Over the past decade, the popularity of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has exploded. Before you start betting on the sport, it’s always good to have a little background. Take a look at our quick guide to the world of MMA below.
Where it all started
MMA as a sport that evolved from mixed style contests that began to take place throughout Europe, Japan and the Pacific Rim in the early 1900s. These contests saw opponents utilise often wildly different fighting styles essentially in an effort to see which was most effective.
The first regulated mixed martial arts competitions were introduced in the US in the 1980s. The so called Tough Guy Contest featured very few rules and where often likened to the bare knuckle brawls of old. In 1983, legislation was passed that specifically outlawed these types of contests.
In 1993 the sport was reintroduced in the US as the Ultimate Fighting Championship or UFC. Although disputed, the term MMA was first coined by television critic Howard Rosenberg at UFC 1 and the rest is history.
MMA today
Since UFC 1, the franchise headed by Dana White has become the preeminent MMA tournament with viewership that rivals some of the biggest boxing matchups of all time. The result is that MMA is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, with UFC events beginning to secure prime television spots on popular networks like ESPN. The sport has also made a number of fighters into international celebrities including the likes of Ronda Rousey, and Conor McGregor who has amassed an estimated net worth of $100 million.
Today MMA bouts are generally fought inside a fenced octagon with fighters wearing light 4 oz gloves. Regulation fights are split into three 5-minute rounds with championship fights being extended to five rounds.
Although there are very few rules inside the octagon, any of the below will result in a fighters immediate disqualification.
- Kneeing an opponent in the head while on the ground
- Striking an opponent on the back of the head
- Eye gouges
- Head buts
- Groin attacks
- Hair pulling
- Biting
A MMA bout can be won by knockout or submission. The fight can also be stopped by the official if he believes there is an imminent threat to the safety of a fighter or if the fighter appears unable to defend themselves. If a bout ends without a clear winner, the result is decided by a three-judge panel. Judges decide the outcome of a fight by counting the number of clean strikes each fighter lands during the fight. The fighter that lands the most number of clean strikes across the three judges’ scorecards wins the bout.
Betting on MMA
At Betway, you can bet on MMA fights from around the world including the UFC. Unlike many other sports fixtures that offer a wide range of betting options, MMA bets simply require you to select a winner. To get started, simply follow our quick guide below are you’ll be placing your first MMA bet in minutes.
How to bet on MMA
- Visit Betway login page and into your account
- Click the MMA icon to view our full selection of MMA bouts or use the Search bar to find something specific
- Once you’ve selected your preferred fight, predict the winner and your betslip will be updated automatically
- Complete your betslip by adding the amount you wish to bet and click Bet Now
Now that you’re ready, start by
betting on UFC 236 bouts taking place on 14 April.
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