What is a Point Spread?
A handicap applied to even out the matchup between a favorite and an underdog.
Point Spreads Explained
A point spread is a handicap that sportsbooks apply to a sporting event to create a more even betting market. The favorite must win by more than the spread, while the underdog can lose by less than the spread (or win outright) and still "cover."
While point spreads are the dominant bet type in football and basketball, they're less common in combat sports. In MMA and boxing, the moneyline is the primary market.
Spreads in Combat Sports
In combat sports, "spread" betting typically takes the form of round betting rather than traditional point spreads:
- Over/Under Rounds — Bet on whether the fight goes over or under a set number of rounds (e.g., Over/Under 2.5 rounds)
- Method of Victory — Bet on how the fight ends (KO/TKO, Submission, Decision)
Some sportsbooks do offer MMA point spreads based on judge scorecards, but this is rare and mainly applies to fights expected to go the distance.
When Point Spreads Apply
Point spreads in boxing work differently than team sports:
- A boxer might be favored by -2.5 points on the scorecards
- This means they need to win by at least 3 points on the judges' cards for the spread bet to win
- This only pays out if the fight goes to decision
For most MMA and boxing bettors, the moneyline and totals (over/under rounds) are more practical than point spreads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do MMA fights have point spreads?
Rarely. Most MMA betting focuses on moneylines, totals (over/under rounds), and method of victory props. Some books offer round-by-round scoring spreads, but they're not widely available.
What does -1.5 mean in boxing?
A -1.5 spread in boxing means the favored fighter needs to win the fight on the judges' scorecards by at least 2 points. This bet only applies if the fight goes the full distance to a decision.