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UFC Pillar Guide — Markets, Fight Cards & PPV Economics
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UFC Pillar Guide — Markets, Fight Cards & PPV Economics

August 19, 2026

Moneyline, method of victory, round betting, fight props — plus how a UFC card is structured, what the $7.7B Paramount+ deal changed. The complete UFC betting guide at Housebets.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship, popularly known as the UFC, is arguably the most popular competition in Mixed Martial Arts and one of the most popular sports worldwide. Almost every week, fans tune in to watch the best fighters in MMA take each other on in gruelling battles across different weight classes.

In addition, these fights attract a high volume of bets, with many fight fans placing bets on each card at Housebets. However, before you place bets on UFC fights at Housebets, it is important to understand how the UFC works.

In this piece, we will take you through a guide on everything you need to know about the UFC, including the best betting markets and the Pay-Per-View economics. Remember, Housebets is the home of MMA betting, including the UFC.

To place your bets on UFC fights at Housebets, all you need to do is log in to your account, deposit your preferred cryptocurrency to fund your bets, go to the sports section, and select MMA to place your bets.

UFC History

Although MMA is one of the oldest competitions in history, the UFC as an MMA competition did not become a thing until 1993. The first UFC fight, named UFC 1: The Beginning, took place on November 12.

Since then, there have been over 300 fights, with the latest being UFC 330, which took place on August 15, 2026. Ever since its first fight in 1993, the UFC has gone on to become the most popular competition in MMA history. It is where all the top MMA fighters dream of fighting.

UFC Weight Classes

Initially, when the UFC was launched, there were no organised rules and weight classes until 1997. Since then, the weight classes have developed, and new classes have been added.

Right now, there are nine weight classes in the UFC for both men and women fighters, and they include the following:

  • Strawweight – 115 pounds
  • Flyweight – 125 pounds
  • Bantamweight – 135 pounds
  • Featherweight – 145 pounds
  • Lightweight – 155 pounds
  • Welterweight – 170 pounds
  • Middleweight – 185 pounds
  • Light heavyweight – 205 pounds
  • Heavyweight – 265 pounds

UFC Fighter Rankings

The UFC introduced a ranking chart in 2013 to determine the top fighters in each division. At first, this ranking was decided by UFC media members. The media members voted for fighters whom they believed to be the top fighters in each division and also the best pound-for-pound fighters. The only exception is the champion and interim champion, who are both considered the top fighters in each division and therefore are not eligible for voting by weight class.

However, they are voted for in the pound-for-pound ranking, as there is no other way to determine the best in this category. This was the process of determining the best fighters in each division until 2026, when the UFC system introduced the Meta UFC Rankings, an Elo-based mathematical model designed to prioritise objectivity through factors such as opponent quality, activity, and decay for long layoffs or outdated wins.

How a UFC Card Is Structured — and Why It Changes How You Bet

A UFC fight card has an average of 10-14 fights, but these fights are structured in order of importance, with the main event saved for last. Each card starts with the preliminaries, which are the fights that take place before the main card.

These fights are mostly for new fighters and are part of a UFC card to give the event depth and also build momentum. Also, the prelims give the new fighters experience under the bright lights without pushing them straight into the biggest broadcast slot.

The next card after the prelims is the fight before the main event of the night, which is mostly called the main prelims. This card can include ranked fighters, veterans and rising contenders, and it is also used as a build-up to the main event.

Following the main prelims, the next event on a typical UFC fight night is the main card, featuring the biggest names, strongest fights, co-main event and main event. However, there are always a few fights on this card before we get to the main event, which is always the final fight of the night.

How does the UFC decide the order of fights?

While rankings play a part in the order of fights, it is not the only thing the UFC takes a look at when scheduling a card. A fighter’s name, reputation, and the magnitude of the fight also play a role in determining the order of a fight.

For example, Conor McGregor or Jon Jones will always headline a UFC fight irrespective of their rankings. This is because they are the biggest stars and will draw more audience than a No. 2-ranked fighter still building his name.

UFC Fight Night vs numbered UFC cards

One thing to note here is that the numbered UFC cards are not the only UFC events, as there are other events too. While the numbered UFC cards are the major UFC events, the UFC also has what is called UFC Fight Night.

Unlike the numbered UFC cards, UFC Fight Night events are usually not staged in the big markets; rather, they are placed in a smaller arena or in a market the UFC wants to develop.

Also, there are no title fights on a UFC fight card, although the main event can produce the next title challenger. A pay-per-view prelim can launch a future champion. The label tells you the event type, but the fights still decide the story.

UFC PPV Economics — What the $7.7B Paramount+ Deal Changed

For a very long time, the UFC operated the pay-per-view model for all their fight events, especially the numbered UFC events. However, that all changed last year after the UFC sealed a $7.7 billion deal with Paramount+ to air all its events from 2026.

The seven-year deal, which is worth $1.1 billion annually, will see Paramount distribute 13 of its major events and 30 Fight Nights through its direct-to-consumer platform, Paramount+, with select events airing on CBS.

This means there will be no additional cost for fans who want to watch UFC numbered events, as long as they are subscribed to Paramount+. As a result, the PPV model was eliminated, with streaming viewership figures replacing pay-per-view numbers.

UFC Best Betting Markets at Housebets

Moneyline: This is the most popular market across all sports, and it is available in MMA as well. Here, you are betting on who will win the fight. E.g., you can bet on the UFC 333 main event winner between Alex Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev.

Method of Victory: This can also be called prop bets. In this type of bet, you are betting not just on the fighter to win but also on how he would win. You can choose win by points, technical knockout, knockout, submission or disqualification.

Number of Rounds: This is also known as over/under betting. Here, you can bet on whether the fight will go past three rounds if it is a title fight. You can read more on over/under betting here.

UFC Betting Tips and Strategies

  • Make sure you do your research on both fighters before placing your bets. Sometimes, a fighter might carry an unspecified injury into a fight, which could affect his performance.
  • Ensure you find out the venue of the fight and that the two fighters have performed at similar arenas. Lights may be too bright for some fighters.
  • In combat sports, styles make fights. You must study the fighting style of both fighters before making your decision.
  • Control your betting. Do not go chasing losses. Set a budget for yourself and stick to it.

How do I bet on the UFC at Housebets?

You can place your bets on all UFC fights at Housebets. All you need to do is register and create an account at Housebets. Once you have done that, log in to your account and fund your account by depositing your preferred cryptocurrency into the account. After you have done that, go to the sports section, click on MMA, and choose the UFC to make your picks. 

How do I deposit my preferred cryptocurrency into my Housebets account?

If you are depositing cryptocurrency, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.

  1. Go to Housebets.com
  2. Log in to your account or sign up if you don't have an account
  3. Click on Deposit
  4. Click to view and select your preferred Cryptocurrency
  5. Choose your preferred Cryptocurrency and network
  6. Copy the wallet address or scan the QR code and transfer from your wallet. (There are three networks, so be sure to check carefully before transferring the funds.

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