The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has exploded in popularity across the UK, drawing in millions of fans with its thrilling mixed martial arts action. And for many of these fans, the excitement isn’t just about watching – it’s also about placing a bet on their favourite fighters.
With so many apps out there, how do you pick the best UFC betting app in the UK? This comprehensive guide is here to help you, whether you’re new to betting or just looking for a better app. We’ll walk you through what makes a great betting app, highlight some of the top choices, and, most importantly, show you how to bet safely and responsibly.
1. Betting in the UK: What You Need to Know
Before you place your first bet, it’s super important to understand the rules in the UK:
- The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC): This is the main boss when it comes to gambling in the UK. Any betting app or website you use must have a license from the UKGC. This license means they follow strict rules to protect you, ensure fair play, and promote responsible gambling. Always check for their logo or license number on the app or website.
- Legal Age: You must be 18 years old or older to legally bet in the UK.
- Responsible Gambling: Good apps will have tools to help you stay in control. These include setting limits on how much you can deposit, taking a break from betting (self-exclusion), or getting reminders about how long you’ve been playing.
2. What Makes a UFC Betting App Stand Out?
Not all betting apps are created equal! When looking for the best one for UFC, consider these key features:
Lots of UFC Betting Options:
-
- Moneyline: The simplest bet – you just pick who you think will win the fight.
- Method of Victory: You bet on how a fighter will win (e.g., by knockout, submission, or judge’s decision).
- Round Betting: You guess which round the fight will end in, or if it will go “over” or “under” a certain number of rounds.
- Prop Bets: These are fun bets on specific things that might happen in the fight (e.g., “Will the fight go the distance?”).
- Parlays / Accumulators: You combine multiple bets into one. All your picks must win for your bet to pay out, which means bigger wins but also higher risk.
- Futures: Betting on things that will happen further down the line, like who will be the champion in a certain weight class next year.
Great Odds:
-
- Odds tell you how much money you can win. The higher the odds, the more you win, but it also means the outcome is less likely.
- “Shopping around” for odds means checking different apps to see which one offers the best payout for the same bet. Even small differences add up over time!
Live Betting (In-Play):
-
- This lets you place bets during the fight as the action unfolds. Odds change quickly based on what’s happening in the Octagon. It’s exciting but requires quick thinking!
Easy to Use (User Experience):
-
- The app should be simple to navigate, look clean, and load quickly. You want to easily find fights and place your bets without any fuss.
Smooth Mobile Performance:
-
- A top app works perfectly on your iPhone or Android phone. It should be fast, stable, and not crash. Good apps also send you notifications about your bets or upcoming fights.
Simple Payments:
-
- You need easy and safe ways to put money in and take money out. Look for options like debit cards, popular e-wallets (like PayPal, Skrill, Neteller), and bank transfers. Fast withdrawals are a big plus!
Helpful Customer Support:
-
- If you have a question or a problem, you want to get help quickly. Look for apps with 24/7 live chat, email, or even a phone number.
Bonuses and Promotions:
-
- Many apps offer welcome bonuses for new customers (like free bets or matching your first deposit). They also have ongoing promotions like “odds boosts” (better payouts for certain bets) or “accumulator insurance” (getting your money back if one leg of your parlay loses).
- Always read the small print (Terms and Conditions)! Bonuses often have rules about how you can use them.
Live Streaming (A Rare Bonus):
-
- It’s rare for betting apps in the UK to show live UFC fights because of TV rights (TNT Sports usually has them). But if an app offers live streaming for other sports or even non-UFC MMA, that’s a nice extra!
3. Top UFC Betting Apps in the UK: Our Picks
Here are some of the best UFC betting apps available in the UK, with a quick look at their strengths:
1. bet365
-
- App Availability: iOS & Android (highly rated).
- Why it’s great: Known for having a huge variety of betting options for UFC, they often have odds available very early. Their app is top-rated, and they offer live streaming for many other sports.
- Cons: Customer service feedback can vary, occasional app crashes during high-traffic events.
- Best for: People who want lots of different ways to bet on UFC and enjoy live betting.
2. Betway
-
- App Availability: iOS & Android.
- Why it’s great: Offers a wide selection of MMA markets and is very strong for betting live during a fight. They have good bonuses and a reliable app.
- Cons: Welcome offer might be less generous than some, offers and promotions sometimes hidden away, website not as easy to navigate compared to the app.
- Best for: An all-around solid choice for any MMA fan.
3. William Hill
-
- App Availability: iOS & Android.
- Why it’s great: A very well-known and trusted name in UK betting. They offer competitive odds and a cool “#Yourodds” feature where you can even request your own specific bets.
- Cons: Late opening of fight markets, no direct access to UFC hub from homepage.
- Best for: Traditional bettors who like a trusted brand and unique betting options.
4. BetVictor
-
- App Availability: iOS & Android.
- Why it’s great: Often has very competitive odds for MMA fights, meaning you might get a better payout here. They also have a good welcome offer.
- Cons: Some reports of limited prop bets (only moneyline odds at times), 50% of welcome bonus restricted to casino, £20 deposit required for sign-up offer (more than some sites).
- Best for: Value hunters and those seeking competitive odds.
5. Ladbrokes
-
- App Availability: iOS & Android.
- Why it’s great: Another established and reliable UK brand with competitive odds and a good range of MMA betting markets.
- Cons: May not always be first to market with odds.
- Best for: Those who prefer a well-known, trustworthy betting experience.
6. BoyleSports
-
- App Availability: iOS & Android.
- Why it’s great: A good choice if you like placing “accumulator” bets (combining multiple bets) on UFC fights, and they offer competitive odds.
- Cons: Potentially fewer features than larger global brands.
- Best for: Fans who enjoy placing accumulator bets.
7. Coral
-
- App Availability: iOS & Android.
- Why it’s great: Provides a straightforward UFC betting experience with good market depth for upcoming fights.
- Cons: May not offer as many unique features.
- Best for: Simple and easy UFC betting.
8. Unibet
-
- App Availability: iOS & Android.
- Why it’s great: They often list UFC events weeks in advance, provide detailed stats on their blog, and sometimes offer live streaming for selected events.
- Cons: Higher margin on some markets, app could be improved compared to other UK bookies.
- Best for: Bettors who like to do deep research before a fight and get early access to markets.
9. Betfred
-
- App Availability: iOS & Android.
- Why it’s great: Offers a broad selection of UFC bets, including their “#PickYourPunt” feature which lets you build custom bets. They also provide free fight previews.
- Cons: Specific T&Cs on bonuses (e.g., 7-day expiry, eligibility exclusions), multis must have 5+ results for Acca Flex, bet builders are not eligible for cash out.
- Best for: Those who like to create their own unique bets and get insights into fights.
10. Stake.com
-
- App Availability: Mobile browser (no dedicated iOS/Android apps).
- Why it’s great: A modern platform that’s great if you use cryptocurrencies. They have competitive odds, sometimes offer live streaming for certain sports, and are backed by UFC stars.
- Cons: No dedicated mobile apps (browser-based only), limited in-play markets, cash-out may not apply to all events.
- Best for: Bettors who prefer using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies for their transactions.
11. 1xBet
-
- App Availability: iOS & Android.
- Why it’s great: Offers an incredibly wide range of betting markets for UFC and other sports, supports many payment methods (including lots of crypto options), and provides live streaming for many events.
- Cons: Can be overwhelming for new users, offshore company status in many countries (grey area for some users), slower payout speed compared to some competitors, complicated desktop website.
- Best for: Experienced bettors who want the most choices and flexibility in payment methods.
12. Parimatch
-
- App Availability: iOS & Android.
- Why it’s great: Often has good welcome offers, especially for combat sports. Their app is easy to use, and they focus on responsible gambling.
- Cons: Limited payment methods (mainly debit card/Apple Pay in UK), live chat support can be slow, no live streaming availability.
- Best for: New bettors looking for a solid welcome bonus and a user-friendly betting experience with a focus on combat sports.
13. Melbet
-
- App Availability: iOS & Android.
- Why it’s great: Features extensive coverage of sports and betting markets, competitive odds, and good mobile apps. They also offer live streaming for some events and various bonuses.
- Cons: Website layout can be cluttered, many country restrictions (though generally available in UK), live chat response can be slow, limited number of live matches compared to pre-match events, no partial cash-out services.
- Best for: Bettors looking for a wide variety of sports and markets, including esports, with attractive bonus offers.
4. Smart Tips for Betting on UFC Apps
To make your UFC betting more fun and potentially more successful:
Do Your Homework: Don’t just pick a name! Research fighter styles, how they’ve performed recently, if they’ve had tough weight cuts, or any injuries.
Compare Odds: Always check a few different apps to make sure you’re getting the best possible payout for your bet.
Set a Budget: Decide how much money you’re comfortable losing, and never go over that amount.
Don’t Bet with Your Heart: It’s tempting to bet on your favourite fighter, but try to make choices based on facts and research, not just emotion.
Understand Your Bets: Make sure you know exactly what each bet type means before you place your money.
Read the Small Print: Always check the terms and conditions for any promotions or bonuses so you know how they work.
5. Bet Responsibly: Keep it Fun!
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or solve problems. Here are vital tips for betting responsibly in the UK:
Only Bet What You Can Afford to Lose: This is the golden rule. Never use money meant for bills, rent, or essentials.
Set Limits: Use the deposit limits, time limits, and loss limits offered by betting apps.
Don’t Chase Losses: If you lose a bet, don’t try to win it back immediately by betting more. This often leads to bigger losses.
Avoid Betting When Emotional: Strong feelings like anger, stress, or sadness can cloud your judgment.
Take Breaks: If you feel like you’re betting too much, step away. Many apps allow you to self-exclude for a period.
Get Help if Needed: If gambling stops being fun or you’re worried about your habits, there’s help available. Contact organizations like GambleAware (www.gambleaware.org) or the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133).
Conclusion
The UK offers a fantastic and well-regulated environment for betting on UFC. While the “best” app often comes down to your personal preferences for features, odds, and bonuses, choosing a UKGC-licensed app that prioritizes responsible gambling is always the smartest move. By doing your research and betting wisely, you can enjoy all the excitement that UFC wagering has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is UFC betting legal in the UK?
A: Yes, absolutely! Provided the betting site or app you are using is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), it is legal to bet on UFC fights in the UK.
Q: What’s the minimum age to bet on UFC in the UK?
A: You must be 18 years old or older to legally place bets on UFC or any other sport in the United Kingdom.
Q: Can I watch UFC fights live on betting apps in the UK?
A: Generally, no. Due to exclusive broadcasting rights (currently held by TNT Sports in the UK), most betting apps are not allowed to show live UFC fights. Some apps might offer live streaming for selected non-UFC MMA events or other sports, but not typically the main UFC cards.
Q: What are “accumulator” bets in UFC?
A: An accumulator (often called a “parlay” in North America) is a single bet that combines multiple individual bets. For your accumulator to win, all of your chosen selections must be correct. They offer higher potential payouts than single bets but come with increased risk.
Q: How do I know if a UFC betting app is safe and trustworthy?
A: Look for a clear and visible UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) license on their website or app. Reputable apps also use strong encryption (like SSL) to protect your personal and financial information. Checking independent user reviews and ratings can also give you a good idea of their trustworthiness.
