Top Five Legal Bookmakers for UFC/MMA Betting
If you’re looking for safe and legal options to bet on UFC in South Africa, these are the bookmakers worth considering.
Betway
| PROS |
CONS |
- Big UFC/MMA section with pre-match and in-play bets
- Cash Out on eligible markets, including live fights
- Fast, simple mobile betting
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- Fewer niche MMA props than some global books
- Same-fight builders are not as broad as in soccer
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Betway is an international bookmaker licensed in South Africa since 2016. It features wagers on over 25 sports markets and has become a favorite among UFC fans. The platform covers a wide range of UFC fights, including major events and Fight Night main events. Users can choose from simple options such as outright winner and total rounds, or explore advanced ones like method of victory and round betting.
UFC isn’t the only fighting action on Betway. The site also includes a section for MMA, where users can find smaller promotions and regional matchups. Although it provides limited props for MMA, there’s still enough depth for those who follow mixed martial arts beyond the UFC stage.
Betway offers in-play coverage with real-time updates. Speed can vary by event. Cash Out is available on eligible markets for those who want to secure returns or cut losses before the fight ends. The feature works quickly when available, especially during live fights as odds move.
The platform is built for mobile use, with iOS and Android apps that provide the same experience as the desktop version. On Android, the app is installed via APK from the Betway ZA website. Whether placing quick UFC wagers or checking MMA odds on the move, everything runs efficiently.
Users can fund their accounts or withdraw winnings using local options like Ozow, bank cards, OTT Voucher, EFT bank transfer, MTN Mobile Money, and others. Withdrawals typically take between two and five business days.
New customers can get a 125% Extra Bet up to R1,000 on their first deposit (check current terms).
Betway’s Bet Builder is available on selected pre-match events. UFC availability can vary, and it isn’t eligible for Cash Out.
It’s a trustworthy bookie with strong coverage of combat sports and practical tools for South African punters who enjoy UFC and MMA events.
Hollywoodbets
| PROS |
CONS |
- Online plus nationwide retail betting shops for cash deposits and withdrawals
- Regular UFC previews and tips on the Hollywoodbets blog
- Main fight markets (moneyline, totals, method/round)
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- Busy interface can slow navigation on fight night
- UFC-specific promos are less frequent than for mainstream local sports
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If you want more access than just a website and a mobile app for your UFC wagers, Hollywoodbets is a great choice. It operates over 50 physical branches across South Africa’s nine provinces. This makes it a practical choice for anyone who prefers handling transactions in person alongside online wagering.
When it comes to UFC, you won’t be disappointed. Hollywoodbets covers major events like UFC Fight Nights, title bouts, and Bellator cards. The platform offers the main fight markets such as moneyline, total rounds, and round/result combos. The selection isn’t as deep as some bookmakers, but it provides enough options for casual fans and those following big-name fights.
In addition to the odds, Hollywoodbets is unique for its steady UFC coverage through its blog. It posts previews, fight breakdowns, and odds analysis before major cards. The guides often include useful tips, which make it a handy resource for punters who like reading expert opinions before placing a wager.
Hollywoodbets accepts a wide range of payment methods, including Peach Payments (credit card and Instant EFT), direct EFT, SID EFT, PayFast, Apple Pay, etc. It also supports cryptocurrency transactions, which is rare among local bookmakers and a plus for digital wallet users. Deposits start from R1 and withdrawals from R100, depending on the chosen method.
The site doesn’t have live streaming for fights, so you’ll need to watch elsewhere while tracking results. Advanced features like detailed props and bet builders are also missing. In addition, Hollywoodbets doesn’t have any promotions available for new or existing users, which makes it less suitable for those looking for extra bonuses. Even so, its retail network, steady UFC coverage, and simple banking options make it a reliable choice for South Africans who want both online and in-person access to UFC and MMA events.
World Sports Betting
| PROS |
CONS |
- Dedicated MMA section with regular UFC previews on the WSB news site
- Cash Out on selected markets; status shown under “My Bets"
- Clear layout of main props (method, round, totals)
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- Smaller market coverage compared to the two leading brands
- Exotic props can be limited
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If you want more access than just a website and a mobile app for your UFC wagers, Hollywoodbets is a great choice. It runs a nationwide branch network across all nine provinces. This makes it a practical choice for anyone who prefers handling transactions in person alongside online wagering.
When it comes to UFC, you won’t be disappointed. Hollywoodbets covers major events. The platform offers the main fight markets such as moneyline, total rounds, and round/result combos. The selection isn’t as deep as some bookmakers, but it provides enough options for casual fans and those following big-name fights.
In addition to the odds, Hollywoodbets is unique for its steady UFC coverage through its blog. It posts previews, fight breakdowns, and odds analysis before major fights. The guides often include useful tips, which make it a handy resource for punters who like reading expert opinions before placing a wager.
Hollywoodbets accepts a wide range of payment methods, including Peach Payments (credit card and Instant EFT), direct EFT, SID EFT, PayFast, Apple Pay, etc. You can also deposit with cryptocurrency via supported partners, but KYC still applies. Deposits can start from about R1 via OwnPay Instant EFT, while other methods may have higher minimums. Withdrawals generally start from R100.
The site doesn’t have live streaming for fights, so you’ll need to watch elsewhere while tracking results.
Bet Builder is offered on selected sports (mainly soccer) and is not generally available for UFC/MMA.
Promotions are available and change regularly. UFC-specific offers may be limited. Even so, its retail network, steady UFC coverage, and simple banking options make it a reliable choice for South Africans who want both online and in-person access to UFC and MMA events.
Sportingbet
| PROS |
CONS |
- Excellent coverage of combat sports with a wide range of props at major UFC cards
- Cash Out tools are well documented. Auto Cash Out and Partial are promoted
- Edit My Bet / Build-a-Bet available on selected events
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- Local promos and payments can feel less aggressive than SA-first brands
- Bet Builder and some specials may not be available for every UFC fight
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Sportingbet is an international bookmaker that has built a strong local presence in South Africa.
It covers a wide range of UFC events, including Fight Nights and main PPV shows, and, when available, other series like Contender or The Ultimate Fighter. The site offers multiple ways to stake, from standard win or total rounds to more advanced markets. You can also explore futures and specials such as quick-finish markets when available. Sportingbet is known for competitive odds on popular UFC fights. Margins vary by event.
It features a Build-a-Bet tool on selected events that lets users combine selections from the same fight to create custom wagers (availability for UFC can vary).
The Cash Out feature is also available on eligible markets, giving you the option to secure a return before the final outcome, but availability depends on the market.
If you’re new to UFC betting, Sportingbet’s blog is worth checking out. It regularly posts previews and insights on upcoming fights, breaking down odds and fight styles. This helps users understand match dynamics before making any picks.
New users can claim up to R3,000 across their first three deposits (100% on the first, 50% on the second, and 75% on the third). Offers can change, so check current terms.
Transactions are supported through bank cards, Flash 1Voucher, and EFT, with minimum deposits depending on the method. For example, Instant EFT can start around R10. Withdrawals typically from R50–R100, depending on the method.
The platform doesn’t run many promotions tied to UFC, as most offers lean toward soccer. Its bet builder is also limited for UFC matches, so customization options aren’t as wide as in other sports. Still, with its strong fight coverage, competitive pricing, and reliable cash out tools, Sportingbet remains a practical choice for South Africans interested in UFC and other combat sports.
SunBet
| PROS |
CONS |
- Trusted brand with clear rules and helpful UFC guides
- Pre-match and live Cash Out on selected events; singles and multiples supported
- Clean presentation of main UFC markets
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- Less hype in the mass market than Betway or Hollywoodbets
- Fewer fight-specific promos and thinner alt-props outside PPV cards
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SunBet is an online bookmaker owned by Sun International, one of South Africa’s largest hospitality and casino groups. Its reputation for reliability and compliance has made it a trusted name in the local gambling scene.
The site features a dedicated MMA and UFC section that’s easy to navigate, with fights from top UFC and other MMA events when available. The UFC options include standard fight markets as well as parlays for those who want to combine multiple outcomes. You can also stake on some fight statistics when available (for example, round outcomes). One of SunBet’s standout points is its early line release. It sometimes posts early odds. Look for the “Unconfirmed Fights” section, and note that timing varies by event.
Beyond MMA, SunBet covers around 30 other sports, including soccer, cricket, and Esports, and occasionally pro-wrestling events when listed. It also features fantasy sports, adding another layer of entertainment for users who enjoy tracking athlete performance beyond real matches.
Deposits and withdrawals are supported through Visa, MasterCard, and EFT, with both minimums set at R50. Transactions are typically fast, but timing depends on the method, and the platform provides clear rules and guides for new users to understand how fight wagering works.
Its main downsides are tied to its smaller focus on the broader sports crowd. SunBet doesn’t generate the same buzz as more mass-market brands like Betway or Hollywoodbets, and its fight-related promotions are rare. The range of prop or alternative markets can also be thin outside of major pay-per-view events. Despite this, its strong UFC coverage, early odds, and dependable reputation make it a steady option for South Africans who value reliability and structure in their fight wagering experience.
10bet
| PROS |
CONS |
- Modern, clear interface for mobile devices
- Cash Out on selected pre-match and live markets
- Wide payment options, including vouchers (OTT/1Voucher), Ozow/EFT, cards, and crypto via partners
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- The width of betting markets on MMA varies depending on the event
- No retail network
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10bet is an excellent bookmaker with a well-designed interface that’s quick to navigate, especially on mobile.
It offers strong UFC coverage, including Fight Nights, title events, and Contender Series. Lines are posted before matchday. Timing can vary by event, and the odds are competitive across most major matchups. 10bet sometimes runs boosted odds on selected headline fights, giving users more value on big UFC cards.
The site supports Cash Out on selected pre-match and live markets (Singles & Combos, Systems excluded), so you can take control of your wagers before a fight ends. Partial or Auto Cash Out are not advertised for sports in South Africa.
It also has mobile apps for iOS and Android (via APK) that give access to all features without needing a desktop.
Deposit minimums depend on the method (often from about R10, but some vouchers from about R5). Withdrawals typically start from R50–R300 depending on the method, and crypto limits vary. Supported options include OTT Voucher, 1Voucher, Ozow Instant EFT, bank cards, and cryptocurrencies via partners.
For sports, new customers can get a 50% Free Bet up to R500 on the first deposit (check current terms). A separate casino offer of 100% up to R3,000 may apply. The 10% weekly cashback (up to R1,000) is promotion-based and may change, so check if it’s active.
The main drawback is that 10bet doesn’t offer many advanced prop markets, which limits options for deep statistical wagers. It’s also not ideal for punters who prefer a mix of online and physical retail experiences since it operates fully online.