Best UFC/MMA Sportsbooks in New Zealand (2023)

UFC Betting in New Zealand

The UFC ranks as the "poster boy" for all Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) events worldwide. With UFC betting now a staple at most NZ betting sites, Kiwi gamblers can now bet on fighters slugging it out in The Octagon. You could almost cut through the trepidation presented by this sport. 

If you're new to UFC betting, don't worry, as this guide contains all the missing jigsaw pieces — from the finest UFC sites in NZ to notable tips for seismic wins. 

Shall we?

What Is the UFC?

The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is an entity that promotes mixed martial arts (MMA) events. 

Created in 1993, the UFC started out as a niche event. During this time, the tournament had minimal rules and no weight divisions. However, several years later, UFC dynamics changed as stringent regulations came to the fore. Therefore, fighters became self-aware, integrating skills that could help them ward off their opponents.

The UFC has been on an upward trajectory since it first came on board in the 90s. This firm has overseen over 600 fights in 160+ countries since its launch and shows no sign of throwing in the towel anytime soon. 

Despite the UFC's fame, some folks have expressed displeasure about related events. Notable among them is Sen. John McCain, who called these events "human cockfighting."

The Zuffa UFC takeover in 2000 reinvented the firm as it injected the finances required to excel and get global recognition. With Diane White leading the way as UFC president, the organisation has witnessed its legitimacy values soar greatly. 

Tagged the apex of MMA events, the UFC lays claim to the best fighters on the planet. Here's our top ten list in no particular order:

1. Anderson Silva
2. Jon Jones
3. Daniel Cormier
4. Conor McGregor
5. José Aldo
6. Stipe Miocic
7. Max Holloway
8. Henry Cejudo
9. Alex Volkanovski

Understanding the Differences Between UFC and MMA

Most UFC betting newbies think the terms — UFC and MMA — are the same. However, they aren't.

MMA (mixed martial arts) is the sport itself. Conversely, UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is an entity that runs its MMA events and promotes them accordingly to a global audience. 

Let's break it down further. Not all MMA fights are UFC events. However, all UFC fights are MMA match-ups. 

Notable MMA Agencies Besides the UFC

Like the UFC, you'll encounter MMA events curated by other organisations on your preferred gambling site.

Notable mentions include:

• Bellator MMA: Bellator MMA is the second most popular MMA variation after the UFC. Founded in 2008 in California, USA, Bellator has hosted over 2,500 events since its creation. This competition integrates the best MMA fighters in the western hemisphere. Notable Bellator MMA fighters include Douglas Lima, Lyoto Machida, Ryan Bader, and Gegard Mousasi.
• Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA): This Russian MMA organisation was formed in 2014. The ACA has hosted over 110 events since it came on board as a mixed martial arts entity. Fielding nine classes, top ACA fighters include names like Albert Temenov and Artem Levin. 
• Fight Nights Global (FNG): Another Russian MMA organisation, the FNG, was founded in 2010 and has hosted over 80 events in different jurisdictions. Some top fighters in this MMA agency include Ali Bagautinov, Fabio Maldonado, and Shamil Zavurov.
• One Championship: Headquartered in Singapore, One Championship began its MMA journey in 2011. This agency has hosted over 150 fights since its launch. Although the firm came under scrutiny after its "weight-cutting" rule caused a fatality, it reinvented itself by developing healthier alternatives. Top One Championship fighters include Victor Belfort, Ben Askren, and Sage Northcutt.
• Rizin Fighting Federation (Rizin FF): The Rizin Fighting Federation came into the scene in 2016. Based in Tokyo, Japan, the MMA agency has overseen 30+ events since it began proceedings. Rizin FF has great fighters, including Wanderlei Silva, Shane Carvin, Shinya Aoki, and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
• M-1 Global: This MMA franchise is one of the oldest forms still operational worldwide, opening its doors back in 1997. Since its establishment, M-1 Global has hosted over 220 events in different cities worldwide.

Notable UFC Rules and Classes

UFC fights happen in the Octagon — an enclosed area with eight sides. This structure has seen individuals tag UFC fights as "cage fighting." Although the Octagon is an eight-sided enclosure, it has set specifications:

• Diameter: 9.1 metres high
• Elevation: 1.2 metres high
• Chained Fence: 1.8 metres high

The mat used in the "Octagon" is replaced after each UFC for hygiene and health reasons.

When the UFC started, fighters could put on anything. However, as the firm grew, several restrictions came to the fore. All UFC fighters must don shorts approved by the health board. Putting on shoes and tops (male UFC only) is illegal. 

A UFC bout's length relies on the event's significance. For context, while championship events are five-round long, smaller UFC fights have three rounds. 

A round lasts for five minutes. Also, one-minute breaks are issued after each round for competitors to rest and receive instructions from their trainers. UFC Judges use a 10-point system to rate fighters. 

Here, three judges can award up to 10 points in every round. After tallying these points, the UFC fighter with the most is announced as the contest winner. 

A UFC match-up can end in various ways, including:

• Submission: A fighter tapping the mat thrice or saying (verbally) they submit reiterates a submission. These acts aren't reversible.
• Knockout: Popularly known as KO, a knockout occurs when a fighter is unconscious due to punches or kicks meted out by the opponent.
• Technical Knockout: Here, the fighter isn't fit to fight, and the referee decides they can't continue with the bout. A doctor and trainer can also issue the technical knockout decision. 
• Disqualification: Occurs when a fighter deliberately or unintentionally goes against rules during a UFC match-up. 
• Forfeiture: The fighter opts out of the fight before its conclusion for a reason (i.e., a hamstring injury).
• No Contest: A "no contest" when a competitor cannot fight till the stipulated number of rounds required by judges to reach a decision.

The UFC also has a set of illegal moves. Currently, the number is at 30+. Notable mentions include:

• Biting
• Eye-gouging
• Hair pulling
• Fish-hooking
• Groin attacks
• Rabbit punches
• 12 to 6 elbows or (downward elbow strikes)
• Head stomps
• Fence holding
• Clawing
• Contact avoidance
• Pile Driving

UFC Weight Classes

UFC events are categorised into weights, just like other combat and MMA events. These classes are known as "Divisions" in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Notable UFC divisions include:

Division (Gender) - Max Weight (KG)

• Strawweight (Female) - 52.2 kg
• Flyweight (Female) - 56.7 kg
• Bantamweight (Female) - 61.2 kg
• Featherweight (Female) - 65.8 kg
• Lightweight (Male) - 70.3 kg
• Super Lightweight (Male) - 79.4 kg
• Middleweight (Male) - 83.9 kg
• Super Middleweight (Male) - 88.5 kg
• Light Heavyweight (Male) - 93 kg
• Cruiserweight (Male) - 102.1 kg
• Heavyweight (Male) - 120.2 kg
• Super Heavyweight (Male) - Unspecified

NOTE: UFC classes became a thing in 1997.

Notable UFC Betting Tips and Strategies

The UFC is unpredictable. As a Kiwi bettor interested in wagering on related events, it'll be best to use some tips and strategies to make headway and effect decent winning combinations. Here are tips we recommend adopting:

Look for the Best Odds

Betting on high odds is the only way you can effect the astronomical winnings you crave. For the highest UFC odds, we advise registering on multiple NZ betting sites with related events available. That way, you can compare and contrast UFC odds on these platforms and place bets on the variation with the highest odd value. 

Pick Your Fights Carefully

This phrase might sound didactic, but it applies to UFC betting. Before wagering on a UFC match-up, analyse fighter records. Check how many rounds each fighter lasted in their previous matches, KO rates, and fighting styles. Doing this allows you to make informed bets. 

Back the Underdog

"Backing the underdog" is a UFC tip that works, albeit sparingly. We recommend implementing this tip when a betting platform gives the "favourite" status and odds to a fighter experiencing a recent form dip. If you back the underdog here, you can effect astronomical wins. 

Seek Expert Views

Doing research is great. But do you know another thing to help you make colossal UFC bet winnings? Seeking experts' views! To get started, scour platforms YouTube for insight into what top-notch analysts like Joe Regan, Luke Thomas, and The Weasel think about upcoming events. However, we recommend sieving out the bits that tally your UFC betting adventure, as several analysts might dole out the wrong strategies now and then.

Watch UFC Fights

Listening to expert "takes" and doing research is great. However, you'd need to watch UFC fights regularly to understand the event, especially if you wager based on generalisations. For context, you may feel Israel Adesanya can't defeat Paulo Costa due to the latter's physique. Well, this assumption is false, as Israel has "quick feet" and can dish out a kick resulting in a Costa K.O.

How to Register on Your Preferred UFC Betting Site

To register on a UFC betting site, follow these steps: 

1. Head to your preferred site's URL and hit the register icon. 
2. Fill in the relevant information to conclude the platform's registration process.
3. Upon registration, head to the deposit segment to credit your betting account. 
4. After you've deposited via your chosen payment medium, head to the sports lobby and click the UFC/MMA segment.
5. Make your picks and wager accordingly.

Although UFC betting may seem exciting, don't gamble above your bankroll. Happy wagering!