In the high-stakes world of combat sports, betting has always been an interconnected part of the culture. From fans placing wagers on title fights to casual viewers backing underdogs, gambling adds another layer of excitement to already intense match-ups. But an interesting question that often pops up is — can fighters themselves legally bet on their own fights? The answer isn’t completely straightforward and largely depends on the sport’s regulatory body, gambling laws, and specific ethical codes.

In most combat sports, betting on yourself to win is generally permitted as long as it does not violate any local laws or promotion-specific rules. Promotions like the UFC and boxing commissions usually allow fighters to legally place wagers on themselves to win, provided that the bet is properly disclosed and made through a licensed sportsbook. The logic behind this is that an athlete naturally has incentive to win anyway, so betting in favour of themselves isn’t viewed as compromising the integrity of the contest.

SHOP: The Kickboxer Collection

However, betting on yourself to lose or purposely manipulating outcomes is strictly illegal. Any evidence of intentionally throwing a bout for financial gain will be treated as corruption, punishable by lengthy suspensions, heavy fines, and even criminal charges depending on the jurisdiction. Similarly, betting on other outcomes like method of victory or specific round stoppages can be considered grey areas due to the possibility of influencing how the fight unfolds, which some commissions discourage.

It’s also important to note that fighters are usually banned from betting against opponents in the same card, as insider information on injuries or game plans could present an unfair advantage. Due to growing concerns over potential match-fixing, many promotions now impose stricter rules — for example, the UFC’s updated gambling policy prohibits fighters and their close associates from betting on any UFC fight at all.

In summary, while betting on oneself to win has historically been legal and accepted in combat sports, the landscape is changing fast. Fighters must follow local gambling laws and respect promotion-specific guidelines — otherwise, what appears to be innocent self-belief could land them in serious trouble.

READ MORE: Kickboxing Fighter Moisés Baute Arrested After Body Found in Car Outside Police Station