Best MMA Betting Sites for 2023: The Nyfights.com Ultimate Ranking

Mixed Martial Arts have become a fan-favorite sport to millions around the world for multiple reasons – the exclusiveness of the events and the thrill of watching combat sports. But when it comes to betting, which is the best UFC apps and sites out there?

5 Best MMA Betting Sites & Sportsbooks

Mixed Martial Arts and the UFC, in particular, have become such a widespread sport that it is readily available in most bookmakers nowadays. It is not difficult to find UFC betting sites but there are those that stand out in the mix. Here are our top five:

BetMGM: Our recommended sportsbook

BetMGM is an incredible example of a customer-oriented bookmaker that comes up with countless offers and promotions for its loyal clients. Such includes the UFC as well. While MMA is not widely covered on BetMGM, its UFC section ranks as one of the best globally.

The risk-free bet worth up to $1,000 is a great way to test a prediction on an upcoming UFC fight. BetMGM knows how to make a player feel welcome, infusing confidence when preparing an MMA betting slip.

DraftKings Sportsbook

In only a few years, DraftKings has become one of the most advanced betting platforms and their UFC coverage nowadays.

The dedicated bonus for UFC wagers is just the tip of the offer at DraftKings. The mobile-friendly platform expedites wagering with the full spectrum of betting types available for thrilling fights on the UFC event calendar.

There are markets for each of the different types of fight outcome – decision, finish, submission. There are individual markets for betting on rounds – when the fight will end or the regular over/under rounds. Overall, DraftKings undoubtedly is one of the best UFC betting sites out there.

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars sportsbook is another viable option for UFC Betting although their range of markets is more limited than others on our list. This is the main issue you might have with Caesars – you will find more markets only for the bigger events.

The best MMA betting sites strive for wide market coverage, and Caesars sportsbook is in the habit of including smaller markets such as Bellator. The diversity of the offer gets appreciated by fans, who are happy to explore other high-stakes fights on the market.

Fanduel

Fanduel is our fifth and final suggestion for the best MMA betting sites. While some of the previous suggestions might seem like a better option, Fanduel is the perfect alternative if you are looking for something other than the UFC.

This is not a platform that prioritizes MMA, but as a sportsbook with the biggest market share, it cannot get ignored. Fanduel includes a respectable section devoted to the sport. And the premier functionality in all other departments enhances the overall wagering experience.

There is one downside to Fanduel – the range of markets is limited for smaller MMA events and you can mostly bet on who will win a fight. Nevertheless, they offer some of the best odds in the industry.

Most Popular MMA Events Available for Wagering

The sport has been evolving for decades, and several professional MMA organizations are on the radar of prominent sportsbooks.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

The UFC is a synonym for the sport, with weekly bouts and some of the biggest names in MMA. With 8 weight classes for men and 4 for women, there is always a champion bout on the schedule.

Professional Fighters League (PFL)

In 2018 the PFL entered the MMA scene, carving out a section of the viewership. Sportsbooks took notice and included the championship with an unconventional format with a regular season and playoffs.

Bellator

The MMA promotion has a good lineup of fighters, with some migrating from the UFC while others are going the other route, starting their careers in Bellator. After 14 years of promoting fights, the organization has a worldwide following.

Which are the biggest events in MMA?

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

It would be strange if this list did not start with the UFC. In 1993, the history of modern mixed martial arts began with the UFC 1 tournament in Denver. Over time, the new sport moved away from “fights without rules” and acquired a clear framework, becoming one of the most popular spectacles on the planet.

Now the UFC is the place where the most high-profile fights in the world take place, where the strongest fighters are gathered and the biggest money is spinning. We can say that this promotion drags the global popularity of mixed martial arts.

Moreover, it is the most widespread in terms of betting opportunities as the UFC is available in most betting platforms nowadays.

Bellator

The history of this promotion began in 2008. For the first four years of its existence, Bellator determined first its champions, and then the contenders for them by holding regular Grand Prix, but in 2014, ex-president of the sunk Strikeforce Scott Cocker came to power in the league, and this practice was abandoned.

Now Bellator is a classic mixed martial arts league. If before top fighters could only move from Bellator to the UFC, now reverse transitions are often carried out. The so-called No. 2 promotion currently has very solid lineups in individual divisions, for example, the Bellator light heavyweight division can compete with the UFC's 205-pound division.

Professional Fighters League (PFL)

Since 2018, this league has been holding a regular season and playoffs, which determine the winner of the annual tournament. i.e. the league champion. For winning the tournament, the champion receives $1 million. Thus, the PFL is the only major promotion in this sport that has a format similar to the leading North American sports leagues such as the NHL (hockey), NBA (basketball), NFL (American football), and MLB (baseball).

Competitions are held in six weight categories. In the regular season, fighters earn points. The eight fighters with the most points in each weight category advance to the playoffs. Points are awarded according to the following scheme: the losing fighter gets nothing, the winner – 3 points, in case of a draw, each of the participants in the fight gets one point.

How to choose your Betting Sites for MMA?

The legality of the bookmaker

Obviously, you can make the difference between a legal bookmaker and a fake one. However, there is more to look out for when picking out your MMA betting sites. While you may be able to open the website or app of a certain bookie, it does not guarantee that you can use it for betting in your country. Make sure to check if that bookmaker is legal in your location.

The presence of a mobile application

In our digital age, not having a mobile app is not a good sign. In addition, the bookmaker's application will always allow you to “keep your finger on the pulse” and monitor the odds without wasting time. Moreover, you will be able to track your bets and cash out at any time.

Payout speed

Compare the withdrawal speed of several bookmakers to find the best option.

Promotions for loyal players

Large bookmakers offer other bonuses in addition to the welcome bonus for new players. It is quite possible to use them for betting on MMA fights

User reviews

The best reviews come from friends and colleagues who have used a particular betting site. But, if no one from your environment is interested in betting, then look for reviews on the internet. Also, ask for an opinion about a particular bookmaker on the MMA forums. Such an opinion is likely to be unbiased.

Key features

This part should be obvious – nobody wants an MMA betting site that has no cash-out option for example. Live streaming is also a good plus although it is usually not available for MMA/UFC events.

Best Strategies to Select MMA Betting Sites

Choosing a sportsbook comes down to using the correct criteria.

Look for a Licensed Bookmaker

Check if the bookmaker is licensed and under legal supervision.

Mobile App Is a Priority

Make sure a dedicated app is available and compatible with your device.

Reliable Banking Options

Inspect the cashier section for modern and fast payment providers that process transactions safely. Check whether there are fees too.

Generous Bonus Program

Focus on MMA betting sites with recurring bonuses that offer generous match percentages for MMA fights.

MMA Betting: FAQ

Is it effective to bet on fight favorites?

While favorites win the greater percentage of fights, it is always mandatory to do your own research about each fighter. Sometimes, a fighter will be placed as a favorite as he is the bigger name or more experienced but his current state might be horrible. Always do a thorough background check of each fighter and how he prepared for the given fight.

How can I register on an MMA Sportsbook?

Click on the sign-up button, and fill in the form with basic info. Then verify the account via email or phone number.

What types of bet types are available?

Bettors can wager with a method of victory, round betting, over/under, proposition bets, and in-play bets.

Can you win money betting on MMA?

Yes, if you make the correct production about the outcome of a fight, it's possible to win real money.

Which events are the best for beginners?

The answer is obvious – the Ultimate Fighting Championship should be your starting point. It includes the biggest names in the sport, which means that it is the most coveted in terms of stats and information. Moreover, it is the most widespread and it is available on most betting sites.

Is there Live betting for MMA?

The availability of live betting depends on the bookmaker. Normally, it is available and platforms such as DraftKings offer it for all UFC events. In other bookmakers, it might not be available.