Best UFC Betting Sites & Promos: Top MMA Betting Apps Dec. 2024

Top UFC betting sites bonuses and promos

The UFC offers a rush that’s hard to top. It’s the main promotion for professional mixed martial arts (MMA) and a testing ground for the best of the best to prove their mettle. When octagon legends like Jon Jones and Alexander Volkaonvski step into the octagon, you know you're about to see something epic that will be talked about and replayed for months, if not years.

UFC betting is always one of the most popular aspects of MMA fandom, but it truly goes off the charts when the major title is on the line. In more than 35 states, you can bet on your favorite fighters. In at least 28 of those, you can do it online — in just a few taps on your phone or clicks on your computer.

Here's a snapshot of the welcome bonuses offered by a handful of the best sportsbooks for UFC betting:

Best UFC betting sites reviewed

Editor's Note: Bonuses are for U.S. residents only

The competition among U.S. sportsbooks is so intense that we had to split hairs to pick the top betting sites for UFC. We honed in on how they play the MMA betting game. The largest fight organizations are, of course, the UFC and Bellator MMA. The best MMA betting sites sometimes also offer odds from other promotions, like ONE Championship, PFL, Cage Warriors, RIZIN, M-1, KSW, or Invicta. 

While we did consider a range of factors in our analysis, UFC offerings were indeed front and center in our evaluations. We sized up what counts for a solid UFC betting experience by focusing on the following factors:

• Promotions: How many UFC-specific promotions are available, and how often are they offered?
• Betting options: How deep are the UFC betting markets? Are there unique prop or futures bets beyond the more basic options?
• Odds: How do the odds stack up against the market average or other competitors?
• Live betting and streaming: Can you place bets during UFC fights, as the odds change in real-time? And does the sportsbook feature live streaming for the bouts?
• Coverage: Is betting limited to main card fights, or are prelims bouts included? What about non-PPV cards like UFC Fight Night?

These factors are only a brief version of our sportsbook checklist. You'll get the full play-by-play on our rating process later. Until then, let’s jump straight into our top picks for the best UFC betting sites and the main reasons associated with each one.

UFC betting sites summary

1. FanDuel 🔵

FanDuel's spot at the top of our list feels like a given, considering how solid their platform is for just about any sport. They’ve recently revamped their welcome promo, now offering a 'bet & get deal' where your first bet of at least $5 will , if your first bet wins. You won't need a FanDuel promo code to activate this offer. 

There are no restrictions on the odds. So you can bet on a favorite like Jon Jones at -625. If he beats Stipe Miocic (+455) at UFC 308, that bonus is all yours. Use it any way you like: a single $150 wager or a variety of smaller ones. 

Here’s what makes FanDuel a top option for UFC betting: 

✅ Insane range of prop bets: FanDuel's claim to fame has always been the depth of their prop bets, and that variety carries over to their UFC offerings. You can pick from unique prop bets that mix the victory method with the exact round. Alternatively, you can predict which round will end the fight or if the action will push past the halfway point of any round.

✅ FanDuel research: In the lead-up to every major UFC showdown, FanDuel's analytics team comes into the picture. Check out their Research section, where they pick apart every matchup and lay out key fight stats like takedown accuracy and striking success rates. This intel is yours to help shape your bets, whether you stick with their suggested picks or decide to chart your own course.

✅ UFC promos: FanDuel is known for cooking up some great UFC specials. For example, they once dropped a deal where you could score a $200 bonus bet for betting on any fight. Occasionally, they also toss in a bonus for anyone who lays a UFC parlay with at least four legs. They frequently offer odds boosts on major MMA cards.

To get the full picture of what FanDuel offers beyond the octagon, check out our complete FanDuel review.

2. DraftKings 👑

DraftKings is a no-brainer for betting on any sport, but it definitely delivers for UFC wagering. Pound for pound, they’ve got the best welcome bonus around — a  deal, without requiring any DraftKings promo code to get started. 

Check out what else proves DraftKings has the goods for UFC betting:

✅ UFC mobile betting at its best: If you're often betting on the go, it doesn't get much better than the DraftKings mobile app. It's sleek, easy to use, and crammed with features like push notifications, which keep you posted on the latest UFC deals, and biometric logins for quick access. 

✅ Dedicated promos: DraftKings regularly rolls out promotions tied to the biggest fights as the UFC's official sports betting and daily fantasy partner. They're known to shape their welcome offers and other promotions around major MMA events, like dishing out $150 in bonus bets for just a $5 wager on any headliner.

✅ Stats hub: DraftKings has an amazing Stats Hub section packed with useful matchup data. You'll find betting trends — such as 90% of wagers backing a certain fighter for a knockout — and gems like a fighter's record against southpaws or the most profitable props over the past five years. These details can seriously sharpen your betting strategy.

Head over to our comprehensive DraftKings review to see how it stacks up overall, not just in terms of UFC betting.

3. Caesars 🏛

Caesars stands out with a gambling pedigree unmatched by most U.S. sportsbooks, but they're more than just a Vegas legacy brand. They've used their renowned status as a springboard to craft a top-tier UFC betting site. 

Right off the bat, you're greeted with a large welcome bonus —  which are awarded just for placing an initial wager of $1 or more. Just use the Caesars Sportsbook promo code SBRBONUSDYW when registering your new account. 

If you’re looking for a terrific UFC sportsbook, we’ll give you three compelling reasons to keep Caesars on your shortlist: 

✅ Great pricing: Caesars often leads the pack with the sharpest moneyline odds for UFC bouts for favorites and underdogs. Take the Pavlovich-Aspinall intermin Heavyweight title fight at UFC 295, for instance. At one point, FanDuel had it at -104 and -122, while Caesars offered -100 and -115. These differences might seem minor, but for those who bet big and often, these margins matter and can add up.

✅ Big intro promo: Caesars lets you go big right from the start with their first-bet insurance welcome bonus. This offer allows you to place a “redemption” bet if your first wager doesn't pay off. While the refund comes in the form of bonus bets  — it's still a solid fallback that's tough to find with other books.

✅ Unique bets: Caesars might not have an overwhelming variety of bets, but they certainly throw in some interesting pitches. They even offer lines on “potential fights” that are refunded if they don't materialize. 

Are you wondering what else Caesars has in store? Our full Caesars Sportsbook review unpacks everything step by step.

4. BetMGM 🦁

BetMGM's ties with the UFC run deep. Its parent company, MGM Resorts, has often lit up Vegas with big UFC nights at the MGM Grand Garden Arena or the more recently opened T-Mobile Arena (also partly owned by MGM). This synergy is evident in their robust UFC betting options. 

The welcome bonus is an , injecting a second chance opportunity into your initial play. UFC betting is fully included in this deal, so you can rest easy knowing that you'll be awarded bonus bets if your first UFC wager loses. Use the BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS when signing up to opt into the offer.

Let's drill down into the specifics and see why they're top-notch for UFC betting: 

✅ In-house parlays: BetMGM seems to get more creative with each UFC event, whipping up unique parlays such as “Pereira, Lopez, and Gordon all to win.” They even dial it down to single matches for these bespoke wagers. With UFC usually outside the realm of standard Same Game Parlays, BetMGM's pre-packed parlays offer a fresh way to stack bets on your favorite fighters and most anticipated fights.

✅ Cool promos: Beyond the hefty welcome offer, BetMGM rolls out some UFC-specific promotions that pack a punch around big fights. We're big fans of their no-brainer deals that almost feel like free money. Take UFC 277, for example — they offered a $200 bonus just for placing a $10 bet on if either fighter landed a punch. It's about as close to a sure win as you can get.

✅ Live betting: The octagon is unpredictable. That's where the excitement lies for sharp bettors. Fights can swing in any direction at a moment's notice. You could see a sudden knockout or a full-length decision battle. BetMGM stands out as one of the few sportsbooks offering live betting during UFC events. They up the ante by occasionally snagging exclusive streaming rights so that you can watch and wager all in one place — talk about convenience.

Check out our full BetMGM review for a more detailed platform breakdown. 

5. bet365 🟢

As the UFC's chosen betting partner across the pond, bet365 goes all out in the U.K. and Ireland. Their UFC betting lineup is impressive, with a full roster of options for every fight card. 

There's more: bet365 welcomes you with a pick-your-own bonus. Opt for a quick jab with their , or the up to $1,000 first bet safety net. Either way, you step into the bettor's octagon on your own terms. Use the bet365 bonus code SBRBONUS to take advantage of either offer.

Here’s why we’ve flagged BetMGM as a top pick for UFC betting:

✅ Edit My Bet: bet365 is one of the few sportsbooks that allows you to edit your bet after it’s submitted. This feature lets you tweak your bets on the fly — change them up, swap out choices, or drop a selection entirely. Say you've bet on a couple of pay-per-view event parlays, but now you have cold feet about one leg. You can easily take it out and let the other bets play out.

✅ Great market variety: At bet365, you're in the same league as DraftKings and FanDuel regarding UFC betting options. They've got it all – from the method of victory, what round the fight will end in, and unique prop bets like the number of strikes thrown or takedowns attempted. Check out bets like the 'method of victory double chance.' They let you back a fighter to win by 'KO or decision,' doubling your chances to cash in.

✅ Odds boosts: bet365 is part of that exclusive club of sportsbooks that doesn't neglect combat sports when it comes to odds boosts. Most books focus on mainstream sports, like the NFL and NBA. The UFC (and MMA in general) is often overlooked. bet365 bucks the trend, providing attractive odds boosts for UFC matchups and ensuring MMA fans don’t get the short end of the stick.

There’s a whole lot more to bet365 than just great UFC action. Swing by our complete bet365 review to get the full scoop on what they bring.

Additional Sportsbooks

Other notable sportsbooks to consider include:

Fanatics is best known for supplying official merchandise to every major North American sports league and has leveraged its brand recognition to launch a competitive sportsbook. In addition to enrolment in its FanCash customer loyalty program, new players can take advantage of $1,000 in bonus bets thanks to 10 No Sweat Bets of up to $100 each. No Fanatics Sportsbook promo code is needed to sign up.

Hard Rock Bet is another solid option, with a simplistic layout tailored to more casual sports bettors looking to ease into the hobby. Fittingly, it also has a straightforward welcome bonus. Use our Hard Rock Bet promo code to get $100 in bonus bets when you sign up and bet at least $5.

How to get started on UFC betting sites

If you want to get started betting on the UFC, just follow this step-by-step guide:

1. Choose a UFC betting site

Scan our sportsbook reviews to pick a UFC betting site with the best mix of odds, bonuses, and market depth. You can use their desktop website, but the dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android run even smoother. 

2. Register

Creating your account is straightforward. Fill out the essential details, like your name, address, and last four digits of your SSN. They might ask for more info to verify your account later, especially when making your first withdrawal. 

3. Deposit

Choose from various payment methods to fund your account. Enter your deposit amount, and you're ready to roll with instant funding. Remember any welcome bonuses since they are often tied to your initial deposit or wager amount. 

4. Make your bet

With your account funded, you're ready to bet. Head to the UFC markets, select your fight, choose an outcome, place your bet, and watch the action unfold.

5. Collect bonus and cash out

Ensure your initial deposit or wager meets the terms and conditions required to collect any welcome bonus you might be eligible for. If your picks won (including wagers made with any earned bonus bets), you'll have a balance ready for withdrawal. Just navigate through the banking steps and get that money sent to your account.

Popular UFC bet types available

Every sportsbook offers a unique array of UFC bet types, but here are some of the most popular ones.

Moneylines

The bread and butter of UFC betting, moneyline bets are about picking the winner. They are simple, straightforward, and perfect for those looking to start betting without getting tangled up in the more complex wagers. Pick a fighter to win, tap the odds, and wait to see if you're right. 

Parlays

If you love a good combo play, parlays let you bundle multiple bets into a single ticket. Hit all your picks, and you could see a bigger payout than if you had placed those bets individually. Just remember — it's all or nothing with parlays. Your entire bet is graded as a loss if even a single leg loses.

Fight outcomes

Do you have a hunch on how the fight will end but aren't sure about the winner? Fight outcome bets let you put your money on a KO, submission, or decision. Your fight knowledge can pay off here, especially when two KO artists with lackluster defense are squaring off against each other. That fight probably isn't going to a judge's decision. 

Double-chance bets

Double-chance bets give you a bit more breathing room by allowing you to cover two potential outcomes. For example, you could bet on a fighter to win by KO or decision, safeguarding your wager against the unpredictability of the octagon.

Round bets

Do you think you know exactly when a fight will finish? Round bets focus on the timing, allowing you to predict in which round the fight will be decided. These bets often offer higher odds due to their specific nature.

Future UFC and MMA events

Are you looking ahead to a marquee UFC title fight? Future bets are placed on the outcomes of events in the distant future. For example, you can bet on who will be the heavyweight champion at the end of 2024. It’s a long-game bet that keeps you invested in the sport all year.

Go the distance

If you reckon the fighters have the stamina and skill to last, “go the distance” bets are right up your alley. These wagers are on whether the fight will make it to the judges' scorecards. It tests your read on the fighters' endurance and strategy.

UFC prop bets

Most of the bets UFC betting sites also offer various unique prop bets. You can bet on whether a fight will feature a point deduction, a first-minute finish, or even which minute (60-second block) the fight will end in. 

Upcoming UFC and MMA Events

Numbered UFC PPV events are the biggest of big leagues, where the stakes are highest and the fights most intense. Championship bouts frequently light up these nights, attracting fight fans from all over to watch and bet on some serious octagon action. It’s these showdowns where heroes are made, legends cement their status, and the excitement hits peak levels.

Let's not sleep on smaller events like UFC Fight Nights. While they may not have the same billing, they’re just as adrenaline-pumping. Specifically, they're the proving ground for rising stars eager to carve out their legacies and for seasoned vets aiming for a comeback. One veteran who could appear in 2025 is Jorge Masvidal, who recently said he'll be ending his retirement.

On our featured UFC betting sites, every UFC card gets the spotlight it deserves, whether it's a major UFC PPV card or a Fight Night appetizer. The sportsbooks dish out a rich menu of betting options, letting you back the new fighter on the block or root for the comeback story.

Stay tuned for all the action-packed updates and odds on the full range of UFC and MMA events. Here are all the upcoming events to make sure you're always in the loop:

Main event odds

Here's a quick look at the current odds for upcoming title fights and other main events, provided by DraftKings (or another top betting site, if needed):

How to choose the best UFC betting site

Are you heading out to scout the top UFC betting sites on your own? No problem; every bettor has their own personal style and preferences when picking a favorite UFC betting site. As you look, there are some things to watch for. These tips will help pin down a winner, ensuring a top-flight betting experience.

Fantastic mobile app experience

A slick mobile app is key when UFC fans want to bet at a moment's notice. It must be user-friendly, quick on the draw, and clean as a whistle, ensuring you can place your bet quickly and accurately. That's non-negotiable for making those quick picks between rounds.

MMA betting markets

Variety is the spice of betting. You want options like the standard win-lose moneywise bets and more nuanced ones, like round-by-round action or specific fight finishes. More ways to bet means more ways to win — plus, you’ll have plenty to cheer about from bell to bell.

Early lines

Jumping on early lines can be crucial, especially since the sportsbooks may start feeling the weight of the public's picks. For instance, if everyone's betting on a specific fighter, the odds will shift dramatically as the sportsbooks adjust.

The best UFC sites get those lines out as soon as fights are announced (and sometimes even earlier for hotly rumored matchups). That gives you a shot to lock in your bet before the tidal wave of wagers shifts the playing field. Get your bets in quick, and you might just outsmart the crowd.

Best UFC odds

Hunting for the best UFC odds is all about strategy; it’s far from a one-size-fits-all deal. No single site leads the pack for every fight. That's why you've got to play the field, keep a few top sites in your rotation, and comparison shop for the best odds. When it's time to bet, you'll know who's got the edge for the fight you're eyeing. It's an easy way to ensure you're always betting smart.

UFC promos and bonuses

UFC promos are a bit like finding a golden ticket — rare but oh-so-rewarding. When you stumble upon a sportsbook dishing out specials for the octagon, stick with it. You won't find nearly as many odds boosts and special bet promos for UFC events as the NFL or NBA. However, they do exist. Any sportsbook that throws you some kind of UFC betting bonus deserves extra love in your betting lineup.

Live betting options

Live betting cranks up the intensity of any UFC match, letting you get in on the action as it unfolds in front of you. The thrill of placing a bet while the fighters are in the cage is unmatched. And if a sportsbook pairs that with live streaming, you're in for a treat — it's like having the fight and the betting window in the palm of your hand. We give top marks to those sites that serve up this one-two punch of live betting and streaming.

Exclusive MMA coverage

When sportsbooks like BetMGM and Caesars sponsor UFC fights, they're not just names on a banner. This sponsorship often means they have deeper involvement — from featuring fights at their venues to snagging exclusive content. For bettors, this can translate into unique betting opportunities and insights directly from the heart of MMA action.

Banking options and payout speed

The variety and speed of banking options are crucial when betting on UFC. You want a sportsbook with swift deposits and even swifter withdrawals. We scout for sites that let you easily manage your money by offering a wide range of methods — from credit cards to e-wallets — ensuring you can make transactions as quickly as possible. 

How we rate UFC betting sites

We gave each UFC betting site the full workout, ensuring the best betting experience. Here are the standards we followed to rank and recommend the top UFC betting apps. 

Promotions

Top-notch UFC betting sites are generous with deals that keep you in the game. They dish out the best sportsbook promos, amping up big fights and giving you more punch for your money. We’ve got the lowdown on sites that go the extra mile with their best current offers.

Banking

When you win big on that knockout pick, you'll want your cash ASAP. That's why we feature sportsbooks known for rapid transactions in our fastest payout sportsbooks rundown.

Mobile capability

Betting in real-time means needing a reliable app. We've scouted the best sports betting apps that connect you to the action without a hitch.

Live betting

The adrenaline of in-play betting is unmatched. If you're into betting as the fight unfolds, you'll want a site quick to update live odds. Our best live betting sites keep pace with the action round-by-round.

Betting options

Variety is important to any betting market, and the UFC is no different. We look for sites that offer an array of betting options, from the standard basics to more intricate prop bets and parlays.

Expert analysis

Getting the edge in UFC betting can come down to expert insights. We favor sportsbooks that offer in-depth analysis, helping you make informed decisions. But don't forget, UFC picks page are treasure troves of knowledge packed with insights from seasoned bettors.

Rules of the UFC cage

Before throwing down your picks, it's wise to brush up on these UFC cage rules that could sway the outcome of a fight:

• Weight classes: There are strict weight categories, ranging from flyweight to heavyweight, to ensure fair and even matchups.
• Rounds: Regular fights last for three five-minute rounds, while title bouts and most main events extend to five rounds.
• Fighter attire: Fighters gear up in approved shorts, gloves, and mouthguards, but shirts and shoes are a no-go inside the cage.
• Prohibited actions: Fouls like eye gouging, hits below the belt, or headbutts can lead to point deductions or disqualification.
• Octagon control: Dominating the space and pressing the action influences the judges' scoring as they reward strategic fighters.
• Judges' scoring: Points are given for effective striking, grappling, overall aggression, and control within the octagon. Three judges score the fight, giving the winner of each round 10 points, while the loser gets nine or less.
• Fight stoppage: Referees can immediately end a fight if a knockout, submission, or serious injury occurs. A ringside doctor can also stop a fight between rounds or after a time-out for a foul.
• Time-outs: Only the referee can pause the fight, typically due to fouls or safety checks.
• Corner coaching: Fighters can receive advice from their corners during the fight, though the coaches must stay outside the cage.
• Paths to victory: Fights can end via knockout, referee stoppage (TKO), submission, judge’s decision, or disqualification of an opponent.

UFC betting tips and strategies

Consider these pointers that could provide that extra edge and help you leapfrog into the winner’s circle.

Know your fighter

Assess each fighter’s record, fighting style, and recent bouts. Understanding their approach can be crucial in predicting the outcome. For example, if they've won four of their last five fights by KO or TKO (referee stoppage), you probably don't want to bet on them getting a decision win.

Analyzing fight data

Stats like strike accuracy, takedown defense, and past fight outcomes are gold. This data paints a picture of the potential matchup and can help guide where to place your bet.

Watch UFC odds and betting lines

Watch how the odds fluctuate leading up to the fight. Movements can indicate which way the wind is blowing and influence where you might want to place your bets. 

Staying up to date on UFC news and trends

The sport of MMA evolves rapidly; what worked yesterday might not work today. Stay in the loop with the latest injury news and fight narratives to fine-tune your betting picks.

Betting on underdogs or fighters with a bone to pick

Don't overlook the underdogs or those coming off a loss. Fighters with something to prove can be hungry for redemption and might just pull off an upset.

Sports betting by category

It doesn't matter what sport or league is your favorite; there's a great sportsbook bonus waiting for you at any number of legal and licensed sportsbooks in your state. Here's a list of the best sportsbooks by category, to make your decisions even easier: