Best UFC/MMA Sportsbooks in New Zealand (2024)

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. 

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.
• 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.
• Fight Nights Global (FNG): Another Russian MMA organisation, the FNG, was founded in 2010 and has hosted over 80 events in different jurisdictions.
• One Championship: Headquartered in Singapore, One Championship began its MMA journey in 2011. This agency has hosted over 150 fights since its launch.
• Rizin Fighting Federation (Rizin FF): The Rizin Fighting Federation came into the scene in 2016. Based in Tokyo, Japan.
• M-1 Global: This MMA franchise is one of the oldest forms still operational worldwide, opening its doors back in 1997.

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.