The UFC has quickly risen to become one of the most lucrative sports in the world. Sponsors are clamoring to work with those who step into the octagon and pit their minds and bodies for the thrill of combat. As a result, UFC fighters are hauling in more sums of money to fight. Below, we detail the richest fighters in UFC.
Betting on MMA
MMA is more than a sport for many people. Blending discipline, skill, and a bit of old fashioned luck, the forging of combat into this tapestry brings an incredibly engaging experience. Platforms offer a vast array of options, catering to both seasoned bettors and curious newcomers. From picking the victor to predicting fight endings or round duration, these platforms place fans right at the center of the action.
This amalgamation of MMA lets the biggest fans put their knowledge to the test. By analyzing fighters, their styles, and past performances, informed betting decisions can be made. This research adds a new layer to fight night, as fans become invested in each bout’s outcome. Yet it is also alluring to casual fans, adding an extra dimension to a sport they may just be dipping a toe into.
What is Live MMA Betting?
Making a bet on MMA can really enhance your enjoyment. You sit down to watch a fight, knowing that the right outcome could net you a tidy sum. Yet imagine if that thrill didn’t come just at the start when you place the bet, or at the end when you win, but took place as the fight unfolded. Live sports betting lets you do this. It provides odds and bets you can make during the fight, as possible outcomes change and adapt in real-time.
Live betting is only possible due to the rise in mobile technology and connectivity. As a fight unfolds, the odds will change. These factors and statistics then inform the odds provided to the gambler by the person providing the action. Imagine you have just bet on Connor McGregor to win. In the third round, he looks like he is tiring. The odds of his opponent winning may then change in real time, allowing you to make a new bet.
The top five
UFC is not a sport where luck plays a huge part. The skill, determination, and physical dedication required are demanding and testing. Thus, the pay these athletes earn is reflected in this. Aside from fight money, sponsorship deals can also boost a fighter’s earnings.
Here’s a breakdown of the top 5 earners:
1. Conor McGregor (Estimated Earnings: $39.3 million)
McGregor is more than just a fantastic fighter. He is a personality, who has used this to amass a huge fortune both in and out of the UFC.
2. Khabib Nurmagomedov (Estimated Earnings: $22.9 million)
Nurmagomedov was a slow burner in UFC, arriving and fighting for paltry sums. Yet gaining a reputation as an undefeated fighter, he soon had huge amounts at his feet. This culminated in his victory over Connor McGregor.
3. Alistair Overeem (Estimated Earnings: $15.4 million)
Overeem has never received a paycheck below six figures in the UFC.
4. Anderson Silva (Estimated Earnings: $13.5 million)
Silva has never really commanded a high sum for his bouts in UFC. Yet his technical ability has kept him in the game for a long time. Combined with a recent jump in form, he has earned considerably more.
5. Andrei Arlovski (Estimated Earnings: $11.2 million)
Arlovski’s has had a long career in the UFC which made him a healthy profit. However, this had been boosted by his recent return to form.
Betting Strategies for MMA Fans
The first rule of betting, before deciding on any strategy, is to manage your bankroll effectively. If you are watching a competition with five fights, decide how much you will bet on each bout. You may wish to keep some money to one side for live-in-play betting. By doing this, you will enjoy the fights more and won’t lose money you have not accounted for. You should also gamble responsibly, and never put on more than you are willing to lose.
When it comes to strategies, nothing is better than doing your homework. Research the fighter in great depth. Look at their history, how they have fared against similar opponents, and their current form. You should even look at their social media and see if any events have been happening that may have taken their mind off the game or training.
Take a look at the conditions they are fighting in. If they have had to cut weight for the fight, this can have a huge negative impact on some athletes. Dehydration and fatigue may set in. Similarly, gaining weight quickly can also lead to a lack of stamina. Even the venue itself can impact the performance. Is someone playing in front of a home crowd and gaining an advantage?
Try to gamble with your head and not your heart. You may have an affinity for a particular fighter or really want them to win. However, you should opt for facts and statistics if you are trying to make money. Nothing is certain and you can often gain more enjoyment from betting how you like, but be prepared to take a loss.
What’s on the Horizon for MMA Betting?
As MMA continues to gain global popularity, betting opportunities are likely to expand. This could include a wider range of betting options, such as prop bets on specific events within a fight. The increased availability of data and analytics may also help bettors make more informed decisions. However, it’s important to remember that no matter how sophisticated the tools become, betting on MMA will always involve an element of risk.
One factor that may impact how betting works could be technology that helps officiate a game. Much as football has used VAR to help make decisions, it may be that MMA decides to get sophisticated devices to adjudicate. Many believe this takes out some of the joy from sport and with the MMA being such a close-contact, physical sport it would have to work very differently. Yet when linked to betting apps through digital infrastructure, quicker decision-making could lead to quicker in-play betting.