Combat Sports and Betting: What are the Popular Options?
Fighting styles and martial arts are an integral part of human history. For as long as humanity has been around two things have remained constant: we love, and we fight. Naturally, cultures have created and more efficient ways to fight. But, when fighting is unnecessary, fighters still need to make a living. Thus, combat sports were born.
Over the years, the popularity of specific combat sports has waxed and waned. However, one thing has remained true throughout the ages; combat sports of some kind have always been popular. In 2023, that is no different. In this article, we would like to explore what the most popular combat sports are, and whether you can bet on them. Without further ado, let us delve into it.
Boxing
Likely the most popular combat sport in the world today, boxing attracts a huge amount of fans and practitioners. Boxing gyms around the world are full of prospective boxers, amateurs, and those who just want to blow off some steam.
It doesn’t end there, however. A lot of boxing fans frequent some of the most popular sports betting websites. For example, Novibet covers a lot of the latest and greatest boxing matches. They have fair odds, an excellent website layout, and some cool bonuses to go along with your betting.
The reason for boxing’s incredible popularity on the betting circuit has to do with its long history. Boxing is one of the first, if not the first striking martial art, upon which all striking is built on. With a 5000-year-long history, it is no surprise that the combat sport has endured where others may have veined.
Mixed Martial Arts
MMA is the rising star in combat sports. It would be wrong to say that MMA is a “new sport.” However, it is also not the whole truth to say that MMA is ancient. Indeed, from the oldest human civilizations, fighters have been mixing and matching fighting styles to create something new. However, MMA in its current incarnation is an invention of the 20th century. In the 21st century, MMA truly began to shine. Fighters like Conor McGregor and Rhonda Rousey are international superstars, and even some casual fans will know names like Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, and the famous Gracie family. Due to the popularity of the sport, it has become a significant draw at most online sports betting websites.
Thousands, if not millions of dollars go into MMA betting annually, making it one of the biggest combat sports, and among one of the most popular betting sports in general.
WWE
The inclusion of the WWE may blur the line of combat sports and entertainment. But we feel that makes sense for an organization that does the same thing. As many of you may know, WWE is the biggest pro wrestling organization in the world. Which means, it is difficult to call it “combat sports.” However, it is sports-based entertainment, built around fighting.
But, how can you bet on something that is pre-determined? Simple, rather than basing the odds on simply athleticism, sportsbooks take into account things like fandom, popularity, dramatic tension, story beats, and other things that go into telling a story. In doing so, they create an alternate, and truly fascinating way to bet.