While the mainstream media focuses on the personalities and the storylines, the real action takes place in the octagon. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)’s popularity continues to grow, and with good reason. The organization provides an outlet for mixed martial arts (MMA) fans, offering regular fights between top-notch competitors.
One of the aspects of UFC that particularly appeals to sports fans is the round-betting system. Under this format, the competitors are free to spend as long as they want in the octagon. When the time is up, the referee calls a halt to the action and a new round begins. When the final bell rings, the winners are determined by the outcome of the fight. Naturally, this system provides for some exciting moments and unexpected turn of events.
What Are The Rules?
The rules for UFC are as follows:
- MMA rules apply; however, weapons are prohibited (other than hands and fists).
- Fights take place in the octagon (a circular cage).
- Three-minute round; five overtime rounds (with three-minute rounds between each).
- Eight-man (with contractual agreements requiring the use of)
- Height and weight restrictions (natural-born athletes must be between 4’9″ and 6’0″ and must weigh between 135 and 215 lbs).
- The fight must go the distance (each round is considered a separate fight).
- No head shots (above the neck-teeth line).
- The fight can be stopped by a technical knockdown (TKO), doctor’s stoppage or if the fight is ruled a draw. (a draw means that there was neither a winner nor a loser).
- Two judges score the fight (one scores the fight for each competitor).
- The fighter who scores the most wins the fight.
- If the same fighter scores a point in multiple rounds, he/she wins that round.
Why Is It Popular?
While some might argue that the round-betting format is less exciting than a traditional three-fight tournament, it has several advantages. First, there is more than one round to the game. For fans of MMA, this is like a free replay. Second, if a fight goes the distance, there is a winner and a loser, even if the bout is close. Finally, the round-betting format encourages competition and innovation. In a three-fight tournament, one fighter might feel that he is under too much pressure to produce his best performance. However, under the round-betting format, this is a competition that will be fiercely fought—and possibly won—by all involved.
How Do I Play?
To play round betting at UFC, you will need to log on to the site via your phone, tablet or computer. You will then need to download the appropriate app (if you are playing on a smartphone) or visit the game’s page in your browser (if you are playing on a PC or tablet).
If you are playing on a smartphone, you will need to make sure that you have installed the UFC app. You will also need to be sure that you are signed in with the same Google account that you used to sign up for the free version of the app. If you are playing on a PC or tablet, you will need to visit the game’s website in your browser. (This is the same for both desktop and mobile browsers)
Once you are at the site, look for the ‘play now’ button or link on the left-hand side of the page. Once you click this, you will be taken to a confirmation page. You will need to enter your email address and a valid credit card to verify your identity. Once this is done, you can begin placing your bets. (If you are on a mobile device, you will need to click on the ‘play now’ button at the top of the screen before you can place your bets).
You can place bets on the outcome of a fight (‘over’ and ‘under’) or you can choose to wager on whether or not the fight will go the distance (‘to distance’ and ‘no distance’). Once you place your wagers, the timer will start and the fight will begin. (You will have three minutes to predict the winner and two minutes to determine the outcome of the fight).
If you are interested in placing a wager on a specific round (rather than the fight as a whole), you have two options. You can either choose to do so manually or have your computer automatically place your wager for you at the right time when the round is over (the latter is known as ‘auto-bets’ and can be set up in advance).
The first round will begin shortly. Feel free to click here to get started.