Which industry has enjoyed as much success and attention as the iGaming and online sports betting industry in recent years? A sport itself – yes, it is hard to believe how MMA was fringe for so long considering it is shining so bright in its current heyday. It has always seemed odd as a fringe, given the popularity of boxing. People have always had the appetite for competitive violence, so why not the even more intricate game of mixed martial arts? Well now they have an appetite for that too and it is perhaps thanks to the UFC brand – not the only mixed martial arts league of course but it seems to be where the toughest fighters flock to. With a fight every week, (and perhaps the exponentially increasing fame of Joe Rogan and friends) public appetite has been cultivated nicely.
But you have to hand it to the showmen, and gobshites like McGregor, they helped spotlight over to the octagon, lets face it! This is clear from the essential banishment of Demetrious Johnson and the like: absolute masters of their art but not entertaining and therefore, not lucrative enough to stay in the industry. But, being fair to Dana White, just imagine how much it costs to rent Madison Square Garden for a blood stained night. Mastery does not always sell tickets apparently. As for the online betting industry, it has made the thrilling experience of a fight not only greater but also more convenient. Not only can you bet from your living room but if you went to a bar to watch the fight then a mobile app can allow you to make things interesting from your stool.
If you are in the UK then sports betting is fair game, in the U.S however things get a little more complicated. Unlike online casinos though, roughly half the country allows this type of gambling. Here is a list of where you can place bets – if you are in the wrong state it hardly seems like an ordeal getting to a spot where you can wager.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship UFC 281 has a serious card, with a headliner to divide the crowd. Yes, some are calling for Isreal Adesanya’s clash with Alex Pereira to end as it did in their kickboxing days: with a brutal downfall for the Nigerian. The history of one the best fighters is of course not secret, and Pereira has happily reminded him with footage on social media. Adesanya himself says his ultimate goal is to just ‘have fun’ but his emotional state after the old defeat belies this attitude.
The odds are unsurprisingly in Adesanya’s favour, though YouTube gurus and martial arts experts alike are deeming his loss a realistic outcome. If you follow these guys then currently Sportbet and 5Dimes offer the most forgiving odds both offering at 180/158 in Adesanya’s favour. If you are firmly in the champion’s corner then Sportsbet currently has his most favorable odds at 213/136 in Adesanya’s favour. Whatever you think, you need to find the right odds for you and that means comparing sports books. Finding a sports book with the best odds and variety of sports requires an efficient rating system designed and run by experts, you can click here for in-depth guides. These will also ensure that the sports books are legal too as there are a great deal of dodgy books out there.
Do not just settle for the first odds you see and remember that the line can and will change as new information emerges. Or of course, if the market receives an unexpected amount of money on one side and not the other. The key point is that timing matters and there are different scenarios in which early betting could be the more profitable, or indeed placing at the last second. In play betting is also an option with some markets, so be sure to try your luck at that on the day! The benefits of in-play online is that you scarcely need to take your eyes off the fight – no window queues.
If you are unsure about what kind of bets you can make on a fight, here is a list:
Moneyline – this is the simplest and most popular form of wager. This is betting on the outcome of the fight, without any further detail. Is your man going to win, lose or draw? This is the type of bet where it can pay to hedge your bet.
Method of Victory – this is a little more self explanatory. How does your man (or woman) win – TKO? Decision? The other contender is disqualified? Submission? These are riskier options for first time bettors and, in case it isn’t obvious, it helps to know your MMA and handle your research.
And last but not least Round Betting is simply when you choose which round the fight will end in.
Try to enjoy the fights as much as Adesanya – and bet well!