FanDuel Sportsbook Among Operators Getting Most Out Of Michigan Bettors In Boxing, MMA

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Written By Nolan Bianchi on October 22, 2021
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An immersive betting experience is what truly excites sports bettors in Michigan when it comes to boxing and UFC gambling. Whether it’s a risk-free bet or boosted odds, everyone loves a good promo.

FanDuel is the standout sportsbook among all others.

Michigan the top UFC betting market in the USA for FanDuel

FanDuel Michigan has established The Great Lakes State as the top destination for boxing gambling, while also securing the state’s fourth-highest handle in UFC.

When it comes to sports betting, Michigan’s numbers for boxing and UFC through DraftKings Sportsbook place it among the top 5 states. However, it falls significantly behind New Jersey in terms of overall betting activity. In terms of UFC, Michigan ranks 8th through BetMGM Sportsbook and 11th for boxing. Its position through PointsBet Sportsbook is considered average or “in the middle of the pack.”

FanDuel’s success can be attributed to a straightforward strategy. By leveraging their physical presence in MotorCity Casino, they have found a unique way to entice customers with an unparalleled viewing experience, ultimately ensuring their loyalty and repeat visits.

According to Kevin Hennessy, a spokesperson for FanDuel, the popularity of boxing in Michigan can be attributed significantly to the vibrant atmosphere we create on Fight Night at the FanDuel Sportsbook located in MotorCity Casino.

Fight nights create an electrifying atmosphere in sportsbooks, providing an exceptional experience whether it’s a high-profile boxing match such as Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury or a star-studded UFC event. These evenings bring the retail experience of sports betting to life.

Celebrity boxers infuse new interest in betting action

Boxing, once overshadowed by the rise of UFC as the dominant combat sport, is now experiencing a resurgence. The emergence of celebrity fighters like Jake Paul has injected a substantial amount of money into boxing gambling, igniting a renewed interest in the sport.

According to Michael Korn from PointsBet, Conor McGregor is undoubtedly the fighter with the highest popularity. However, the emergence of Jake Paul this year has sparked increased interest in boxing among many individuals and bettors. Korn believes that Jake Paul’s events will draw a larger audience compared to the Fury-Wilder fights, indicating the growing popularity of betting on the sport.

While McGregor may attract the most attention from bettors, the UFC surpasses boxing in generating interest for entire fight cards. Week after week, fights featuring both men and women receive consistent recognition.

Boxing does not follow the same principle.

Johnny Avello, the director of race and sportsbook operations at DraftKings, stated that women do not take a subordinate position to men in UFC fighting, even if it is considered a secondary event.

If there is a middle-of-the-road event included in the card, it will have a similar impact as any men’s event that is also mixed in the middle.

UFC-to-boxing ratio explains some fighters’ moves to MMA

The reason why Flint boxer Claressa Shields, despite her impressive in-ring achievements, is considering transitioning to mixed martial arts becomes apparent. Despite lacking significant national recognition, she sees the potential in this new venture.

At the age of 24, Shields built her brand on the belief of combating gender inequality within the realm of boxing, and her accomplishments served as solid proof. She earned the title of the quickest triple-division champion in boxing history. By the time she turned 25 in March, Shields achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first world champion boxer to hold undisputed titles in two different weight divisions simultaneously.

Shields is scheduled to have her second mixed martial arts fight on October 27, organized by the Professional Fighters League. While seeking a fresh challenge may be one motive behind her transition to MMA, financial incentives also play a significant role.

In the past year alone, BetMGM has received seven times more bets on UFC compared to boxing.

According to Avello from DraftKings, women’s boxing has never truly gained significant attention compared to UFC. The reason behind this disparity remains unknown. It is possible that women’s boxing was not extensively promoted, unlike the UFC women’s division.