UFC fights are very popular to bet on. The build up to each fight and the edge that sharp bettors can find make UFC cards some of the most popular events to bet on, and California, home to a large share of the sport’s fan base, is no exception.
On this page we explain the current status of sports betting in California, the options Californians have for betting on the UFC, how the most popular UFC bets work, and a general step by step guide to getting started.
Is Sports Betting Legal in California?
No. California does not have legal, state-regulated sports betting, either online or in person. Two ballot measures to legalize sports betting, Propositions 26 and 27, were both rejected by voters in 2022, no measure qualified for the 2026 ballot, and 2028 is now seen as the earliest realistic window for another vote. Check out our California sports betting section for more on the law in California.
Where Can Californians Bet On The UFC?
- Prediction markets. Platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket offer contracts on UFC fights under federal CFTC oversight and are available in California, though their legal status is being challenged in several states.
- Neighboring states. Nevada, home to the UFC’s headquarters in Las Vegas, and Arizona both have licensed sportsbooks that take bets on UFC fights. You must be physically located in that state to place a bet, and be 21 or older.
- Offshore sportsbooks. Offshore sites licensed outside the United States accept California residents, but they aren’t licensed or regulated by any US state, so there is no state regulator to turn to if there is a dispute over a bet or a withdrawal.
UFC Betting Options
The most popular type of UFC wager is simply betting on which athlete will win the fight. Here’s a look at the odds from the UFC 326 main event between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira:
In this example, Max Holloway is the favorite, so you would have to risk $220 on Holloway to win $100. Charles Oliveira is the underdog at odds of +180, so a $100 bet on Oliveira would win $180.
As long as the fighter has his hand raised after the fight, whether by decision, knockout, submission or disqualification, a bet on that fighter is a winner.
There are also several prop bets you can make on a UFC event:
- Total Rounds – An over/under bet on the length of the fight in rounds.
- Method Of Victory – A bet on which fighter will win plus how they will win. For example, you could bet on Holloway to win by knockout.
- Round Betting – A bet on which fighter will win plus which round they will win in. For example, you could bet on Holloway to win in round 2.
Check out our UFC betting guide for a further breakdown of these betting options.
How To Bet On The UFC From California – Step By Step
- Choose an option. Prediction markets are available in California, or you can bet at a licensed sportsbook in a neighboring state such as Nevada or Arizona.
- Check the age and location rules. Most prediction markets require you to be 18, while licensed sportsbooks require you to be 21 and physically in the state where they’re licensed.
- Create and verify your account with your legal name, date of birth and address.
- Fund your account using one of the platform’s payment methods, and check how withdrawals work before you deposit.
- Find the fight and place your bet, checking the odds and potential payout before you confirm.
- Set limits. Decide on a budget and stick to it. If betting stops being fun, help is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.
If you’re new to betting, our betting guide section has more articles to help you get started.
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