Two operators that often get overlooked when MMA bettors are scanning their options are Fanatics Sportsbook and BetRivers. Neither carries the same marketing weight as DraftKings or FanDuel, but both are fully licensed, cover UFC cards, and deserve a closer look — especially if you already have an account at one of them for other sports. I've tracked my own UFC wagers across several books over the past couple of years, and the differences in market depth and line timing genuinely affect results, so picking the right platform matters more than casual bettors often realize.
What happened to PointsBet US, and how does Fanatics Sportsbook fit in?
Fanatics Sportsbook absorbed PointsBet US operations, inheriting its state licenses and customer base in the process. For MMA bettors, that transition means Fanatics is now a licensed option in multiple states and covers UFC events with standard moneyline, method-of-victory, and rounds markets. If you had a PointsBet account, the migration to Fanatics was essentially automatic. Whether you're new to the book or a converted PointsBet user, it's worth verifying your state's status before depositing — legal online sports betting, including MMA and UFC markets, is live in 38+ US states and Washington D.C. as of 2025, but availability still varies. Check out Where Is MMA Betting Legal in the US? State-by-State Overview to confirm your state before signing up.
What does BetRivers offer MMA bettors?
BetRivers is a licensed operator with MMA coverage that tends to attract bettors who prefer a straightforward interface without the promotional noise. In my experience using the platform around numbered UFC events, the odds are competitive enough on main-card moneylines, though the prop selection can be thinner than what you'd find at larger operators. If you're already using BetRivers for NBA or NFL, adding UFC to your rotation there is a natural fit rather than opening a brand-new account somewhere else.
How do the odds work at these books?
Both books use standard American moneyline format. A negative number shows the favorite — for example, -160 means you wager $160 to profit $100 — while a positive number shows the underdog, so +140 means a $100 bet returns $140 in profit. The sportsbook's built-in vig on standard MMA moneylines produces an effective hold of roughly 5–8% per side, which compounds painfully on parlays. For a full breakdown of how to read those numbers before you place anything, see How to Read UFC Fight Odds: American Moneylines Decoded.
How do Fanatics and BetRivers compare to the bigger UFC books?
| Feature | Fanatics Sportsbook | BetRivers |
|---|---|---|
| Background | Absorbed PointsBet US | Rush Street Gaming brand |
| UFC/MMA coverage | Yes — licensed, covers UFC events | Yes — licensed, MMA markets available |
| State availability | Multiple legal states | Multiple legal states |
| Official UFC partnership | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
If you want a deeper comparison against the operators that do hold official UFC partnerships, DraftKings vs FanDuel for UFC Betting: A Side-by-Side Comparison lays out those differences side by side. And for a broader view of where every major book stacks up, the full Best Sportsbooks for UFC Betting: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & More guide is the best starting point.
Should I worry about using unlicensed offshore books instead?
Unlicensed offshore sportsbooks operate entirely outside US state regulation, which means bettors have no legal recourse if winnings are withheld or accounts are frozen. Both Fanatics and BetRivers are state-licensed operators, so your funds and bets fall under regulatory oversight — a meaningful distinction that offshore sites simply cannot offer. Stick to licensed books regardless of which one you choose.
21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.