UFC and MMA are exciting acronyms for Ultimate Fighting Championship
and Mixed martial Arts. UFC is a part of MMA. Currently the UFC is recognized as the largest MMA promotion around the entire world. The UFC is owned and operated by Zuffa LLC and their HQ is in Las Vegas Nevada. The UFC involves mixed martial arts which was based on Brazilian vale tudo.
When UFC first started out there were just a few limited amount of rules and most all of the fights were brutal and violent. Some even ended in death. It was more or less known as a "no holds barred" competition, but after a lot of flack from the press the UFC had to change and slowly started embracing stricter rules, also marketing themselves as a legit sporting event. Techniques like biting, eye gouging, hair pulling are frowned up on in the world of UFC but are still allowed.
Over the years the UFC has become more socially acceptable and has gained popularity from people around the world. UFC fights on television can be seen on SpikeTv in the US and 35 other countries. The UFC can also be seen on pay-per-view which wildly enough has broken every single record ever dated, as making well over $222,766,000 in one year alone in the year 2006. This surpasses that of WWE and boxing! The UFC has also decided in 2008 to go more mainstream and has announced two major exclusive sponsors, that of Harley Davidson and Anheuser-Busch, making Bud Light the official beer sponsor of the UFC. This was an incredible feat for both Harley and Anheuser-Busch. The UFC continues to rise to a searing popularity, gracing the covers of several very well known magazines such as Sports Illustrated and ESPN The Magazine.
Title matches in the UFC are 5x5 meaning there are five rounds with 5 minutes each. In non title matches however there are three five minute rounds, in both instances there is a one minute rest period between rounds. Which is about the time the official UFC ring girls comes into play! Alright lets get on with more of the rules and regulations for this sport. As of now the UFC currently uses five weight classes, they are:
Lightweight: 146 to 155lbs
Welterweight 156 to 170lbs
Middleweight: 171 to 185lbs
Light Heavyweight: 186 to 205lbs
Heavyweight 206 to 265lbs
In addition to these weight classes there are also four classes specified in the UR (Unified Rules) which the UFC does NOT use, they are:
Flyweight: Under 125lbs
Bantamweight: 126 to 135lbs
Featherweight: 136 to 145lbs
Super Heavyweight: Above 265lbs
The UFC stages all of its fights appropriately enough in an octagon caged enclosure called "The Octagon." The cage is eight-sided with walls made out of metal chain-link fence and is coated with black vinyl. The cage is 32ft in diameter and the fence is 5'6 to 5'8 high. The cage sits on a platform raising it 4ft (plus) off the ground. The attire for the UFC is pretty simple. The fighter must fight in approved shorts, no shoes, and approved light gloves. Fighters do NOT wear helmets of any sort.
Matches usually end in the following instances in the UFC; Submission, Knockout, Technical Knockout (TKO), Judges Decision, Technical Decision, Disqualification, Forfeit, Draw or No Contest. Some of the fouls are already listed in the beginning of this article but heres a few more; Groin attacks, Fish Hooking, Strikes to the spine or back of the head, throwing an opponent out of the ring, abusive language, faking an injury, and throwing in the towel during competition.
The UFC has a large amount of Accomplished UFC fighters. Such as Mark Coleman, Randy Couture, Frank Shamrock, Tito Ortiz, Royce Gracie, and Matt Hughes just to name a few. All in all there has been a count of 108 UFC events held in six countries and 18 US states. 84 of the events thus far have been available via per per view, while only 23 have been shown on cable t.v.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Ufc Betting Explained
As UFC fighting and mixed martial arts continue to grow in popularity, many sports fans are anxious to learn how to bet on the UFC events. According to a few major online sports books, UFC betting is set to surpass boxing in terms of online betting revenue by the end of 2007.
For most UFC events, there are a few betting options in each event. I’ll go over each of these, and also let you know where you should start if you are new to betting.
Fighter vs. Fighter bets
The most common form of UFC betting is a fighter vs. fighter bet. Unlike sports such as basketball and football that have point spreads, the odds on UFC fights are moneyline bets. A money line is used to even out the value of betting on each fighter. Here is an example from a recent UFC fight.
Rich Franklin -210
Yushin Okami +165
In the example above Rich Franklin is the favorite and Yushin Okami is the underdog. If you were to bet on Franklin, then you would be laying $2.10 for every $1.00 you want to win. So if you were to bet $210 on Rich Franklin and he wins the bout, you would win $100 (plus the return of the $210 you risked). If you wanted to bet on Yushin Okami, you would be laying $1.00 to win $1.65. So if you were to bet $100 on Okami, and he wins the bout, you would win $165 (plus the return of the $100 you risked).
3 tips to live by when betting on UFC fights
As a professional sports bettor, I know there are many trends that carry over from sport to sport when it comes to gambling. If you’re new to betting, these tips will help you get on the right path to winning your UFC bets.
1. Stay away from heavy favorites
For some people this is common knowledge, but when fights look “too easy” or like a “sure thing”, it’s tough to remind yourself to stay away from the huge favorite. I always recommend staying away from any favorite that is over -400. When you are betting on favorites that are this big, you’re going to need to win 4 out of every 5 bets to be ahead. With the amount of upsets that happen in big time fights, it is very difficult to keep this winning percentage up over the long haul. This is why I recommend just staying away from large favorites.
2. Look for value in the under card
The main bout of a UFC fight will always get the most attention and the largest betting handle. Because of this, the money line for the bout will usually be right on point and the value of betting on either fighter is very minimal. In some of the less publicized fights, there is usually a lot of value to be found on both fighters because the general public does not know much about the fighters. If you do some research you will be ahead of the game.
3. Keep your betting amounts similar
Some new bettors have a problem of betting way too much on certain fights. The long term problem with this strategy is that you could be 9-5 on your bets which would usually be a winning record, but you could be losing a lot of money. Keeping your betting amounts similar is a good way to increase your wins and minimize your losses.
MMA and UFC betting are pretty easy to learn and win money at if you do your research. Research each of the fighters and their styles, and look for strengths, weaknesses and good underdogs and you’ll be on your way to winning. I also recommend checking out reviews of UFC sportsbooks, so you can find the best online sports book to bet at.
For most UFC events, there are a few betting options in each event. I’ll go over each of these, and also let you know where you should start if you are new to betting.
Fighter vs. Fighter bets
The most common form of UFC betting is a fighter vs. fighter bet. Unlike sports such as basketball and football that have point spreads, the odds on UFC fights are moneyline bets. A money line is used to even out the value of betting on each fighter. Here is an example from a recent UFC fight.
Rich Franklin -210
Yushin Okami +165
In the example above Rich Franklin is the favorite and Yushin Okami is the underdog. If you were to bet on Franklin, then you would be laying $2.10 for every $1.00 you want to win. So if you were to bet $210 on Rich Franklin and he wins the bout, you would win $100 (plus the return of the $210 you risked). If you wanted to bet on Yushin Okami, you would be laying $1.00 to win $1.65. So if you were to bet $100 on Okami, and he wins the bout, you would win $165 (plus the return of the $100 you risked).
3 tips to live by when betting on UFC fights
As a professional sports bettor, I know there are many trends that carry over from sport to sport when it comes to gambling. If you’re new to betting, these tips will help you get on the right path to winning your UFC bets.
1. Stay away from heavy favorites
For some people this is common knowledge, but when fights look “too easy” or like a “sure thing”, it’s tough to remind yourself to stay away from the huge favorite. I always recommend staying away from any favorite that is over -400. When you are betting on favorites that are this big, you’re going to need to win 4 out of every 5 bets to be ahead. With the amount of upsets that happen in big time fights, it is very difficult to keep this winning percentage up over the long haul. This is why I recommend just staying away from large favorites.
2. Look for value in the under card
The main bout of a UFC fight will always get the most attention and the largest betting handle. Because of this, the money line for the bout will usually be right on point and the value of betting on either fighter is very minimal. In some of the less publicized fights, there is usually a lot of value to be found on both fighters because the general public does not know much about the fighters. If you do some research you will be ahead of the game.
3. Keep your betting amounts similar
Some new bettors have a problem of betting way too much on certain fights. The long term problem with this strategy is that you could be 9-5 on your bets which would usually be a winning record, but you could be losing a lot of money. Keeping your betting amounts similar is a good way to increase your wins and minimize your losses.
MMA and UFC betting are pretty easy to learn and win money at if you do your research. Research each of the fighters and their styles, and look for strengths, weaknesses and good underdogs and you’ll be on your way to winning. I also recommend checking out reviews of UFC sportsbooks, so you can find the best online sports book to bet at.
The Critical Difference Between A Fighter And A Killer
Lately, here in Las Vegas, I've had the pleasure of meeting a number of Mixed Martial Arts competitors from the various "No Holds Barred" events like the UFC and Pride. For the most part these fighters were amazing physical specimens and tremendous competitors. Their skills in the arena are impressive and fun to watch. The other factor across the board is the fighters I met are very good natured guys.
At one of the events I was introduced by an MMA friend of mine to one of the top competitors and this fighter asked through his translator if I was a MMA competitor. Before I could answer, my friend (who had a couple of beers in him since he was not on this fight card) smiled and said, "Nah, this guy's a killer, he just likes to teach you how to stab people to death or beat their brains out with a tire iron. You'd like his course!"(Always great to have friends give this kinda PR "help")
Then the fighter asked if I taught how to "defend" against knives and guns. My friend once again "answered" for me saying "Oh yeah and more than one attacker, I mean, its prison riot training" (Again very "helpful"; I'm sure the translator loved me!) Then the fighter told of his cousin being assaulted and stabbed by 2 men in his home country. He said he felt bad because he truly couldn't give his cousin (who survived the attack) any "tips" on how to "fight" people with knives.
He then said: "Quite frankly for all my skills in the ring I doubt I could have done much better. I know how to kick someone's ass on the mat but on the street it's so different."He then had to leave and get ready for his match (which he easily won that night, absolutely wrecking his opponent). We exchanged info and he got the dates when I'd be in Europe this year.
This meeting got me thinking about the difference between a fighter and a killer: The fighter competes to better an opponent; the killer is solely focused on ending the other person. The fighter seeks to score points or get someone to submit; the killer seeks to shut down the other's brain. The fighter is good at kicking someone's ass; the killer knows how to irreparably injure vulnerable areas of the human body, permanently wrecking the function of that area.
The fighter relies on superior strength, speed and skill; the killer uses stealth and violence of action to get his results.The fighter's skills deteriorate after his competitive years are over; the killer's skills can last a lifetime.The fighter's skills work best in the controlled environment of the ring; the killer's skills work in any act of violence.
I could go on but you get the point. Now some of you may be pursuing competitive MMA careers and I wish you the best. After you hang up your gi or MMA trunks you may find the skills of a killer more useful.For the rest of you please ask yourself where do you see yourself applying your martial arts or combat sport training?
If it is in the chaotic world of real violence then you are hamstringing yourself with rules and skills that are only good for the young, fast, and strong. Not to mention whether or no the other guy plays by your rules; most murderers tend not to abide by any competition standards.
At least explore the world of the killer and see how despite the name, the skills are easily learned and last a lifetime. Also the byproduct of learning these skills is you get to live a far more relaxed and peaceful life. Strange but true. Remember there is a big difference between being a killer and a murderer. And if you face a murderer; then only the skills of a killer will properly prepare you for that situation.
At one of the events I was introduced by an MMA friend of mine to one of the top competitors and this fighter asked through his translator if I was a MMA competitor. Before I could answer, my friend (who had a couple of beers in him since he was not on this fight card) smiled and said, "Nah, this guy's a killer, he just likes to teach you how to stab people to death or beat their brains out with a tire iron. You'd like his course!"(Always great to have friends give this kinda PR "help")
Then the fighter asked if I taught how to "defend" against knives and guns. My friend once again "answered" for me saying "Oh yeah and more than one attacker, I mean, its prison riot training" (Again very "helpful"; I'm sure the translator loved me!) Then the fighter told of his cousin being assaulted and stabbed by 2 men in his home country. He said he felt bad because he truly couldn't give his cousin (who survived the attack) any "tips" on how to "fight" people with knives.
He then said: "Quite frankly for all my skills in the ring I doubt I could have done much better. I know how to kick someone's ass on the mat but on the street it's so different."He then had to leave and get ready for his match (which he easily won that night, absolutely wrecking his opponent). We exchanged info and he got the dates when I'd be in Europe this year.
This meeting got me thinking about the difference between a fighter and a killer: The fighter competes to better an opponent; the killer is solely focused on ending the other person. The fighter seeks to score points or get someone to submit; the killer seeks to shut down the other's brain. The fighter is good at kicking someone's ass; the killer knows how to irreparably injure vulnerable areas of the human body, permanently wrecking the function of that area.
The fighter relies on superior strength, speed and skill; the killer uses stealth and violence of action to get his results.The fighter's skills deteriorate after his competitive years are over; the killer's skills can last a lifetime.The fighter's skills work best in the controlled environment of the ring; the killer's skills work in any act of violence.
I could go on but you get the point. Now some of you may be pursuing competitive MMA careers and I wish you the best. After you hang up your gi or MMA trunks you may find the skills of a killer more useful.For the rest of you please ask yourself where do you see yourself applying your martial arts or combat sport training?
If it is in the chaotic world of real violence then you are hamstringing yourself with rules and skills that are only good for the young, fast, and strong. Not to mention whether or no the other guy plays by your rules; most murderers tend not to abide by any competition standards.
At least explore the world of the killer and see how despite the name, the skills are easily learned and last a lifetime. Also the byproduct of learning these skills is you get to live a far more relaxed and peaceful life. Strange but true. Remember there is a big difference between being a killer and a murderer. And if you face a murderer; then only the skills of a killer will properly prepare you for that situation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
