How does point spread work in UFC? UFC betting has grown rapidly, and sportsbooks are now offering new markets beyond traditional moneyline bets. One of the newest betting options available to UFC bettors is the UFC point spread.
Point spread betting in UFC works a lot like it does in other sports, but instead of runs or goals, the “spread” is based on rounds and judges’ scorecards. For beginners, this can sound confusing, but once you understand the basics, UFC spread betting can give you better odds, more value, and sometimes less risk than a simple moneyline pick.
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What Is a UFC Point Spread Bet?
A point spread bet in the UFC is a wager on the margin of victory between two fighters. Instead of just picking which fighter wins, you bet on whether they will win (or lose) by more than a set number of points.
- In a 3-round fight, the spread is usually set at ±3.5 points.
- In a 5-round fight, the spread is usually set at ±5.5 points.
That means:
- A favorite at –3.5 must win by 4 or more points on the judges’ scorecards, or finish the fight inside the distance.
- An underdog at +3.5 can win outright or lose by fewer than 4 points and still cash as a winning bet.
If the fight ends in a knockout, submission, or disqualification, the fighter who wins automatically covers their spread bet.
Example of UFC Point Spreads
| Fight Format | Spread Line | How to Win the Bet |
| 3-Round Fight | –3.5 / +3.5 | Favorite must finish or win by 4+ points; underdog wins with close decision or outright win |
| 5-Round Fight | –5.5 / +5.5 | Favorite must finish or win by 6+ points; underdog wins with narrow loss or outright win |
UFC Point Spread Betting Example
Imagine Fighter A is a heavy favorite over Fighter B in a 3-round fight.
- Scenario 1: Fighter A wins by KO in Round 2 → Any –3.5 bet on Fighter A is a winning bet.
- Scenario 2: Fighter A wins by 30-27, 30-27, 29-28 (total margin +7 points) → –3.5 covers, so favorite bettors win.
- Scenario 3: Fighter A wins by 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 (total margin +3 points) → –3.5 loses, so +3.5 bettors cash.
This is why UFC point spreads can be appealing — you don’t just need one fighter to win, you need them to win decisively to cover the spread.
UFC Spread Betting vs. Moneyline Bets
| Bet Type | What It Means | Risk / Reward |
| Moneyline Bet | Pick the winner of the fight, regardless of method or margin | Safer for favorites but often low payouts; riskier on big underdogs |
| Point Spread Bet | Bet on margin of victory (–3.5 / +3.5, etc.) | Better odds on favorites; more protection on underdogs |
| Prop Bets | Bet on specific outcomes (KO, round, submission, etc.) | Higher payouts but higher risk |
Why choose spreads?
- They often give better value on heavy favorites (cheaper than moneyline).
- They provide less risk when backing underdogs, since a narrow loss can still cash.
- They’re a middle ground between simple moneyline bets and risky prop bets.
UFC Spread Betting with Online Sportsbooks
Not all online sportsbooks offer UFC point spreads, but the major ones do for most main card fights. Here’s how some of the biggest names handle UFC point spread betting:
| Sportsbook | UFC Point Spread Betting | Notes |
| DraftKings | Offers –3.5/+3.5 (3 rounds) and –5.5/+5.5 (5 rounds) | Easy to find under Fight Lines. Finish = automatic cover. |
| FanDuel | Similar spreads offered on UFC fights | Usually priced around –110 each side. |
| Bet365 | Offers “scorecard spreads” internationally | Covers UFC fights in UK/EU/AUS markets. |
| Caesars | Provides spreads on marquee fights | Lines follow standard –3.5 / +3.5 logic. |
| Fanatics | UFC spreads available on major cards | Works like DraftKings/FanDuel spreads. |
Advanced UFC Spread Betting: Fight Minutes Spread
Some sportsbooks also offer fight minutes spread betting. So, how does point spread work in UFC?
- The sportsbook sets a range, like 9.75–10.75 minutes.
- If you think the fight lasts longer, you buy (over).
- If you think it ends quicker, you sell (under).
- Your profit or loss depends on the difference between the spread and the actual fight length, multiplied by your stake.
| Market | Spread Range | Outcome Example | Result |
| Fight Minutes | 9.75 – 10.75 | Fight ends at 11:00 | “Buy” wins |
| Fight Minutes | 9.75 – 10.75 | Fight ends at 8:30 | “Sell” wins |
This type of UFC spread betting is more complex and suited for sharp bettors who want more advanced strategies.
UFC Point Spread Betting Strategies
- For Favorites: Betting the spread often offers better value than their moneyline. A –400 favorite might be only –250 on the -3.5 spread. If you think they’ll dominate, this is the smarter bet.
- For Underdogs: A +3.5 spread protects your bet if they lose a close unanimous decision. It gives less risk compared to moneyline bets.
- Consider Judges’ Scorecards: Since spreads often come down to how many points fighters win rounds by, unpredictable judges can swing results. This is riskier than a moneyline pick.
- Look at Fighter Styles: Volume strikers often win close decisions; knockout artists are better for covering negative spreads.
Final Thoughts on UFC Point Spreads
So, how does point spread work in UFC? UFC point spreads are one of the most exciting new betting options in sports betting. Instead of just picking one fighter to win, you can now factor in how decisive the victory will be.
For beginners, this opens up more betting options and more value than traditional moneylines. Whether you’re wagering at DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365, Caesars, or Fanatics, UFC spread betting gives you a new way to approach fight night.
By understanding how UFC point spreads work, comparing them to moneyline bets, and factoring in judges’ scorecards, UFC bettors can make smarter, more strategic plays.
