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April 1, 2025

Ultimate Guide on How to Bet on the Professional Fighters League (PFL)

Betting on sports like MMA can feel frustrating when fights are spaced out by months. That’s why the Professional Fighters League (PFL) has revolutionized the sport with its unique “sports-season” format, launched in 2018. The PFL delivers non-stop action with a season-long competition, across 6 franchises in 2025, giving fans plenty of opportunities to watch their favorite fighters go head-to-head in back-to-back matchups.

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New Player Sign Up Bonuses

Available In Your Area

operator logo
DraftKings
BET $5 ON PFL, GET $200
Claim Now
operator logo
FanDuel
BET $5 ON PFL, GET $250
Claim Now
operator logo
Caesars
GET UP TO $1000 IN BONUS BETS
Claim Now
Terms and Conditions Apply. See Details Below.

TL;DR - Betting on Professional Fighters League

TL;DR stands for "Too Long; Didn't Read"
Get the key points in a fraction of the time.

  • Understanding PFL Betting

    • In 2025, the PFL continues to innovate with its unique championship format, offering fighters a clear path to the title and setting itself apart from traditional MMA promotions

    • Common bet types include moneyline, over/under rounds, and method of victory (KO, submission, decision).
  • Choosing a Sportsbook
    • Look for reputable sportsbooks offering PFL markets (e.g., DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel).
    • Check for bonuses, competitive odds, and live betting options.
  • Key Betting Strategies
    • Research fighters’ past performance, especially in PFL’s unique playoff format.
    • Consider prop bets (e.g., “Fight to Go the Distance”) for added value.
  • Live Betting Tips
    • Watch fights live to spot momentum shifts for in-play wagers.
    • Be cautious with live odds—they can change rapidly based on fight dynamics.
  • Managing Your Bankroll
    • Set a budget and avoid chasing losses with reckless bets.
    • Stick to a staking plan (e.g., 1-5% of bankroll per bet) for long-term success.

For betting enthusiasts, this format means more chances to get involved and place wagers on numerous scheduled fights throughout the season. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just starting out, NXTbets has you covered with all the essential insights and updates to make smart, confident PFL betting decisions. Stay tuned and get ready to make your move!

Understanding the Professional Fighters League

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) continues to surge in popularity, with approximately 1.2 million participants competing in the US as of 2023, according to Statista. At the forefront of this explosive growth is the Professional Fighters League (PFL) – a groundbreaking force in the world of MMA.

What sets the PFL apart is its innovative season-based format, similar to major league sports like the NFL or NBA. Unlike traditional MMA organizations that rely on match-making, the PFL’s structured approach features a regular season, playoffs, and a championship, giving fighters a clear path to success. This system not only empowers fighters but also makes the PFL a compelling choice for sports bettors. With consistent form and momentum being key to victory, fans can make more informed predictions and truly engage with the action.

Step-by-Step Guide on Betting on the PFL

Being a fairly new sport in the betting industry, the PFL requires proper prior planning. We could say watching and understanding the game is enough, but you need more than that to enhance your betting journey and subsequently win your bets. 

Here is an overview of what you must do to increase your chances of prevailing in PFL betting:

Choose a Reputable Sportsbook

The first step is selecting a reputable sportsbook that offers comprehensive MMA betting options. Not all betting platforms provide extensive coverage of PFL events, so it’s crucial to find a site that not only includes the league but also offers competitive odds and diverse bet types. The best sportsbooks will feature betting lines for PFL World Tournament, Champions Series and International Leagues, along with special markets for the PFL Super Fights.

Another characteristic that entices most punters is bonuses and promotions, these range from sign-up bonuses to free bets and enhanced odds for top-flight fights. Wouldn’t you want a sportsbook that eases the burden on your finances while maximizing your potential winning payouts?

Other factors you should also consider include:

  • Live betting capabilities
  • Security and licensing status
  • Ease of deposits and withdrawals

Understand PFL Betting Markets

The most common betting trend in combat sports like MMA is punters wagering on either the projected winners or their favorite fighters. If you are going to stick to such a trend, then you should pick the right PFL betting markets. Here are some of the options you can consider:

Moneyline

This is the most straightforward and popular betting market where you just choose the fight winner. For instance, if a fight is set between Brendan Loughnane and a rising contender in the featherweight division, sportsbooks will assign odds based on each fighter’s previous performances, strengths, and weaknesses. Loughnane, a former PFL champion, might be a slight favorite against an untested opponent, but factors like recent form and fighting style could also influence betting lines.

Method of Victory

You can also explore the method of victory market, in which you bet on whether a fighter will win by decision, knockout (KO), or submission. This bet becomes particularly intriguing in matchups like a potential showdown between heavy-handed striker Renan Ferreira and a grappling specialist.

On the other hand, if Ferreira faces a submission ace such as Valentin Moldavsky, you must analyze whether Ferreira’s knockout power can secure an early finish or if Moldavsky’s ground control could lead to a submission victory.

Round Betting

This market allows you to bet on whether a fight will end over or under a specific number of rounds. In matchups featuring aggressive finishers–such as a lightweight clash between Clay Collard and Shane Burgos, both known for their high-pressure fighting styles–betting on the fight to end under 2.5 rounds might offer strong value. However, a tactical fight between two durable competitors where you are anticipating a longer battle could favor an over bet.

Prop Bets

In this market, you get to bet on specific outcomes occurring during a fight. These can include outcomes like:

  • A fighter winning in Round 1
  • Predicting the fastest knockout of the night
  • Whether a bout will be stopped due to a doctor’s intervention

If Thiago Santos, known for his knockout power, is set to face an opponent with a questionable chin, a first-round KO prop bet could be a lucrative option.

Futures Betting

Here you get to focus on potential long-term outcomes, such as predicting the eventual PFL champion in a given weight class. At the beginning of a PFL season, sportsbooks offer odds on each fighter’s chances of winning the championship. These odds fluctuate as the season progresses based on the fighters’ form and performances. You can consider betting on underdogs before they gain momentum since their odds are usually inflated at the start of the season.

Analyze Fighters and Matchups

Statistics and matchup dynamics are essential in any combat sport. They influence, to some extent, how you will stack up your betslip. Unlike other MMA organizations, where fighters may be inactive for months while waiting for the right opportunity, PFL competitors must fight multiple times within a season. This makes factors like endurance, recovery, and weight cuts even more significant than in traditional promotions. A fighter who struggles to make weight early in the season may experience diminishing returns in later rounds.

You should also evaluate striking and grappling stats to get a clear picture of how a fight might unfold. If a matchup features a striker like Sadibou Sy against a grappler like Magomed Magomedkerimov, metrics such as takedown defense, striking accuracy, and ground control time can help you predict which fighter has the stylistic advantage.

Understand the Odds and Place Your Bet

Once you have assessed the matchups and settled on a betting market, the next step is understanding how to calculate potential payouts. In most sportsbooks, American odds are the standard, meaning favorites have a negative number (-150), while underdogs have a positive number (+200). A -150 favorite requires a $150 bet to win $100, whereas a +200 underdog would return $200 on a $100 wager. With this information, you can then determine how much money you want to stake on the fights.

Where to Bet on the Professional Fighters League

If you are looking to bet on the Professional Fighters League events, DraftKings stands out as a top choice for both amateur and beginner bettors. It offers comprehensive betting options, including moneyline bets, method of victory, round betting, prop bets, and even futures wagers on potential PFL champions. The platform also makes it easy to access PFL events–you can either search directly for a fighter’s name or event or navigate through the categorized sports list to locate upcoming PFL fights.
Here is what you need to do to create a DraftKings account:
  1. Visit the platform through NXTbets to get a welcome bonus and other bet bonuses & promotions.
  2. Click sign up and choose a sportsbook in the products popup.
  3. Fill in your personal identification details to create an account.
  4. If prompted, verify your identity by providing your full legal name, social security number, and date of birth.
  5. You must confirm your physical location

Strategies for Betting on the Professional Fighters League

You need a strategic approach that goes beyond picking a fight winner when betting on the Professional Fighters League. It requires participants to maintain peak performance throughout multiple fights. This makes research, statistical analysis, and timing crucial for making informed bets.

Here are some of the best strategies you can adopt:

Researching Fighters and Matchups

One of the most important factors in PFL betting is analyzing fighter performance over time. A fighter may start strong in the early rounds but struggle later due to repeated weight cuts or accumulated damage. You must also assess a fighter’s strengths and weaknesses in comparison to their opponent. If a fighter excels in wrestling but struggles with striking defense, they may be vulnerable against an elite stand-up fighter.

Understanding Fight Statistics and Metrics

Statistics such as striking accuracy, takedown defense, submission attempts, and overall control time can help gauge a fighter’s performance in different scenarios. For example, if a fighter has a high takedown accuracy but faces an opponent with elite takedown defense, their primary weapon may be neutralized.

Spotting Betting Value and Line Movements

One of the most underrated aspects of successful PFL betting is identifying mispriced odds and understanding line movements. Oddsmakers set initial betting lines based on a fighter’s reputation, past performances, and public perception, but these lines can shift as more bets come in. You must look for situations where a fighter is undervalued due to a misleading record or an overlooked advantage based on the fighting styles.

Tips for Successful PFL Betting

You must be able to adapt continuously to maximize your profits from PFL betting. This includes staying updated on fighter conditions, controlling your bankroll, and using the live betting feature when necessary.

Following PFL News and Fighter Updates

Injuries, training camps, and weight cuts are important in determining a fighter’s performance, and in turn influencing betting odds. You must follow PFL news keenly and track interviews, social media updates, and official weigh-in reports to spot potential loopholes before placing any bets.

Managing Your Bankroll Effectively

It is easy to let personal bias overshadow logic when you have fight favorites in the PFL. However, you must never allow this cloud your judgment when placing bets—avoid emotional betting. Losing a bet should not lead to reckless wagers in an attempt to recover losses. 

Utilizing Live Betting for PFL Fights

If you are watching a fight and you believe that the underdog stands a chance against the veterans or former PFL champions, rush to the sportsbooks’ website or app and place a bet. Sometimes, the sportsbooks fail to adjust the odds quickly enough when an underdog is clearly outstriking his opponent in the first round.

Team changes

The excitement that surrounds the Professional Fighters League is undeniable. With high stakes in every fight, every punch counts, and anyone can rise to the championship glory. Your glory at the end of the season, as a punter, is ensuring that you win lots of cash from the season-long bets. But just like in the fighting cage, responsible betting requires strategy, discipline, and control.

At NXTbets, we believe that in analysis-backed bets. Ready to take your PFL betting game to the next level? Subscribe to our newsletter today for expert analysis, exclusive betting tips, and the latest odds!