If you want to bet on UFC fights in South Africa, this guide will direct you to the safest and most trustworthy platforms currently available. Each of the sites I present here is fully licensed, easily accessible in South Africa, and has been vetted by me, Tim Jones - a sports betting analyst and long-time follower of not only the UFC, but MMA in general since the sport's early days in our local EFC. I've reviewed these UFC betting sites based on a number of important criteria - the quality of their odds, the depth and variety of markets they offer, the security of the user experience, and even the number of live betting options available - and my assessment is that these sites are all good places to bet. This resource is completely free and safe to use, and I update it regularly to reflect any changes in the legal landscape and the betting market.
Best MMA Betting Sites in SA
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Operator
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Bonus
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Features
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Claim Now
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100% Match
Up to R3000 |
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200% Match
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100% WELCOME BONUS
UP TO 100 EUR |
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100% BONUS
UP TO 100$ |
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100% Match
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100% Match
Up to R1000 |
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R25 Sign Up Bonus
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500% Match
Up to $2800 |
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Live Betting & Streaming Experience
UFC betting offers an exciting mix of live action and dynamic betting options, and these have obviously expanded when it comes to live betting. When I reviewed the South African platforms, I found that there were huge differences in how different bookmakers offered streaming, in-play betting and cashout features. As these are all crucial aspects of the overall user experience, I'm going to break down what I found.
Streaming Coverage & Lag Time
The way people bet on UFC fights has changed with live streaming. Bettors can now enjoy the action and place in-fight bets at the same time. This makes for a much more engaging and interactive experience, which is sure to increase interest not only in the in-game UFC action, but in UFC events as a whole. Most of South Africa's leading betting platforms now allow registered users to live stream major UFC events, with some variation in availability between bookmakers.
My technical assessment found that betting success rates are affected by two main components: stream quality and latency. The most reliable platforms use dedicated servers and can deliver streams of just under 10 seconds. But the least reliable? They can lag beyond the 30-second mark, rendering attempted in-play bets nearly useless.
Betway's streaming service leads the way. Bettors can watch live events while keeping an eye on changing odds. This arrangement helps pinpoint value bets that are based on fight intelligence that the odds have yet to catch up with.
Watching a fight live while betting on it is a truly interactive experience. The bettor does not have to rely on broadcasts or text updates from third parties. You can see and hear everything that is happening and interpret it instantly - who is winning and who is losing and by what methods, tactics and strategies; who has the momentum and is likely to carry it into the next round; and all the other key pieces of information that go into making smart bets.
In‑Play Interface & Bet Builder
South African betting platforms for UFC differ in the quality of their in-play interfaces. Betway's live in-play feature is the gold standard among them, allowing users to place bets as the action unfolds. This feature is so well designed that it works beautifully during a title fight - that is, when the action in the octagon is so intense and so hard to call that the pendulum of momentum threatens to swing back and forth after each big punch (or series of punches).
Betting during a game allows you to change your strategy as the game progresses. This is a mechanism for adjusting odds in real time. Create opportunities for experienced bettors. In-play betting requires quick changes in odds to accommodate shifts in momentum, injuries, or tactical advantages of one fighter over another. For more experienced bettors, this in-play betting can provide more edge opportunities, as it is quite likely that a number of less skilled bettors will make ill-timed bets based on a poor reading of the fight dynamics.
These key live betting features have been evaluated on my platform:
- Live odds updates that reflect what's happening in the ring
- Multiple betting markets during fights
- Quick bet placement systems (one-click confirmation is ideal)
- Live stats showing significant strikes and control time
- Cash-out options for active bets during volatile moments
To be successful at live betting on MMA events, you need to be quick and deep in your knowledge of fighting styles. The best live betting interfaces make this easier by providing accessible navigation and not requiring a lot of clicks.
The Bet Builder allows you to group different bets as fights progress. You can combine round-specific outcomes with method-of-win bets to get better odds, although the risks are higher. This works best during main events when you have more betting options.
Cash‑Out Speed & Limits (Our Tests)
In live UFC betting, the need to cash out quickly is crucial as fights can end in seconds. Cashing out in the game gives you the chance to take your winnings (or minimize your losses) much faster. Live betting offers dynamic payout opportunities as the odds change throughout the event. In-play payout values are updated every few seconds to match the live action.
I have noticed large discrepancies in the speed with which different platforms process withdrawals. The best of the South African bookmakers processed my test withdrawal within seconds. Even the slowest of the sites I tested, which was still significantly faster than some US sites I've tested in the past, took only a minute to process the withdrawal. Still, that's a good 54 seconds too long, considering that the not-so-slow cashout took place during a lull between rounds of an MMA fight.
The factors that affect payout performance have been highlighted by my extensive testing.
- Server capacity and technical infrastructure
- Real-time data feed reliability
- Payment processing system efficiency
- Network connectivity and traffic management
- Platform load balancing capabilities
Just as important as speed is reliability. Platforms must deliver consistent performance during "high demand" periods, such as major events, when users are rushing to cash out. The best sites invest in infrastructure that can take the heat-not just on a single "big night," but reliably over a series of "big nights," such as during a given year when there may be multiple UFC pay-per-view events featuring title fights.
Cash out strategies that win focus on identifying momentum shifts before the odds adjust. This includes taking advantage of temporary odds gaps, managing emotions during unexpected events, and timing exits between rounds. You need both technical knowledge and mental discipline - especially after stoppages or between rounds.
UFC enthusiasts in South Africa looking to place bets and get the most out of their live experience should choose platforms that offer proven streaming quality, fast interfaces and reliable payouts. These are the three fundamental elements of a smooth live betting environment, and their synergy makes the whole premise enjoyable and potentially profitable for those betting on MMA.
Top 5 UFC Bookmakers in South Africa
There are numerous platforms available for fans of the UFC to bet on in South Africa. We have looked at several bookmakers and scrutinized them to find the ones that offer the best experience for betting on mixed martial arts.
1. YesPlay
YesPlay is an excellent option for UFC betting in South Africa. The site is completely secure and regulated. It is licensed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, which guarantees its legitimacy. To entice new players, YesPlay offers a 100% deposit match bonus on your first bet, which means you have a little extra cash to work with when you start betting.
MMA enthusiasts are sure to appreciate YesPlay's wide range of betting options. You can find all kinds of bets, right down to the rub-your-nose-in-it specific, and as a wonderful added bonus, the site is mobile friendly. Place your bets from your phone, wherever you damn well please.
YesPlay is a mobile application that works well on devices running either iOS or Android. The app has been specifically designed to cater to South African players, right down to the currency they use to fund their gameplay. What's more, the app features sections that might just entice you to enjoy an extra round or two of your favorite gaming experience. Okay, let's take a closer look at the app.
2. Paripesa
Paripesa has been a destination for South African UFC bettors since 2019. They are licensed by Curaçao eGaming (n°1668/JAZ) and welcome new users with an awesome up-to amount of 30,000 ZAR and 150 free spins. As you would expect, they are loaded with betting markets not only on our beloved main events, but also on predicting how fights will end.
Not many sites have the withdrawal mechanism that Paripesa has. Most other sites will make you wait at least a few hours for them to start processing your withdrawal. With Paripesa, when you request a withdrawal, it's go-time. The platform is far from perfect, but this is one aspect it does really well.
You can pay at Paripesa in several ways, including using cryptocurrencies. If you're a Bitcoin user, you can make bets without revealing any personal information. You can perform these functions through the mobile applications available for both Android and iOS:
- Get around any country blocks
- Stay logged in longer
- Watch live streams without problems
3. Betway
One of the best UFC betting sites in South Africa, Betway offers an easy-to-navigate interface and a wide range of betting options. When you open an account here, you'll be rewarded with a welcome bonus of up to R1,000, which you can use to familiarize yourself with the many different ways to bet on the UFC, from moneyline to over/under rounds to method of victory.
The design of the platform is commendable. The app and website work in tandem, with a clean design that makes it easy to find and place bets on UFC events. The look and feel of the app is just as good, if not better. In fact, you may prefer the app to the website for the design alone.
Betway gives you the ability to bet on live action and cash out whenever you want. These features give you moreรับเงินบาท control over your bets. The customer support team responds quickly and helps resolve issues in no time - a critical feature for anyone involved in large betting sessions.
4. Sportingbet
Sportingbet has a unique segment for covering combat sports. They maintain their format of covering all UFC events from fight nights to numbered pay-per-view events. The platform definitely beats the competition when it comes to betting on the future; you can place bets on the outcome of championship events months in advance.
Finding UFC markets is easy via the main sports menu on the site. Although you may find fewer UFC specific promotions than other sports, the odds on all combat sports at Sportingbet are so good that they make up for any lack of quantity.
5. MansionBet
MansionBet is a relatively new betting site that launched in 2018. They use the highly successful SBTech platform, which makes for a smooth and easy to navigate betting experience. New players registering at the site can receive a sign-up bonus equal to 50% of the total amount of their first deposit, up to a maximum of R500. To qualify for this bonus, players must use the bonus code 'MBET50' when registering and make a minimum deposit of R100.
The site offers numerous betting options for boxing and combat sports. Live betting - with graphics to aid in decision making - is a feature that UFC fans will enjoy. These graphics are also well suited for mobile devices.
MansionBet's iOS and Android apps have all the betting features you could want in one easy-to-use package. They also allow you to live stream some of the events, which is what makes a UFC fight night truly electrifying.
Payments can be made using Visa, Mastercard, Fast Bank Transfer, Skrill or Neteller. Betting sites with a good reputation will ask South African punters for KYC documents before allowing them to withdraw funds, and this site is no different.
Bonuses & Promotions for UFC Bettors
Promotions and bonuses give UFC bettors in South Africa the chance to add more funds to their accounts and put their fighting knowledge to work building a better bankroll. Here are the main offers you can take advantage of.
Welcome Offers & Risk‑Free Bets
Online betting platforms in South Africa for the UFC are offering enticing packages for first time customers. Betway welcomes new customers with a bonus of up to R1,000, which is a nice incentive to use as seed money to venture into the diverse betting experience on the UFC. Sportingbet, however, is not to be outdone and ups the ante with a welcome scheme that is spread over three separate deposits, which together can yield as much as R3,000. That is quite a welcome.
Big events in the UFC often come with special promotions. TicTacBets offered R1,000 in free bets to players who put down just R100 on UFC 312. It was a pretty sweet deal. Bettors who took advantage of it got the full R1,000 in free bets no matter how the fight ended up.
Bonuses that have these types are usually welcome.
- Matched deposits - Bookmakers match your first deposit, usually 100%, which doubles your starting money
- Free bets - You get risk-free wagers after signing up or making your first deposit
- No deposit bonuses - Small bonuses you get without putting money down, so you can try the platform
- Risk-free first bets - Your first bet returns stake as a free bet if you lose
Of course, it is easier to investigate UFC betting markets when you have welcome incentives that reduce your financial risk. The best free bet you could hope for comes with very few stipulations and allows for a fairly straightforward playthrough to make it a usable resource for betting on the UFC.
Ongoing Boosts, Acca Insurance & Odds Boosts
Bettors who regularly wager on the UFC get privileged access to a number of ongoing promotions that are far more complex and informative than mere welcome offers. The promotions provide much-needed variety, and in terms of their simple purpose - to increase the potential profitability of a wager - the odds boosts are just about the best of the bunch. After all, who wouldn't prefer a payout that's, say, 14 percent better than what they might otherwise have received?
Accumulator insurance helps UFC players who like to combine multiple fights into one bet. If just one selection in your accumulator fails, you get your money back as a free bet. This protection is important in MMA, where upsets are common.
Some bookmakers offer Acca insurance at different levels. VBet offers it on three levels:
- Platinum (covers one losing pick)
- Premium (covers two losing picks)
- Deluxe (refunds stake if all picks lose)
Regular bettors are rewarded for their loyalty with extra perks that are not available to more casual users. We are talking about better odds, deposit bonuses and free bets that add real value to what is essentially a fan experience.
Wagering Terms & Eligible Markets
What makes a good UFC betting exchange? If you want to know, read the terms and conditions. They will tell you everything you need to know and some things you may not care about, but should read anyway to avoid surprises later. Promos should not have weird wagering requirements. This is what they are: If you get a bonus, you have to make x amount of qualifying bets (as defined by the site) before you can withdraw the bonus and any winnings on top of it.
Deadlines count too. TicTacBets gives you one week to redeem your free bet credits. Most of the time in the free bet world, you're working with 3-7 days to execute the plan. This is because sportsbooks aren't trying to extend the life of a free bet; they're trying to get you to use it.
Usually, minimum odds are required for bonus related bets. Most sites look for odds of 1.40 or greater. This may also apply to accumulators, which could reduce your choice of market options.
The usual components of FIFA Bonus Markets include
- Moneyline (fight winner) markets
- Method of victory wagers
- Round betting
- Over/under total rounds
Your eligibility to receive bonuses may be affected by the method of your deposit. Certain deposit methods, particularly e-wallets, may not be valid for Welcome to the Site promotions. Therefore, it is important that you first verify that your preferred method is a valid deposit option before proceeding to fund your account.
Taking advantage of a smart UFC bet means understanding the terms and conditions. The best offers will give you good odds with fair betting rules and plenty of market options to choose from.
Banking: Deposits, Withdrawals & Fees
Successful betting on the UFC depends on how well you understand the banking systems that facilitate deposits and withdrawals. A thorough examination of South African betting companies reveals that the various payment processing methods can have a significant impact on the experience of placing bets with these companies.
Payment Options & Supported Currencies
UFC betting fans in South Africa can choose from a wide range of payment methods when placing their bets on the major platforms. The bookmakers there accept all the standard payment methods you'd expect, such as Visa and Mastercard debit cards, and they also offer a number of local payment options specifically designed for the South African market.
E-wallets are the lifeblood of modern UFC betting in South Africa. Sites like Ozow, Zapper and PayFast allow instant deposits. If you're more into conventional banking, most sites have an agreement with one of South Africa's major banks. These include First National Bank, Standard Bank, Absa Bank and Nedbank.
If you want additional privacy or do not have a bank account, you can also use voucher payments. Below are your options:
- OTT Voucher
- 1ForYOU (1Voucher)
- Blu Voucher
- EasyLoad
Common on reliable UFC betting platforms in South Africa, ZAR support means you can bet without incurring annoying currency conversion fees that used to cut into your winnings. However, some online betting sites that cater to a global market still stick to betting in USD or EUR, so check their conversion rates before you place a bet.
Payout Speed – Hands‑On Test Results
In my tests, I find that payment choice has a huge impact on how quickly you get your money. E-wallets are light years ahead of traditional banking methods. With them, you usually get your money instantly or within 24 hours. With bank transfers, however, you can expect to wait 3-7 days.
This is what I observed during testing:
| Payment Method | Deposit Time | Withdrawal Processing | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-Wallets | Instant | 0-24 hours | R25-R50 |
| Debit Cards | Instant | 1-3 days | R50-R100 |
| Bank Transfer | 1-2 days | 2-7 days | R100-R200 |
| Vouchers | Instant | N/A (deposit only) | R1-R5 |
The speed of withdrawals can vary widely, especially when it comes to instant cash services. This is because most platforms don't process transactions after banking hours. Cut-off times are usually between 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, and earlier on Saturdays and Sundays.
The best payout speed is offered by Hollywoodbets. Most e-wallet withdrawals are processed within 24 hours and the amount you withdraw does not affect the payout speed. Bank transfers are slower on all platforms and take at least 1-3 business days to clear, with a week being the maximum wait if you're withdrawing during a busy betting period.
Limits, FX Fees & KYC Triggers
Each platform and payment method has its own limits. South African bookmakers use different limits for daily, weekly and monthly transactions to stay within the limits.
Withdrawal systems such as Instant Money, FNB eWallet and ABSA Cash Send have daily limits of R3 000 and monthly limits of R25 000. These limits are in place because of anti-money laundering regulations, not because the platforms themselves want to restrict large transfers.
You can start betting with small deposits.
- Credit/Debit Cards: R5-R50
- Instant EFT: R5-R50
- Vouchers: R1-R5 (depends on provider)
- Bank Transfers: R50-R100
Any authorized South African UFC betting site must undergo KYC (Know Your Customer) verification. Before you can cash out, you must pass FICA verification. This means that in addition to your ID, you must show proof of where you live and sometimes where you got the funds that allowed you to bet in the first place.
If you want to withdraw more than R3,000, the process isn't as simple as asking the site to send you the money. First and foremost, you have to prove that you're not a fraudster trying to pull off some kind of scam. You don't want to get involved in any
Most reputable platforms take care of the cost of deposits, but there are different ways to get your money, which may have different withdrawal costs. At Easybet we're simple. We do not charge you to withdraw your money and you can use any method you like. Other platforms are not so easy. They may charge a fee here and there for certain methods, especially if you want it fast.
Mobile Apps & User Experience
Today, over 80% of UFC bets in South Africa are placed via smartphone rather than the more traditional methods of using a desktop or laptop computer. This huge shift to mobile betting has everything to do with the near constant access that modern South Africans have to their smartphones and the unfettered freedom that mobile betting allows.
iOS / Android App Features
Today's best bookmakers provide applications that outperform mobile websites. Betway's app works in perfect harmony with its desktop platform to provide its user base with a seamless betting experience. YesPlay has grown from a small lottery platform to one of the most mobile-centric betting sites in South Africa. Punters looking to bet on the outcome of UFC fights love how easy the interface is to use.
The features that set iOS and Android apps apart are key; they reflect the fundamental differences between the two systems. Here are some of them:
| Feature | Top Android Apps | Top iOS Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Data Usage | Betway (lowest) | YesPlay (lowest) |
| Biometric Login | Available on 4/5 tested apps | Universal across tested apps |
| Offline Bet Slip | Limited availability | Standard feature |
| Push Notifications | Complete | Limited customization |
Fafabet distinguishes itself by offering comparable features on both operating systems. Punters betting on the UFC won't face any platform restrictions. In fact, most online bookmakers now offer downloadable apps for both major operating systems, ensuring a seamless experience across platforms.
Mobile Live‑Streaming & Push Alerts
Live streaming capabilities vary widely among mobile applications. Betway offers perhaps the best mobile live streaming solution. Sports fans can watch UFC events while keeping track of volatile, changing odds. This creates a kind of dual-screen effect that helps punters maximize profitability and identify valuable live bets based on how the fight is progressing before the odds change again.
UFC betting applications stay engaged through the use of push notifications, which send the following types of messages
- Live odds updates during fights
- Fight start alerts and round updates
- Cash-out reminders at key moments
- Special mobile-only promotion alerts
These alerts work great during the early card fights, which often offer better betting value than the main events. The WSB mobile app allows users to customize their push notifications. You can choose which specific fighters or weight classes you want to receive alerts for.
Load‑Time & UI Benchmarks
The performance differences between the South African UFC betting apps are clear when tested across different devices and network conditions.
Betway's mobile platform is extremely efficient. It typically takes 2 seconds for a bet to be confirmed. Supabets may not have the glitz and glamour of some of its competitors, but it works just fine on slow internet connections. This makes it a good option for betting on older Android devices or from areas with poor mobile coverage.
The ease of use varies from application to application.
- Betway: 3 taps from login to UFC bet placement
- YesPlay: 4 taps from login to UFC bet placement
- Hollywoodbets: 5 taps from login to UFC bet placement
There are differences that matter when it comes to betting on live UFC fights. 10Bet's mobile application provides an experience that is both premium and above average. It loads quite comfortably and integrates features like constructors of bets and statistics that are live quite seamlessly.
Efficient betting for South African UFC fans relies on established platforms with solid track records. When it comes to convenience and performance, apps are superior to mobile sites, especially for big events like UFC pay-per-views. For bettors, this is a matter of life and death - or at least a matter of winning and losing.
Security, Licensing & Fair Play
Betting on the UFC is safe and fair because there are detailed rules and regulations in place to protect bettors from being cheated. The National Gambling Act of 2004 lays the groundwork, and the National Gambling Board (NGB) makes sure that what is supposed to happen does happen - that betting practices are fair and punters are protected.
There are nine provinces in South Africa and each province has its own Gaming Board. These boards license and oversee the betting operators in their provinces. This system provides multiple layers of protection for UFC betting fans wagering on fights.
Betting platforms for the UFC must be licensed by provincial authorities such as the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board or the Mpumalanga Gambling Board. These authorities ensure that operators meet strict and demanding criteria. Here are some of the requirements that must be met:
- Strong financial backing to guarantee payouts
- Responsible gambling protocols
- Strong security systems to protect user data
- Regular checks of fair odds calculations
- Clear terms and conditions
- Well-defined procedures to handle customer complaints
How We Tested & Ranked UFC Bookmakers in SA
We evaluate and assess the UFC betting platforms to provide South African punters with accurate, data-driven recommendations based on a rigorous assessment of the platforms' baseline performance - not their marketing pitches.
Scoring Methodology & Weighting Matrix
Our team created a comprehensive rating system for UFC betting sites, and the basis on which they were rated is indeed what matters most to users who bet regularly. Payout rates and actual odds carried the most weight in our system, accounting for 25% of our ratings and based on some rigorous evaluation and testing of payout rates and how they vary between platforms (they can vary by as much as 7.3%!). User experience (20%) and payment processing (15%) were also rigorously judged and weighted quite heavily based on extensive user feedback.
We use a 100-point system for reviewing, where the sites we review must score a minimum of 70 points to receive our recommendation. This review process is not subjective - it is not even personal. We have set clear standards for each category we test, and the sites we recommend have all passed these tests.
| Evaluation Criteria | Weight | Measurement Method |
|---|---|---|
| Odds Competitiveness | 25% | Margin calculation across 50+ markets |
| User Experience | 20% | Timed completion of 15 standard tasks |
| Payment Processing | 15% | Transaction speed + success rate |
| Market Variety | 15% | Raw count + specialized offerings |
| Bonus Value | 10% | True monetary value after requirements |
| Customer Service | 10% | Response time + resolution rate |
| Mobile Performance | 5% | Load time + betting flow efficiency |
This system, which was very well laid out, allowed us to find the discrepancies between the marketing rhetoric and the actual results. Some of the sites claimed 3-5 minutes to process money, but during busy UFC times it was like they were holding it hostage.
Hands‑On Bet Slip → Cash‑Out Workflow
Modern UFC betting has cash-out features, and we put them to the test. The platforms we review have set profit points, and we have requested cash-outs at those points. All cash-out testing is done by our team and recorded in the reviews. We place similar bets on the same markets to provide a consistent testing ground.
Betway outperformed its competitors by processing withdrawals in an average of 3.2 seconds. This was a notable achievement, as Betway was not only the site with the fastest payout times, but also the only site in the study to process payouts in under 4 seconds. With the intense back and forth between UFC fighters, the decision to cash out or stay in can come down to a matter of seconds.
We also looked at how each site performed under pressure during major UFC pay-per-view events. Some of the more reliable sites showed signs of strain and slowed down during the main events when server loads peaked. This suggests some limitations in their infrastructure that could hinder betting at crucial moments.
Our testing culminates in the SB Market Index. This four-part system combines ratings from over 25 external sites with our in-depth experience. It paints a complete and accurate portrait of each bookmaker. You can see their various strengths, weaknesses and inconsistencies in all key areas.
Final Verdict
I've seen how much your platform choice and timing matters after getting into the South African UFC betting scene. Personally, I've had the best results with Betway for their lightning fast payouts and YesPlay for their ZAR support and deep markets. Fast mobile apps and real-time odds updates are essential - especially if you're betting in the middle of a fight.
As nice as they are, bonuses require a close examination of the terms and conditions before a person can feel comfortable accepting them. For example, I could never feel comfortable accepting a R3,000 bonus that was tied to a 20x rollover. However, when it comes to payouts, I've found that e-wallets are a far superior alternative to standard banking options.
Ultimately, betting on the UFC rewards knowledge of the sport and the wisdom to make good decisions. If you have the right skills - like knowing the fighters, placing bets at the right time, and having the right mindset - you will enjoy the event even more and possibly end up with more money in your account.
