Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has exploded in popularity in recent years, and with it, so has the interest in betting on MMA and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bouts. For Canadian fans looking to get in on the action, there are a number of betting strategies and tips that can help increase your chances of success.
Betting on MMA and UFC Tips
One of the most important things to remember when betting on MMA and UFC is to do your research. This means staying up-to-date on the latest news and developments in the sport, including injuries, fighter changes, and other important factors that can impact the outcome of a fight.
Another key strategy is to shop around for the best odds. Different bookmakers offer different odds on different fights, so it pays to do your homework and find the bookmaker that offers the best value for your money.
It’s also important to understand the different types of available bets. The most common bet in MMA and UFC is the money line bet, which simply involves picking the winner of a particular fight. Other popular bets include the over/under bet, which involves betting on how long a fight will last, and the prop bet, which involves betting on specific outcomes within a fight, such as the method of victory or the round in which the fight will end.
Recent Events and Popular Fights
There have been a number of high-profile MMA and UFC events in recent months, and bookmakers have been offering some enticing odds on some of the most popular fights.
One of the most talked-about fights in recent memory was the rematch between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier at UFC 257. McGregor was the heavy favorite going into the fight, with most bookmakers offering odds of around -300, while Poirier was the underdog, with around +250. However, in a stunning upset, Poirier knocked out McGregor in the second round, handing the Irishman his second loss in the UFC.
Another recent event that drew a lot of attention was UFC 259, which featured a number of high-profile fights, including a light heavyweight title bout between Jan Blachowicz and Israel Adesanya. Bookmakers had Adesanya as the favorite going into the fight, with odds of around -230, while Blachowicz was the underdog, with odds of around +190. Ultimately, Blachowicz emerged victorious, handing Adesanya his first loss in the UFC.
Other recent events that drew a lot of betting action include UFC 260, which featured a heavyweight title fight between Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou, and UFC 261, which featured a welterweight title fight between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal.
Tips and Strategies for Betting on MMA and UFC
When it comes to betting on MMA and UFC, there are a number of strategies and tips that can help increase your chances of success.
One key strategy is to focus on the fighters themselves. This means doing your homework and researching the fighters’ records, styles, and previous opponents. You should also look for fighters on winning streaks, as they tend to be more confident and have more momentum going into a fight.
Another important factor to consider is the venue and location of the fight. Some fighters perform better in certain environments, such as in front of a home crowd or in a particular climate. You should also consider the time of day or night the fight takes place, as this can impact a fighter’s performance.
Another key strategy is to look for value bets. This means looking for underrated or overlooked fighters by bookmakers and betting on them to win. This can often result in bigger payouts, as the odds on these fighters tend to be higher than those on more popular fighters.
Finally, it’s also important to consider the style matchup between the two fighters. Some fighters excel in striking, while others are known for their grappling or wrestling skills. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each fighter can help you make more informed betting decisions.
It’s also important to set a budget and stick to it. Betting on MMA and UFC can be exciting, but it’s also important to gamble responsibly and not risk more than you can afford to lose.
In addition to these strategies, there are a number of MMA and UFC experts who provide betting tips and advice to fans. One such expert is James Lynch, who writes for the Canadian sports betting site Odds Shark.
According to Lynch, one of the most important things to consider when betting on MMA and UFC is the fighters’ conditioning. “You want to look for fighters coming into the fight in good shape,” Lynch says. “This means looking for fighters who have been training hard, eating well, and not cutting too much weight.”
Lynch also recommends looking for value bets, particularly on underdogs. “There’s always value to be found on underdogs,” he says. “These fighters are often overlooked by bookmakers, but they can still win fights if they have the right game plan and execute it well.”
For Canadian fans looking to bet on MMA and UFC, many online bookmakers offer betting markets on these events. Some of the most popular bookmakers include Betway, Bet365, and Bodog.
It’s important to note that betting laws and regulations vary by province in Canada, so it’s important to check the laws in your specific jurisdiction before placing a bet.
Betting on MMA and UFC can be exciting and potentially lucrative for Canadian sports fans. By doing your research, shopping around for the best odds, and following the advice of experts, you can increase your chances of success and enjoy all the excitement that MMA and UFC have to offer.
Sources:
- Calgary Herald. “Betting on MMA: Strategies and tips for UFC and more.” Accessed April 1, 2023. https://calgaryherald.com/sports-betting-essentials/betting-on-mma-strategies-and-tips-for-ufc-and-more.
- Odds Shark. “James Lynch.” Accessed April 1, 2023. https://twitter.com/LynchOnSports
- Photo by Derrick Treadwell