With millions of dollars bet annually on the Ultimate Fighting Championship
(UFC), it’s no wonder you’re here looking to get into the real money betting
action. When it comes to betting on MMA fights online, you need to be selective
about where you choose to make wagers. Signing up with the wrong online betting
sites can not only be a headache, but it can be costly. In the chart above,
we’ve got an up-to-date list of the best UFC betting sites where you can wager on this upcoming fight card.

UFC flyweight contender Alexandre Pantoja is looking forward to his next challenge in the Octagon. Paired up against the former Rizin Fighting Federation champion, Manel Kape, at UFC Vegas 18, the Brazilian has high expectations for an action-packed battle and hopes to score a bonus along the way. UFC Betting: Welcome to a hand picked selection of the best sports books to place a wager on MMA or UFC fights. These bookies have a proven history of on-time payments with responsive customer service. We currently analyze sports books based on these criteria: Wagering on props; Android/Iphone/Smart phone betting; 24/7 responsive live chat. UFC Betting Lines. Fight fans have a number of lines available to them at online sportsbooks. Some of the most popular UFC betting markets at sports betting sites include: Moneyline Bet.

Top UFC/MMA Betting Sites

Bovada

With some of the best props and most up-to-date fight odds, Bovada has proven to be the ultimate source in the world of UFC betting sites. Featuring some of the most convenient sign up bonuses and rewards packages in the industry, this betting site keeps combat sports bettors coming back for more as the odds are actively changing and there is always something new to wager on.

BetOnline

With a pristine look and exceptional user accessibility, this site is a must for those looking to get action on the next big UFC fight card. With strong lines and an easy deposit/withdraw process, this market operates as well as many land-based sportsbooks due to its high functioning and performance. Additionally, the are also quicker to update prices and add new props than many of their contemporaries.

MyBookie.ag

One of the most trusted sports betting sites in the industry with an
impeccable track record for service, safety, and security is MyBookie.ag. While
all of that is great, it’s not the highlight of this online sportsbook. Two words:
massive bonuses. MyBookie.ag offers new and existing clients some of the most
substantial bonuses in the online gambling world. If you’re looking for one of
the best MMA betting sites offering crazy bonuses, take a look at MyBookie.ag.

BetNow

Talked about on the likes of ESPN, Forbes, Sports
Illustrated, and Fox Sports, BetNow is an incredible choice for
betting on the MMA and UFC events online. This online sportsbook offers incredible betting
flexibility, Bitcoin banking, live wagering, and the highest parlay payouts in
the industry! Mix all of that with their healthy 100% sign up bonus, and you’ve
got the recipe for an incredible online betting option.

Xbet

Known for its great use of parlays and in-fight wagering, Xbet has made a reputation of itself as a shop to always visit in the lead up to a MMA card. With its fast payouts, clean presentation, and easy to use fashion, it is no wonder why this market has exploded in popularity in recent years. They are also known for an outstanding customer service team and user-friendly promotions.

Why These UFC/MMA Betting Sites Are the Best

Something we take seriously here at GamblingSites.org is our review and
recommendation process. We take pride knowing you can confidently trust in our
recommendations. The list of top UFC betting sites is accurate, up to date, and
never misleading. Let’s take a quick look at what our rankings are NOT and what
they are.

What Our Recommended UFC Betting Sites Are NOT

• Our sites are not randomly selected from a Google search. Our review
  process is a meticulous process.
• No betting site can purchase or barter their way onto our recommended
  list.
• These recommended sites do not belong to our friends or peers. The only
  way to get on the list is by offering the highest-quality service in the
  industry.
• MMA betting sites do not earn a permanent slot on our list. They must
  continue to offer high-level service, or they will be removed and replaced.

The Traits the Top-Rated UFC Betting Sites Do Have

Availability of Bets on Main Card Fights, Preliminary Bouts, and Undercards

To be a top-tier option, the best UFC betting websites need to offer extensive
betting flexibility on all major fight cards. These betting options must include
numbered cards (UFC 246, 247, etc.), fight nights, and special UFC events.
Here’s what we want.

• Betting options on all UFC events
• The ability to bet on headlining fights, main card fights, preliminary
  bouts, and smaller undercard fights
• Freedom to bet on more than just fight winners, including access to
  different types of bets to maximize our potential profit
• Odds released early, giving us enough time to break down information and
  make our decisions

Safe, Secure, and Trusted Sites

Trust, safety, and security are the cornerstones of top MMA betting sites.
Without these three elements, you might as well kiss your money and safety
goodbye. Betting on UFC online should not feel risky, dangerous, or make you
uncomfortable. Save these emotions for when you’re watching the actual fights.

When choosing our list of the best UFC betting sites, we take a deep dive
into these three topics. Specifically, we’re looking for the following
qualities.

• A track record showing no issues with customer safety or site security
• Proactive plans to identify and eliminate threats to your safety
• Teams dedicated to safety and site security
• Regular site-security audits conducted

Mobile Betting Capabilities

In a fast-paced world, we need fast-paced solutions for everything we do. The
ability to bet from home instead of going into the local sportsbooks was a
considerable move in the right direction. But the ultimate flexibility came when
UFC/MMA betting sites provided the ability to bet from your mobile phone or smart
device.

We insist that any of the UFC betting sites we recommend should offer
mobile betting options. Bu, the mere existence of the option is not enough. The
mobile betting platform needs to be fast, efficient, and easy to use. It should
also offer the same options that are available on the desktop platform. Yes,
it’s a tough task to pack all of that into a smaller screen, but we know it can
be done.

No more running home or driving to the casino to check UFC betting lines or
get your last-minute wagers in. Kick back, pop your phone open, and take care of
business without moving an inch.

UFC Betting Predictions

Want some help from the experts about picking winners? Typically, you’d have
to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to gain access to expert UFC picks.
We’re flipping the script on that one. GamblingSites.org offers our readers free
access to expert picks. Our team is comprised of proven winners who not only
understand the fight game but also understand the math behind betting and how to
find value. If you’re looking to pump up your bankroll and your bottom line
without all the work, check out these picks.

Popular Wagers Placed at UFC Betting Sites

New to the octagon? No worries. The first thing you need to learn about
MMA betting is
the different betting options you have available. Below, we’ll take a quick look
at the four most popular wagers available at the top UFC and MMA betting sites.

To-Win (Moneyline) Bets

The most popular bet in all of MMA is the
moneyline bet. In the simplest terms, this is a wager on who is going to win
the fight. Now, don’t expect to get paid the same dollar amount no matter who
you bet on. The more likely a fighter is to win, the less return you can expect
on a win. But, on the same token, if you correctly predict an underdog victory,
expect the skies to open up and start raining money.

Over/Under Bets

In other sports, this can be referred to as a
totals bet, but in the UFC, it’s an over/under wager. This is a bet on how
long you think a particular fight is going to go. You’ll see a line set at the
middle of the fight and another set half a round before the end of the fight.
You pick whether you think the fight will last longer or shorter than that line
and if you’re right, you win.

There are times you will see a similar bet offered known as the “go the
distance” bet. This is a bet on whether the fight will go to the judges for
decision or end before the closing bell. It’s very similar to the over/under bet
set at half a round before the end of the fight. But there are some differences
you will want to be aware of when placing this bet.

• If the fight ends in the last half of the final round of a three-round
  fight, an over bet on 2 1/2 rounds will win, but a “go the distance” bet will
  lose.
• These wagers are very similar but can sometimes pay different amounts
  based on how bets have come in. Use this to your advantage.

Method of Victory Bets

The method of victory wager is a popular one at the best UFC betting sites.
The premise is simple. Pick whether you think the fight will end in a TKO/KO,
submission, or go to decision. If you’re right, you win. You will see different
odds on each based on how the books think the fight will go. If it’s two
heavyweight knockout artists with no ground games, expect to see worse odds on
the knockout, but great odds on the submission or decision methods.

Depending on the top UFC betting sites you’re using, this bet may be attached
to a particular fighter. You may see TKO/KO Fighter 1 and TKO/KO Fighter 2 as
separate options. When this happens, you will not only need to choose the method
of victory, but you will need to pick a winner.

Prop Bets

One of the most fun categories of bets for any sport including MMA is
proposition bets. These are wagers on whether something will or will not
happen during a fight. Technically, method of victory wagers fall into this
category, but we felt they were big enough to warrant their own category.
Popular examples of UFC prop bets include:

• Will the fight go the distance?
• What round will the fight end?
• Will there be a draw?
• Will there be a point deduction in the bout?

UFC Odds and Past Results

It’s essential to stay up to speed on recent fights if you want to be a
successful UFC sports bettor. Knowing who is hot, who is coming off a big win or
loss, and what’s at stake for each fighter is critical. As there are so many UFC
fight cards these days, it can be a challenge to keep all the results in line.
To assist you, we’ve created a resource listing of the most recent UFC fight
winners. Feel free to bookmark or favorite this page as we automatically update
this after every fight card. It’s a great place to stay in the know and check
fight results.

UFC 255 Betting Odds

Previous UFC Event Results

Get Started Betting on UFC Fights Online Now

Getting into the real money betting action on UFC fights is fast and simple
thanks to the top UFC betting sites. To get started, follow these three simple
steps and you’ll be making your first real money wager in minutes!

1. Choose the best UFC betting site for you from the list at the top of
   this page.
2. Click the link and create your free account.
3. Make a deposit, choose the fight you want to bet, and click submit!

It’s really that easy. Good luck with your wagers!

FAQs for Betting on the UFC and MMA Online

Are MMA Betting Sites Safe to Use?

Yes! As long as you are choosing to bet with a reputable UFC
betting website, you will have a safe and secure experience. The best way to ensure
you’re using trusted UFC betting sites is to use the recommendations our team
has already vetted for you.

Can I Bet on Every UFC Fight Card Online?

If you’re wagering with best MMA betting sites, you will have the ability to
bet on every numbered card, fight night event, and special event. You’ll be able
to bet all fights on the main card and the preliminary card 100% of the time.
You will also have access to bet on the super-early prelim fights, but it’s
usually only with moneyline wagers.

How Do I Deposit and Withdraw Money at MMA Betting Sites?

You’ll have plenty of fast, efficient, and safe banking options when you use
the best UFC betting sites recommended here. Typically, you’ll be able to use a
credit or debit card, an e-wallet (like PayPal), money services (like Western
Union), cryptocurrencies, or direct bank transfers. The available banking
methods will depend on the site and your location.

Update: UFC 258 is set to go Feb. 13, 2021, at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. Kamaru Usman will be defending his welterweight championship agains former teammate Gilbert Burns at UFC 258. Bets are being taken right now at US online sportsbooks. Jump straight to the top UFC betting apps to get your action down.

As the premier brand in the sport of MMA, the UFC has experienced a massive growth spurt since its inception back in 1993. The growth has kicked into overdrive in recent years. It’s safe to say that the rise of the UFC has been one of the biggest stories in the sporting world over the past decade.

Betting on the UFC is in the midst of its own surge. What was once the domain of Las Vegas and risky offshore operators is now within reach for many folks across the US. The legalization of sports betting in a number of states has opened the doors for scores of folks, many of whom are starting their own love affair with UFC.

Our betting guide details how to bet online, upcoming fights and UFC odds as well as the top betting apps with UFC lines.

Best UFC Betting Sites in the US

Those in legal sports betting states looking to get in on the action, we’ll cover everything you need to know right here. We’ll begin by taking a look at the top spots to place your bets.

Top UFC betting apps for 2021

The legal sports betting environment continues to take shape. A number of operators are battling for their piece of the pie in legalized states, but some are emerging as the leaders of the pack.

• DraftKings Sportsbook: The industry leader in the world of DFS is making huge strides in the sports betting industry. Users who sign up via our exclusive links get $50 free plus up to $1,000 in bonuses. Use DraftKings Sportsbook online in: NJ, CO, PA, WV, IN, IA, TN, NH and IL
• FanDuel Sportsbook: FanDuel is another company that made its bones in DFS. They’re taking the sports betting world by storm as well with a user-friendly platform and enticing promos. Signing up for an account via our exclusive links gets you a risk-free bet up to $1,000. Use FanDuel Sportsbook online in: NJ, CO, PA, WV, NV, IL, IA, TN and IN
• BetMGM Sportsbook: The mobile platform for gaming giant MGM Resorts International, BetMGM is making tons of headway in legal and regulated sports betting markets. Click on our exclusive links to create an account, and you’ll be rewarded with an up to $600 deposit match bonus. BetMGM Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, CO, IN, TN, NV and WV

Each of these operators offers UFC betting among a wide array of other markets. You can keep it simple and just bet on fighters to win, or explore a wide range of prop betting choices. In addition, live betting opportunities are available on each, and mobile is a perfect complement to take advantage of all that’s offered.

UFC 258 odds

UFC 258 is next on the table and scheduled to go Feb. 13 in Las Vegas. The long awaited headline bout looks will be a thriller with a welterweight title bout between former teammates, Kamaru Usman (Champion) and Gilbert Burns.

Both DraftKings and FanDuel will have current lines for all confirmed bouts. Lines being offered include total rounds, to go the distance, ending in a particular round and winning method.

Latest Odds on UFC 258

• When: Feb. 13, 2021
• Where: UFC APEX, Las Vegas
• Main Card: PPV, Prelims: ESPN/ESPN+, Early Prelims: ESPN+

Main Card Fights announced + current odds at DraftKings (as of Jan. 28):

• Welterweight Title Fight: Kamaru Usman (-250) vs. Gilbert Burns (+200)
• Middleweight: Uriah Hall (-134) vs. Chris Weidman (+110)

Check the full card as it’s updated and get up-to-the-second odds right at FanDuel or DraftKings. Available in all legal online sports betting states (NJ, PA, CO, IN, WV, IA, IL, TN).

How UFC betting works

The most basic UFC bet will look familiar to those who are experienced with the moneyline, but there are also several other bets that are unique to the sport.

Let’s take a look at the standard ways that you can bet on the UFC.

• Moneyline: A bet on which fighter will win outright. The favorite will be designated with negative odds, while the underdog’s will be positive, e.g., Khabib Nurmagomedov -155, Conor McGregor +135
• To go the distance: A wager on whether the fight will go the distance, e.g., Yes +120, No -140
• Over/under on total rounds: A bet on how far you think the fight will go, e.g., Over 2.5 Rounds +130; Under 2.5, Rounds -110
• To win in specific round: A wager on a fighter to win in a specific round, such as Jose Aldo to win in Round 1 +140, Round 2 +120, Round 3 +110
• To win in range of rounds: A bet in which you’re trying to pinpoint in which round the fight will end, e.g., Round 1-2 +130, Round 2-3 +110
• Winning methods: A wager on how the fight will end, e.g., Knockout +140, Submission +120, Stoppage +150, Decision +110

How to bet the UFC live online

The betting doesn’t stop once the bell rings in UFC. Live online sports betting affords users the opportunity to place wagers as the action unfolds in real time. Odds and markets move fast, but that only helps to enhance the appeal.

During a UFC fight, you’ll see a number of opportunities to take advantage of, such as how long the fight will last and updated moneyline odds for the outright winner based on what has happened so far.

Beyond being potentially profitable for those who have a good feel for momentum, live betting also allows you to hedge your bets. For example, let’s say that you dropped a wager on Jon Jones to win in advance of his upcoming fight.

After round one, Jones just doesn’t look like himself, and you wouldn’t be surprised if he wound up losing. You can mitigate the damage of your original wager by placing a new bet on his opponent. If the odds and stake are in range to your original wager, you’ve somewhat covered your position instead of just taking an outright loss.

To fully take advantage of all that live betting has to offer, a mobile sports betting app is the way to go. You can bet from your phone at any time during the fight as long as you’re in a legalized state.

There’s no need to be at a sportsbook or locked in front of your computer. You’ll be able to go out and enjoy fight night and know that you can quickly take advantage of opportunities as they arise throughout the card.

Is it legal to bet on the UFC?

It wasn’t too long ago that legally betting on the UFC online was a mere fantasy. Today, it’s a reality. You don’t need to take a trip to Vegas to get in on the action, nor do you have to take any unnecessary risks with an unregulated and risky offshore operator.

You can find all of the UFC betting action you need right from the comfort of your own home in legal sports betting states. The lines are just as good as what you’ll find in Sin City, and you’ll find many more wagering opportunities than you would find at an offshore operator.

The legalization of sports betting not only means that more folks have access to a safe means of wagering, but it also translates into better product offerings. That means there’s real customer service to deal with if any questions come up, a number of different ways to fund your account and awesome platforms that are a breeze to navigate around.

Perhaps most importantly, the legal sports betting environment provides users with real protection and regulation. Operators that have hit the ground running in the US market are well aware of what they need to do from a legal standpoint.

For sports bettors, that results in some extra peace of mind that allows them to focus on betting without worrying about legal gray areas. For more niche sports you can bet on at legal US sportsbooks, check our guide here:

Is UFC available for Daily Fantasy Sports players?

Sports betting isn’t the only way to get in on the action with UFC. DraftKings and FanDuel both offer DFS games that have proven to be quite popular with users.

There are a number of different ways to play daily fantasy sports, such as tournaments and 50/50s, which are all made available at numerous price points to fit any budget. On the tournament front, a big fight night can attract thousands of users gunning for some eye-popping prizes.

The object of the game is to pick a lineup of fighters from those scheduled to compete on the card. Each of the fighters has a salary attached — ranging from high for top stars to low for unknown commodities — and your final lineup will need to remain under the cap.

Fighters earn points based on how they perform, and scores are tallied up as the action unfolds. Once the final fight on the card is in the books, the highest scoring lineup wins. DFS is completely legal and safe to play in 40+ states. Outside of Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada and Washington, you’ll be good to go.

5 betting tips for MMA / UFC betting

There’s a learning curve for betting on any sport you may be unfamiliar with, but it’s far from insurmountable. When beginning with UFC, stick to the basics and work toward devising a strategy that fits your style. Here are five simple tips you can use to get the ball rolling.

1. Understand what the odds are telling you: Oddsmakers are quite good at what they do. There’s plenty of data behind the numbers they release to the public, so trust what they are telling you. For example, a big favorite indicates a skill gap that you simply have to factor into your decision. That said, don’t let that scare you off from betting on the underdog when you can justify it.
2. Know your fighters/styles: As you learn more about UFC, you’ll come to see that the fighters come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some are great grapplers, others are fantastic strikers and plenty excel in some areas and come up short in others. When breaking down a card, take some time to understand the styles of those involved to help spot any potential matchup advantages.
3. Go beyond career record: Fighters with stellar career records always look impressive at first glance, but don’t let that be the final word. Dig a bit deeper and take a look at how they built their record. What was the quality of their opponents? The same applies for those with poorer records, as they may be better than they appear if they gained a ton of seasoning against stout competition.
4. Study recent form: Just like athletes in all other sports, fighters trend up and down. Spend time examining how the fighters have fared in their last three fights, but make sure to go beyond the won-loss record. How long did the fights last? Has there been a significant gap since the last time they fought? Did they dominate opponents or escape with close victories?
5. Weight, travel and news: In advance of fights, public weigh-ins take place. While these may just seem like press events and part of the show, you need to pay attention. Fighters who are adding or cutting a good deal of weight can be impacted, so pay attention to major fluctuations. In addition, keep an eye on news surrounding the fight and consider the travel aspect. For example, is one fighter locked in while the other is making headlines with out-of-the-ring stuff? Is the fight taking place several time zones away from a fighter’s home base? Little nuggets such as these can make a big difference.

Once you have mastered the basics outlined above, you can begin spending more time on more detailed information such as fighter stats and dive even deeper into the matchups.

Getting up to speed on the UFC is nowhere near as intimidating as it may seem, and you’ll learn lots along the way to boot.

Top five fighters in UFC history

The UFC has a rich and storied history, and there have been a number of impressive fighters who have had lengthy careers inside the octagon. Picking the best of the best is no easy task.

However, there are five who have enjoyed lengthy careers and headlined numerous pay-per-view events along the way. These fighters not only sold tickets and racked up impressive buy rates for fight cards, but also collected hardware along the way.

1. Randy Couture: A six-time champion, Couture is one of the most legendary figures in UFC history. He held the heavyweight crown three times, the light heavyweight title twice, and also served as interim champ in the light heavyweight division. Couture’s all-time record in MMA is 19-11, with seven of his wins coming by knockout. He headlined 18 PPV events, competed in 16 title bouts, and made an estimated $3 million in his illustrious career.
2. Anderson Silva: Just behind Couture on the list of most PPV events headlined is Silva, who was in the main event at 17 UFC events. His career record in MMA stands at 34-10-1, with 24 of his victories coming by knockout. Silva is a former middleweight champion and holds the record for the longest title reign in UFC history at 2,457 days. He also set a record with 16 consecutive victories over that span. Silva earned over $8 million in the UFC.
3. Tito Ortiz: Ortiz was the UFC light heavyweight champion from 2000 to 2003. He received top billing at 16 PPV events, and holds a career MMA record of 20-12-2. Among his claims to fame is a trio of memorable fights versus Chuck Liddell, Ken Shamrock and Forrest Griffin in 2006. Ortiz earned over $4 million in his UFC career and has continued fighting with appearances for Bellator and Combate Americas.
4. Jon Jones: The current UFC light heavyweight champion, Jones is considered one of the best to have ever stepped inside the octagon. A career mark of 26-1-1 does nothing but bolster his case. Jones has headlined 15 UFC events, most recently with a unanimous decision over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247. He continues to climb up the career earnings list with over $6 million thus far.
5. Georges St-Pierre: A pound-for-pound legend, St-Pierre won titles in both the middleweight and welterweight divisions during his time with UFC. He vacated his middleweight crown due to health issues. A career record of 26-2-1, main event status for 13 PPV events and career earnings of over $7 million are further testament to St-Pierre’s status as one of the best of all time.

Worst five fighters in UFC history

Let’s be clear: if you make it to the UFC, you’re doing something right in your fighting career. That said, there are some fighters who have records that leave a lot to be desired. Here’s a look at some of the worst won-loss records among those with more than 25 fights under their belt.

1. Jeremy Stephens: 15-16 record with one no contest over 32 fights.
2. Andrei Arlovski: 17-13 with one no contest over 31 fights.
3. Clay Guida: 15-13 record for 28 fights.
4. B.J. Penn: 12-13-2 over 27 fights.
5. Ross Pearson: 12-13 record with one no contest over 26 fights.

Stephens is third on the all-time list for most UFC fights. Donald Cerrone and Jim Miller are the current leaders with 34 fights apiece. Cerrone has a career mark of 23-11, while Miller is 20-13 with one no contest.

Most famous UFC fights of all time

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There have been a ton of legendary fights inside the octagon during the 27-year history of UFC. Naturally, some of them have stood out as being the best of the bunch. Here’s a trio of UFC fights that quickly come up when the conversation turns to the most memorable and famous fights of all time.

• Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor: The record holder for UFC PPV buy rate, the hype for this UFC lightweight championship tilt was off the charts. The scene was UFC 229 at the T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip, and the event also set records for biggest live gate in MMA history. Nurmagomedov won the battle in round four via submission, taking home $2 million for his troubles. McGregor earned $3 million in defeat.
• Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm: Heading into this fight, Rousey was in the midst of her dominant run and expected to add another pelt on the wall. Things would turn out much differently. Holm shocked the world by defeating the heavily favored Rousey by knockout in round two. Rousey had successfully defended the UFC women’s bantamweight crown six times beforehand with relative ease, so the result was quite stunning.
• Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz: This was the second meeting of the two foes, and the interest level was off the charts. UFC 66 was held on Dec. 30, 2006, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The event produced the largest PPV buy rate to date for the UFC, but the number has since been surpassed several times. Liddell took down Ortiz by TKO in round three in one of the most memorable battles in UFC history.

How to stream UFC live for free

The biggest UFC cards are found on pay-per-view. You can purchase the broadcast from your cable or streaming provider, or head to a sports bar that’s broadcasting the fights.

ESPN has the broadcast rights for UFC. The majority of events will be found on ESPN+, a subscription-based channel that has a slew of UFC content. If you get the UFC Fight Pass via the UFC app, you’ll also be able to stream events on mobile.

Additionally, certain sportsbooks have streaming capabilities and provide live feeds of events. Consult your operator for the events you can stream via the sportsbook app.

History of UFC

The Ultimate Fighting Championship made its debut on Nov. 12, 1993, from the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver. The event aimed to answer the long-standing question of which fighting style was the best.

Initially attracting a niche following, the UFC continued a steady rise before exploding in popularity for good after the turn of the century. Along the way, there were a number of controversies and legal challenges surrounding the violence of the competitions.

UFC managed to weather the storm and is now one of the more popular sports in the land, as evidenced by its broadcast partnership with ESPN. Prior to joining forces with the gang in Bristol, UFC’s TV home was with the FOX Sports family of channels.

Dana White’s influence on the UFC brand

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The UFC brand loved by so many could easily have found itself out of business at one time. By the end of 20th century, the UFC was struggling financially, and considered close to bankruptcy. Dana White, along with his business partners – the Fertitta brothers (Lorenzo and Frank III) – formed Zuffa LLC.

White’s investment of $2m within the acquisition package was considered a huge personal risk, but with his business expertise, White was able to justify it. In the early 2000s, following the UFC’s agreement to adopt rules set by the New Jersey State Athletic Commission, the UFC brand grew rapidly, and developed some extremely charismatic, PPV buyout-boosting talents.

Amongst them were Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell, who formed what many consider to be the UFC’s ‘breakout’ rivalry. Ken Shamrock, a former WWE King of the Ring winner, was also a popular figure of note. Shamrock’s bout with Tito Ortiz in November 2002 (at the Las Vegas-held UFC 40) rates as one of the most important in UFC’s entire history.

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White’s determination to make the UFC brand as uncompromising as possible has been unrelenting. This was reflected in his reaction to the mass cancellation of sports events in early 2020, with White stating his intention to hold UFC 249 in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. His talk of hiring an island just to stage the event was met with particular incredulity and amazement from UFC fans, but in the end, the event was postponed.

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Though not the headline of the original card, Ferguson and Gaethje went into UFC 249 as a fascinating, and very evenly-matched pair of opponents. They kept even the most astute of bettors guessing until the starting bell, and did not disappoint on the night.