As UFC betting has become increasingly popular among sportsbook users, options favored by many sports bettors include the various UFC props. Below, we’ll take a closer look at what UFC prop bets are and how the odds work on these types of bets within the sport of MMA.
Top sportsbooks with UFC prop bets
UFC props explained
A prop bet (short for proposition bet) is a wager on specific things that may or may not happen during a UFC fight. Instead of betting simply on the outcome of a fight, this type of wager allows bettors to get more specific, which can bring longer odds and bigger potential payouts. Prop bets on MMA fights can take many forms, but the most common types focus on how the fight will end and when. There are a few basic types of prop bets for UFC fights.
Method of victory props
These are bets on the way the fight will end. UFC fights primarily end in one of three ways: knockout (for betting purposes, this includes TKOs and any referee stoppage due to strikes), submission (when one fighter submits or taps out) or decision (when the fight comes down to judges’ scorecards at the end of all scheduled rounds). Fights can also end via disqualification, though many sportsbooks also include that result along with KOs and TKOs. Fights can also result in a no-contest, when the fight is unable to be completed and neither fighter is declared the winner, though this is rare. And fights that go to decision also occasionally end in a draw, which sportsbooks also offer odds on.
Round props
These are bets on which round the fight will end in. Most UFC fights are scheduled for three rounds. Main events and title fights are typically scheduled for five rounds. Some sportsbooks may offer lines that only require you to correctly predict in which round the fight will end, without picking which fighter will be the winner. Other sportsbooks offer bets wherein you choose the round, winning fighter and method of victory. These usually come with longer odds and bigger payouts, since they require you to correctly predict three elements of the finish.
Decision props
These are bets on what will happen if or when the fight goes the full scheduled rounds. Most sportsbooks will offer odds on whether the fight will “go the distance,” meaning reach the judges’ scorecards at the end of the scheduled rounds. But there are also different types of decisions that MMA judges can render. The most common is the unanimous decision, which is when all three judges agree on which fighter won the bout. A split decision is when one judge scores the bout for one fighter, while the other two score it for the other fighter. A majority decision involves one judge scoring the bout a draw, while the other two judges score it for the same fighter. For betting purposes, majority and split decisions are usually lumped together into one wager.
First-minute finish props
This is a bet on whether the fight will end in the first minute of the first round. UFC fights can end at any point due to knockouts, submissions or even injuries and disqualifications. Fights can and do end in the opening 60 seconds, and this bet covers any outcome that results in the fight ending before the first minute is up. Many bettors like these wagers because they offer a quick resolution early in a bout.
Ready to Bet on UFC Props?
Legal Sports Report features the most up-to-date UFC odds across all top sports betting sites in the US.
UFC betting apps for prop bets
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars is a prominent sportsbook that’s been expanding rapidly over the course of the last year. The app offers multiple bets for UFC events, and the sportsbook typically has competitive welcome bonuses complete with reward credits for new users.
Caesars Sportsbook is available in the following states: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA and WV.
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM is now available in a number of states and has enjoyed a growing footprint in the online sports betting space. It offers an array of odds on every scheduled UFC event, including multiple prop bets that are typically available in the days leading up to each UFC event.
BetMGM Sportsbook is available in the following states: AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, NJ, OH, NV, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV and WY. Note: Welcome bonus not available in DC, MS, NV or NY.
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers started as a regional presence and then grew to become an increasingly bigger name in sports betting. It offers a strong rewards program and many types of bets on UFC bouts.
BetRivers Sportsbook is available in the following states: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, OH, NJ, NY, PA, VA and WV.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel began as a daily fantasy sports provider and has since evolved to become one of the major players in online sports betting. The app offers intuitive navigation, as well as a range of betting options for all UFC fights.
FanDuel Sportsbook is available in the following states: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV and WY.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings is one of the most well-known online sports betting companies. Based in Boston, it offers multiple betting options for UFC fights and bills itself as the official sportsbook of the UFC. DraftKings also has a sign-up bonus for new users.
DraftKings Sportsbook is available in the following states: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV and WY.
UFC props FAQs
Do all sportsbooks offer prop bet odds on UFC fights?
Most legal online sportsbooks in the US will offer at least a few prop bets for every UFC event. Some have many props for every single UFC fight, while others may only offer the most popular ones, or only for main-card bouts.
What are some of the most popular types of prop bets?
The most popular prop bets tend to be bets on the method or round of finish. Many bettors like to use what they know of each fighter’s strengths or weaknesses to predict how the fight will end and when. Betting on first-round finishes is also a popular choice with many bettors.
What’s the appeal of a prop bet?
For bettors, a prop bet is often an avenue to more favorable odds, especially in matchups that seem to favor one fighter over another. Instead of betting on a heavy favorite simply to win, which might not yield much of a payout, bettors can get more specific about how or when that fighter might win, getting better odds as the bet becomes more specific.
How often do UFC fights end in TKOs, submissions, decisions, etc.?
Decisions are the most common type of finish to UFC fights. In 2022, the UFC held 538 fights. Of those, 250 ended with a judges’ decision. TKO/KO was the next most common, with 180, and submissions accounted for 106. There was only one no-contest and one disqualification. The last year in which submissions outnumbered TKOs/KOs in the UFC was 2007.