Fighting has always played a huge role in human history. One could argue that, even before we were humans, we were developing different ways to fight, just for the purpose of survival. Of course, as soon as civilizations began to form, fighting styles became more than just tools for survival. People began developing combat sports for fun, self-improvement, warfare, and self-defense.
Many of these fighting styles have been honed and endured throughout the ages, and are still practiced today. Others, have changed, and evolved to resemble something completely different from where it started. In either case, one thing is certain, combat sports play a huge role in the betting world.
Betting on Combat Sports
There has always been a massive sports betting industry backing the world of combat sports. From gladiatorial combat, to medieval jousting matches, to boxing championships today, combat sports have always received massive coverage.
Of course, in 2023, betting is more sophisticated than ever before. In large part, we can attribute this to online sportsbooks. It may excite you to learn that an online betting site like Novibet pays very close attention to the most popular fighting competitions, and even some of the less popular ones. They set up odds, review stats, and often even stream the fights.
But, what are the most popular combat sports to bet on? In this article, we are going to attempt to answer this question, to the best of our ability.
Boxing
Boxing is the progenitor of all striking sports. The first recorded mention of boxing can be traced back to 6000 BC in Ancient Egypt. However, most historians believe it dates even further back than that. Today, boxing is the most popular combat sport, with matches watched by millions, and boxing gyms attended by hundreds of thousands of people.
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When it comes to sports betting, no combat sport comes close to boxing, except for maybe the next one on our list. The 20th century popularized boxing, and the industry never let up. Boxing matches get incredible viewership, and boxing matches are some of the most sold pay-per-view events of all time.
Mixed Martial Arts
Mixed Martial Arts gained prominence in the late 20th century, and has only been growing in popularity since. While boxing is still in the lead, many predict that MMA might overtake boxing as the top combat sport in the world.
Naturally, sports betting websites have hopped on the bandwagon. They cover all of the latest UFC events, but they also often pay attention to lesser-known MMA events. Undeniably though, the UFC is the main force behind the MMA world.
Pro Wrestling
While it is hard to call pro wrestling a sport, it is sport adjacent. The fighting styles are definitely inspired by real life wrestling. However, the story lines are all for pure entertainment. Many might wonder, if pro wrestling events are pre-scripted, how can you bet on them?
Well, it is simple. Sportsbooks judge Pro Wrestling events by different standards. Rather than solely focusing on athleticism, they also pay attention to dramatic tension, character progression, and wrestler popularity.
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