Table of Contents
Betting has been ingrained in MMA from the moment UFC entered the sports lexicon.
While sports betting in the United States wasn’t legal outside of Nevada prior to 2018, UFC was the first major sport to embrace Las Vegas as a destination, which obviously raised its profile in Sin City.
That, coupled with combat sports being well-formatted for sports wagering, has made MMA a popular betting market at our favorite sportsbooks.
While you can wager on MMA at any regulated sportsbook, some are better for wagering on MMA than others. The best ones have competitive odds, extensive betting markets, reliable customer support and generous promotions for new and existing customers, including special offers around big fights like numbered UFC events.
While most MMA wagers are based on who is going to win a specific fight (the sport’s equivalent of a moneyline bet), there are still plenty of wagers and prop bets to choose from.
Here are some sportsbooks worth trying if you’re looking to bet on MMA and UFC.
BetMGM MMA
BetMGM is known for its excellence across the board. It has odds boosts, a parlay tool and a strong welcome offer that gives you your first bet back (up to $1,500) if it loses.
To claim this offer, use the BetMGM promo code FORBES when signing up for BetMGM. It’s perfect for MMA bettors, as it gives you a chance to bet on an underdog to win a fight and get a bonus bet back if it doesn’t work out.
BetMGM has daily odds boosts and offers rewards through MGM Rewards. It’s also easy to build parlays straight from the home screen if you want to wager on multiple fighters at once.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Offer | Get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first wager loses |
| Promo Code | FORBES |
| Requirements | New users only, 21+ and in eligible state |
| Eligible Bet Types | All bet types |
| Availability | AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, PR, TN, VA, WV, WY |
| Offer Expires | Feb. 10, 2025 |
| Apple Store Score | 4.8/5 |
| Google Play Store Score | 4.3/5 |
| Date Verified | Dec. 4, 2024 |
| Claim Bonus |  |
Caesars MMA
Caesars is known for its odd boosts and typically has the most in the industry for any MMA event, offering plenty of opportunities to make some extra profit on a straight bet or parlay.
New customers can earn 10 100% profit boosts when they bet $1+ after signing up. Just use the promo code FORBES1000 during registration to claim it.
Caesars also has an exciting rewards program where you can win trips to some of their retail locations, making this sportsbook a must-use for bettors who plan to wager often.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Offer | Bet $1, get 10 $100% profit boosts |
| Promo Code | FORBES1000 |
| Requirements | New users only, 21+ and in eligible state |
| Eligible Bet Types | All bet types |
| Availability | AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, PR, TN, VA, WV, WY |
| Offer Expires | 11:59 a.m. local time on Jan. 27, 2025 |
| Apple Store Score | 4.7/5 |
| Google Play Store Score | 4.3/5 |
| Date Verified | Dec. 4, 2024 |
| Claim Bonus | |
DraftKings MMA
You’ve likely heard of DraftKings Sportsbook, as it was one of the first U.S. sportsbooks to launch in 2018 and is one of the two largest sportsbooks in the country in terms of market share.
DraftKings is also a top option for MMA betting. Not only is it an official partner of the sport, but it’s also the only sportsbook that allows you to bet on the spreads for UFC fights. This means you can bet on how many points a fighter would need to win or lose if the fight went to a decision.
DraftKings also has its Parlay Builder tool, which makes it easy to construct a parlay for a specific fight night.
This is one of the top sportsbooks for MMA betting thanks to its smooth interface that makes live betting easy. It also features an abundance of betting markets for users to dive into.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Offer | Bet $5+, get $150 in bonus bets if first bet wins |
| Promo Code | N/A |
| Requirements | New users only, 21+ and in eligible state |
| Eligible Bet Types | All bet types |
| Availability | AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, NH, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, VT, WY, WV |
| Offer Expires | Jan. 5, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Apple Store Score | 4.8/5 |
| Google Play Store Score | 4.5/5 |
| Date Verified | Dec. 4, 2024 |
| Claim Bonus | |
FanDuel MMA
FanDuel Sportsbook ranks with DraftKings as one of the largest and most well-known brands in the sports betting and DFS space.
While the two apps are similar in many ways, FanDuel stands out with its sleek, modern interface that is regarded as one of the best in the industry.
Along with daily promos and frequent MMA boosts, FanDuel has a strong promotion for new customers where you can earn $150 in bonus bets for winning your first $5+ bet after signing up. You’ll also get three free months of NBA League Pass.
As one of the top sportsbooks in the country, FanDuel is well worth an MMA bettor’s time.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Offer | Bet $5+, get $150 in Bonus Bets + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass |
| Promo Code | N/A |
| Requirements | New users only, 21+ and in eligible state |
| Eligible Bet Types | All bet types |
| Availability | AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MA, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY |
| Offer Expires | Dec. 17 at 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Apple Store Score | 4.9/5 |
| Google Play Store Score | 4.7/5 |
| Date Verified | Dec. 4, 2024 |
| Claim Bonus | |
Bet365 MMA
A British-based sportsbook, Bet365 has become one of the best books in America thanks to its unique welcome offer.
New users in the U.S. who register for Bet365, deposit $10+ and use the promo code FORBES can choose between two different welcome offers. If you’re in Canada, use the promo code FORBESCAN.
One option provides $150 in bonus bets after wagering $5 (min. -500 odds). The other option gives you a bonus bet back up to $1,000 if your first wager loses.
Both options are great for MMA bettors, who can also take advantage of the site’s frequent odds boosts.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Offer | Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets OR get up to $1,000 in bonus bets if your first bet loses |
| Promo Code | FORBES (U.S.), FORBESCAN (Canada ex. Ontario) |
| Requirements | New users only, 21+ and in eligible state |
| Eligible Bet Types | Min. -500 odds |
| Availability | AZ, CO, IA, IN, KY, LA, NJ, NC, OH, PA, VA |
| Offer Expires | TBD |
| Apple Store Score | 4.8/5 |
| Google Play Store Score | 4.6/5 |
| Date Verified | Dec. 4, 2024 |
| Claim Bonus | |
BetRivers MMA
For bettors who want more of a local sportsbook feel compared to the bigger national brands, BetRivers is a solid option.
New users who sign up for BetRivers using the promo code SPORTS and deposit at least $10 will receive a bonus bet if their first wager loses. The offer varies by state but ranges between $100 and $500.
You can wager on any sport to receive the bonus bet, including MMA and UFC. BetRivers also makes it easy to find MMA wagers with its streamlined layout, limiting the clutter that bogs down other sportsbooks.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Offer | Get $100-$500 in bonus bets if your first wager loses (depending on state) |
| Promo Code | SPORTS |
| Requirements | New users only, 21+ and in eligible state |
| Eligible Bet Types | Min. -200 odds |
| Availability | AZ, CO, DE, IA, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV |
| Offer Expires | TBD |
| Apple Store Score | 4.8/5 |
| Google Play Store Score | 4.7/5 |
| Date Verified | Dec. 4, 2024 |
| Claim Bonus | |
Fanatics MMA
One of the newest sportsbooks on the market, Fanatics Sportsbook has rapidly expanded since debuting in 2023 after merging with PointsBet Sportsbook.
Fanatics is one of the most rewarding sportsbooks out there, pairing a strong welcome offer with an exceptional loyalty program. New customers can earn a bonus bet up to $100 on each of their first 10 days after signing up, plus they also get a percentage of every bet back in FanCash.
With UFC fights every weekend, you can earn a good deal of reward money by betting on MMA, which can either be converted into bonus bets or site credit at Fanatics’ retail site.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Offer | Get daily $100 no-sweat bet for 10 straight days |
| Promo Code | N/A |
| Requirements | New users only, 21+ and in eligible state |
| Eligible Bet Types | $1+, min. -500 odds |
| Availability | AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NY, NJ, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY |
| Offer Expires | Dec. 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Apple Store Score | 4.8/5 |
| Google Play Store Score | 4.4/5 |
| Date Verified | Dec. 4, 2024 |
| Claim Bonus | |
ESPN BET MMA
ESPN BET launched in 2023 and has one of the best sign-up promotions in the industry, giving you up to $1,500 in bonus bets back if your first wager loses.
Beyond that, ESPN BET has great promotions for existing customers, including exclusive odds boosts. It also has fun tie-ins with ESPN personalities, a modern app and a good selection of MMA betting markets.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Offer | Get up to $1,500 first bet reset & 30 free days of ESPN+ |
| Promo Code | N/A |
| Requirements | New users only, 21+ and in eligible state |
| Eligible Bet Types | All bet types |
| Availability | AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV |
| Apple Store Score | 4.8/5 |
| Google Play Store Score | 4.5/5 |
| Offer Expires | Feb. 10, 2025 |
| Last Verified | Dec. 4, 2024 |
Hard Rock Bet MMA
Hard Rock Bet debuted in January 2019 and has expanded to eight states. It has a clean, modern app that’s easy to use along with exclusive daily odds boosts, good market depth (especially for MMA) and solid promotions.
If you lose your first $10+ wager after signing up, you’ll get a bonus bet for the same amount up to $100, so you can wager stress-free on a fighter you think will win. No promo code is required.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Offer | Get $100 in bonus bets if your first wager loses |
| Promo Code | N/A |
| Requirements | New users only, 21+ and in eligible state |
| Eligible Bet Types | All bet types |
| Availability | AZ, FL, IL, IN, NJ, OH, TN, VA |
| Offer Expires | Dec. 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Apple Store Score | 4.9/5 |
| Google Play Store Score | 4.8/5 |
| Bet Now | 21+ Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
| Last Verified | Dec. 4, 2024 |
Which MMA Betting Site Has The Best Promotions?
If you’re new to sports betting or looking to try a new sportsbook for MMA betting, one of the first things you should consider is the welcome offer.
There are two main types of betting promotions for new customers. One is a “first bet” offer, also known as a “no sweat bet,” “second chance bet” or “safety net bet.” It involves getting your first bet back in site credit (up to a certain amount) if your first wager loses, akin to a refund.
Other books will essentially give you free money for signing up. This is usually in the form of a “bet and get” promo where you receive bonus bets or site credit just for making a small wager after registering. This gives you money to play with to see if you like the sportsbook.
The second option is often preferable, but it depends. A first bet offer is good for a casual bettor who wants to quickly sample a sportsbook or has a specific bet in mind. This type of bet would be best for someone who’s interested in placing a single bet on a fighter to win a match or tournament, as you’d get your bet back if the fighter doesn’t win. The second option is better for someone who wants to wager on multiple fights or fighters.
Once you’ve registered for a sportsbook and played through your welcome bonus, it’s also important to evaluate the promotions for existing users. Some sportsbooks offer daily odds boosts or rewards to keep customers engaged.
If you wager frequently, you’ll want a sportsbook with daily boosts and a robust rewards program like Caesars or Fanatics. If you’re a more casual bettor, these won’t matter as much.
Which MMA Betting Site Has The Best Odds?
Most sportsbooks will have similar but slightly different odds for the same matchup. As an example, Alexander Volkanovski might have -125 odds to win a fight at FanDuel while having -120 odds to win the same fight at DraftKings.
However, one sportsbook will not have the best odds for every fight. BetMGM may have better odds for one type of bet you want to place while Caesars will have better odds for another.
If you’re serious about sports betting and want to maximize the value of your bets, you need to get the most favorable odds. The best way to do that is to join multiple sportsbooks and compare the odds at different sites before placing your wager.
Different sportsbooks also offer different specials or betting markets around larger tournaments, so it’s worth shopping around to see if a sportsbook has one that speaks to you. These specials can range from individual winners to the winner of a specific group.
Some sportsbooks also offer live specials, which are usually based on a fighter’s performance in an upcoming round.
If you’re planning to do a lot of live betting, it’s important to pick a sportsbook that loads quickly and doesn’t have a laggy interface. Even a slight delay in loading can cause you to place a wager at significantly different odds than expected.
Where Can You Bet UFC Spreads?
As of July 2024, DraftKings is the only one of the above sportsbooks that offers the ability to bet on UFC spreads.
As outlined above, betting on the spread in UFC means betting on what margin the fight will be determined by if it goes to a judge’s decision. The scorecards of the three judges are added together to determine the total points.
So if you bet a fighter at +2.5 and they lose the decision by only one or two points your bet would hit. If they lose by three or more points, your bet loses.
MMA Sportsbook Ranking Methodology
We’ve taken the time to sample and research numerous sportsbooks, narrowing down a list of the best in the industry above to help you decide which ones to try first.
Our rankings are based on scores in the following categories:
- App reviews
- Availability across states
- Size of welcome offer
- Ease of claiming welcome offer
- Rewards program
- In-app streaming capabilities
- Existing user promos
- Customer service options
Below, we’ll break down each category and why it’s important to your sports betting experience.
App Reviews
A quick and easy way to get a sense of a sportsbook’s quality is by comparing user reviews on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Since ratings are out of five stars, you’ll generally want a sportsbook that’s well-regarded with an average score of at least four stars.
You can also dive into specific user comments to get a sense of what people are saying about the app and if there are any recurring complaints or issues. This can be helpful for features that are hard to gauge until you actually use the app, like lagginess or customer service.
Many commenters are there to complain, so don’t put too much stock in specific reviews.
That said, if you notice common themes throughout the comments, consider it a warning for issues you may encounter with the app.
State Availability
Each state handles sports betting differently. Some states allow both in-person and mobile sports betting, while others might only allow in-person sports betting or have a hard cap on the number of mobile sportsbooks permitted.
Accordingly, sportsbooks vary by state, as each state has to approve a sportsbook before it can launch there. No sportsbook is available in every state with legal online sports betting, but a few have launched in the majority of them.
Generally speaking, the more states a sportsbook is available in, the better. That means it’s more likely to be available in your state, a bordering state or a state you’re likely to travel to, making it easier and more convenient to use. That way, you’ll be able to take your sportsbook with you rather than needing to sign up for a new one every time you leave your state.
While smaller “local” sportsbooks usually offer profit boosts and other bonuses based on hometown teams, they’re usually only available in a handful of states at most, offering limited availability.
Size of Welcome Offer
This is an important one. How much free money will a sportsbook give you for signing up?
Most sportsbooks have welcome offers to entice new customers, but it’s important to know how these offers work. Just because an offer has a higher dollar amount attached to it doesn’t necessarily make it better.
Some sportsbooks have “bet and get” promotions where you receive bonus bets (site credit) just for wagering a small amount of money. For example, you might get $200 in bonus bets just for placing a $5 wager. You’re essentially getting free money to bet with.
Other sportsbooks have “no-sweat” offers that give a bonus bet only if your first bet loses.
For example, if you place a $20 bet after signing up and it loses, you’ll receive a $20 bonus bet, similar to a refund.
These offers tend to wow bettors with larger amounts than “bet and get” promos, often going up to $1,000 or $1,500. However, you’ll only receive a bonus bet if your first wager loses, in which case you’ll need to use the bonus bet to try to win your money back. If your wager wins, you’ll receive your cash winnings like a normal wager but won’t receive any bonus.
Accordingly, “no sweat” offers generally aren’t as good as “bet and get” promos.
When comparing sportsbooks, it’s better to focus on welcome offers with guaranteed bonuses that give you site credit no matter what.
Ease of Claiming Welcome Offer
The size of the bonus offer won’t matter if it’s difficult to claim.
The best sportsbook bonus offers are as easy to claim as they are generous, being simple and straightforward without requiring you to jump through hoops.
The best bonuses are guaranteed and hit your account instantly as soon as you place your first bet. They’ll also be easy to follow and won’t require you to check a bunch of boxes to get your bonus.
Some sportsbook bonus offers require you to make multiple wagers or wait days or weeks to unlock your full bonus. This can be inconvenient, especially if you’re trying to get your full bonus ahead of a major sporting event like the Super Bowl or March Madness.
More complex offers can be a pain, so we prefer simplified offers with fewer requirements.
Rewards Program
If you bet often and are planning to use a sportsbook frequently, a strong rewards program is essential.
Loyalty programs differ by sportsbook. Some give you rewards points for each bet, which can then be converted into bonus bets or other rewards. Others offer big rewards like free trips, hotel stays, tickets to sporting events and more.
On the other hand, some sportsbooks don’t have any rewards. That might not be a big deal for casual bettors, but it can make a difference for frequent sports bettors.
It’s like paying for something with cash versus a credit card. If you place a bet at a site without a loyalty program, you’re missing out on points elsewhere.
In-App Streaming Capabilities
While bigger sports like football or basketball are usually only available to watch via traditional cable or streaming services, some sportsbooks offer the ability to stream smaller sports in the app, which is a benefit for bettors.
For example, FanDuel‘s app often streams tennis matches, which makes it easier to follow the action and place live wagers.
Beyond just offering live streaming, we also considered how laggy the stream was, how much battery it used and the amount of events available to stream in the app.
Existing User Promos
Most sportsbooks have some type of welcome offer to get new customers in the door, but where they really differ is with their promotions for existing customers.
Some sportsbooks offer a slew of daily promotions like odds boosts, no-sweat bets, bonus bets and more to keep customers coming back every day. Others only offer these sparingly, however, if at all.
One key existing user promo to consider is the referral bonus. Many sportsbooks have some type of referral bonus for getting someone else to sign up, but the amount can differ ($50 per person, $100, $200, etc.). If you’re planning to bet with friends or family, this can be a great way to score bonus bets for you and them.
Similar to a rewards program, you’ll want a sportsbook with frequent offers for existing customers if you plan to bet frequently.
Customer Service Options
Strong customer service options are a must for any sportsbook considering most disputes or calls involve someone’s money.
High marks were given to any sportsbook that offered 24/7 customer service (sporting events often end at night, after all), while points were deducted if a sportsbook relied on a FAQ page as a key part of its customer service profile. The more options for contacting customer service (email, chat, phone, etc.), the better.
Customer support is essential to guaranteeing a smooth sports betting experience. If a problem arises, it’s important to have it handled quickly and effectively.
