What is Bout betting?
Bout betting is wagering on the outcome of a single fight between two competitors in combat sports. The term "Bout" simply means a fight or match in boxing, MMA, kickboxing, or other combat disciplines.
It covers markets based on the official result of a fight, including who wins, how they win and whether the contest reaches a certain round or the final bell.
The most basic Bout bet is picking which fighter will win. This is called a moneyline bet or outright winner bet.
Types of Bout bets
1. Moneyline (Outright Winner)
This is the most straightforward Bout bet. You pick which fighter wins the fight, regardless of how they win. A knockout, submission, or decision all count the same way; your fighter just needs to win.
Example: Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk
- Tyson Fury: -180 (1.56)
- Oleksandr Usyk: +150 (2.50)
If you bet $180 on Fury and he wins, you profit $100 (total return $280). If you bet $100 on Usyk and he wins, you profit $150 (total return $250).
2. Method of Victory
This bet predicts how the fight will end. Common options include:
- Knockout/TKO (referee stops the fight)
- Submission (fighter taps out, MMA only)
- Decision (judges score the fight after all rounds)
- Draw (rare, usually not offered)
Methods of victory bets offer higher odds than simple moneyline bets because you're predicting both the winner and how they'll win. A bet on "Fighter A by knockout" pays more than just "Fighter A to win."
3. Round Betting
Round betting predicts the exact round the fight will end. This is a high-risk, high-reward bet because you must correctly guess both the winner and the specific round.
Example:
Betting on Conor McGregor to win in Round 2 might pay +800 (9.00).
If the fight ends in Round 3 instead, you lose even if McGregor wins.
4. Over/Under Total Rounds
This bet predicts whether the fight lasts longer or shorter than a set number of rounds. The sportsbook sets a line, and you bet over or under that number.
Example:
Over/Under 9.5 rounds in a 12-round boxing match
- Over 9.5 means the fight must reach Round 10 or beyond
- Under 9.5 means the fight ends in Round 9 or earlier
If the fight ends by knockout in Round 8, Under 9.5 wins. If it goes to a decision after 12 rounds, Over 9.5 wins.
How to read Bout betting odds
Bout betting uses moneyline odds in the US and decimal odds in Europe. Both show the same information in different formats.
American Odds (Moneyline)
- Negative numbers (-200) indicate favorites. You must bet that amount to win $100.
- Positive numbers (+150) indicate underdogs. A $100 bet wins that amount.
Decimal Odds
- Multiply your stake by the decimal to see total return (including stake).
- Example: $50 bet at 3.00 odds = $150 total return ($50 stake + $100 profit)
Reading a fight card:
Fighter A: -240 (1.42) — Heavy favorite
Fighter B: +200 (3.00) — Underdog
The bigger the gap between odds, the more one-sided the fight appears. When odds are close (both near -110 or 1.91), it's considered a pick'em fight where neither fighter is heavily favored.
How Bout bets are settled
Bout bets are settled based on the official result immediately after the fight. For moneyline bets, the method of victory doesn’t matter.
Counted as a win:
- Knockouts or technical knockouts
- Submissions (MMA only)
- Decisions (unanimous, split, or majority)
- Disqualifications
- Technical decisions (fight stopped early due to accidental foul, judges score completed rounds)
Not counted:
- Extra rounds (unless specified)
- Retrospective changes from drug tests
- Overturned decisions after payouts
Draws & cancellations:
- If a draw is offered, draw bets win; if not, moneyline bets are void and refunded.
- Cancelled or postponed bouts void all bets; replacement fights require new bets.
Tips for Bout betting
- Research fighter records and styles: Check a fighter’s record, KO rate, and form; a striker with 85% KO facing a wrestler with 90% takedown defense creates a clash that affects odds.
- Watch weigh-ins: Fighters who struggle to make weight often underperform, and sharp line moves; like shifting from –180 to –120, can signal weight-cut issues.
- Understand judging differences: Boxing uses the 10-point must system, while MMA judges weigh striking, grappling, aggression, and control; sometimes giving hometown fighters the edge in close rounds.
- Start with moneyline bets: Victory method and round bets pay more but need precise predictions; beginners should start with simple moneyline bets to learn fighter styles and patterns.
- Compare odds across sportsbooks: Odds vary between sportsbooks, so shopping for the best line; like –150 at one book versus –130 at another; can improve long-term returns
Conclusion
Bout betting is wagering on the outcome of a fight in boxing, MMA, or other combat sports. The simplest form is moneyline betting, where you pick the winner regardless of how they win. Other options include method of victory, round betting, and over/under total rounds.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I bet on Bouts during the fight?
Yes, most sportsbooks offer live betting with real-time odds that shift based on momentum, especially after dominant rounds or knockdowns.
What happens if my fighter wins but tests positive for banned substances later?
Most sportsbooks settle fights on the official result announced immediately, and even if it’s later overturned (e.g., drug tests), settled bets stay final and payouts don’t change.
Can I combine Bout bets with other sports in a parlay?
Yes, you can add fight bets to parlays with other sports, and all legs must win for the combined, multiplied odds to pay out.
What happens if a bout is cancelled or postponed?
If a fight is cancelled or postponed, all bets are typically void and stakes refunded. If a replacement opponent is announced, new betting markets are created, and original bets do not transfer.
Can I bet on specific rounds in a bout?
Yes, many sportsbooks offer round-by-round betting, allowing you to wager on who will win a specific round or how a round will end (e.g., knockout, submission, or decision).