneyline, for fighter A to win, or fighter B to win.
The betting odds available will reflect the two fighters based on their form and history in their respective MMA careers. You can select the fighter you believe will win the fight, and if they do, you win your wager. Simple as that.
Round betting
Round betting allows you to bet on a variety of markets based on the rounds of the fight. You can bet on which round you believe the fight will be won and by which competitor, or whether the fight will go the distance. There are also bet options for selecting which competitor will win the round as scored by the judges.
You can find higher odds on your MMA betting odds with Round betting considering the unpredictability of most bouts. Like the Moneyline, it is a straightforward option for betting on one of the competitors or a specific period within the fight.
Over/Unders
Over/Under or total bets are another simple wagering option for betting on MMA. There will be a betting option for an element of the fight such as how many rounds it will go, the number of punches/kicks or knockdowns. The sportsbook will select a numerical value, and all you have to do is bet whether the actual event will be over or under. For example, the value for rounds in a fight might be 3.5.
You can then bet whether you think the bout will last for less than 3.5 rounds or more than 3.5 rounds based on your research. The general line will be set by the sportsbook, but you will be able to find alternate lines either higher or lower to improve the chances of your bet landing or to improve the value of your odds.
Method of victory
You can bet on the victory method of most MMA fights. There are only a few options to decide from. These include knockout/technical knockout, submission and the judges’ scorecards (including a Draw). To win your bet, you must pick the correct outcome.
Prop betting
Prop bets cover all the elements of an MMA fight. Anything that is not included in the other markets will be available through prop betting. Props and Specials offer unique ways to wager on events within the Fight, and ESPN BET is constantly adding new markets to choose from. Look out for the different types of wagers that are available through props because they offer a unique way to bet on the fights.
Parlay betting
Parlay bets allow you to select multiple markets from different fights to place into one wager. Given that there are multiple fights occurring at one MMA event, you can easily select multiple markets from the Moneyline or other markets to place into one wager, which boosts your odds, although it does come with a greater risk due to the increased number of correct outcomes you need to win.
You are not limited to events on one day, as you can add further fights to your parlay, but you will naturally have to wait for the result before your bet settles.
Futures
The major fights are billed well in advance of the occasion, so there are opportunities to bet on a fight months before it takes place. Odds typically change dramatically from opening until fight night, allowing you to potentially get a better or worse price by betting early, although it does come with a greater risk depending on form and injury.
MMA betting tips and factors to consider
There are plenty of factors to consider before placing an MMA bet. These can include the following:
Fighter form
The fighter you want to back might not be in the best of form in their previous bouts. Performing research into their form is crucial to determine the reasons for their success or failure. If a fighter is not particularly firing on all cylinders it might be worth avoiding a bet on them unless you can find a valid reason to justify your selection.
Injuries
One of the top practices for the best fight bets is to look at the injury history of the fighter you are backing before confirming your wager. They might be working their way back to health from an issue or may even be struggling with a problem heading into a bout that may affect their performance.
Styles
You should consider the matchup between the two fighters before placing your bet. One fighter might have a particular style that causes his/her opponent an issue that exposes a weakness. Read the best MMA betting tips online before placing your bet to familiarize yourself with the two fighters in question, as there are nuances that can make all the difference between a successful bet and a losing one.
Divisions
Pay attention before the fight to see if one or both fighters are competing in a weight class for the first time. Competitors that move up or down can take time to adjust their new weight class, which may affect their performance in the bout.
Venue
The venue can make a difference in an MMA bout, especially if a fighter is competing in front of a home crowd. Emotions can play a part both positively and negatively, so have a quick look to see whether the fighter you’re selecting can handle the occasion.
Fighter records
It is one of the easiest factors to consider when selecting your bet. If a fighter has a great record, you’re more likely to select them over an opponent with an inferior standing. It doesn’t take long to check out the statistics, but bear in mind upsets can happen in MMA.
Odds
Finally, consider the odds of the two fighters. Look for value after performing your research and only deploy a wager amount that you are comfortable losing.
MMA betting sites: how to bet on MMA in The United States
If you want to know how to bet on MMA in The United States, we’ll now talk you through the process. It starts by downloading and entering the ESPN BET sportsbook app.
Here is a step-by-step guide to betting on MMA:
- Download the ESPN BET app and sign up online using your personal details.
- Search for the MMA section of the betting app.
- Pick the MMA card / fight you wish to wager on.
- Select your betting market and odds.
- Enter your wager amount and confirm your bet.
- If you win, you’ll receive a payout once the bet settles.
Reasons To Bet With ESPN BET
There are many reasons to bet with ESPN BET. These include a reliable support team available 24/7 for all your betting concerns, a responsibility to maintain player safety and security, and a responsibility to uphold regulated betting standards.
New and existing players can use the promotions page to explore all our Bonus Bet sign-up offers on all your favorite sports. Download the app today and see what you've been missing in mobile betting with ESPN BET Sportsbook and Casino.
MMA & MMA betting FAQs
Is it legal to bet on MMA fights?
Yes. Betting on MMA fights is legal in the United States with ESPN BET, but make sure that you are located in a state where sports betting is legal.
What are the different types of MMA bets?
There are several types of bet available to wager on MMA, including the Moneyline, prop bets, Round betting, Over/Unders, Futures, Method of Victory, and Parlays.
What factors should I consider when betting on MMA fights?
You need to perform your research on both fighters before placing your bet on factors considering their form, injury history, fighting style and weight.
How are the odds determined for MMA fights?
Odds are determined for MMA fights based on the quality of the two fighters. One will be credited as the favorite and the other as the underdog, unless the fight is considered 50/50.
Can I bet on MMA fights from my mobile device?
Yes. You can bet on MMA fights on your mobile device through the ESPN BET app.
How much money can I win betting on MMA fights?
The money you can win on MMA fights depends on the value of your wager amount and the odds of the fighter you have bet on.
How do I place a bet on a MMA fight?
You can place a bet on an MMA fight by entering ESPN BET and selecting the MMA section before picking a fight and odds. You then place your wager amount and confirm your bet.
How do betting rounds work in MMA?
Rounds betting allows you to bet on which fighter will win a particular round or whether the fight will be decided in a specific round.
What happens if you bet on MMA and it's a no-contest?
If a MMA fight is a no contest, you will receive your stake back (unless the result has already been determined, for instance betting O1.5 Rounds and a No Contest is declared in Round 3).
What are the rules of betting in MMA?
There are no specific rules for betting on MMA aside from those listed in ESPN BET’s House Rules. You can simply pick your bet and if your wager is successful you will receive a payout from ESPN BET.
What happens if you bet on a MMA fight and it is a draw?
ESPN BET will refund your stake if the MMA fight you bet on finishes as a draw, unless the Draw was offered in your Market or the Outcome was already determined.
