While 2020 was challenging for many, it was a most advantageous year for the UFC. Practicing the traits that make a world-class mixed martial artist, UFC President Dana White used precision focus, unrelenting forward pressure and pure tenacity to get his organization not only up and running productions but presenting them in a safe, healthy environment for his crew, his athletes and especially the support people, who were able to work and earn through this most arduous period.
This was the year the UFC established itself as a force in the sports betting world. I believe the foundation it has built will serve as a springboard for more growth and popularity in 2021.
In 2020, favorites in UFC bouts won at a rate of 64.5%, which is quite similar to the last several years. In 2017, favorites won 65.9% of the time. In 2018, it was 65.4%. And in 2019, it was 63.2%.
Insight the Octagon pumped out more releases in 2020 than anticipated because the UFC was the only bettable sport available to the masses in May, June and July besides horses, overseas basketball and baseball and Russian table tennis.
With the spotlight on the UFC, we decided to take advantage by highlighting more fights per card. The effort proved worthwhile, as fans flocked to Point Spread Weekly to take in profitable UFC positions.
Overall, my intention is to limit releases, for I find that selectivity increases winning percentages and therefore the bottom line. This year, despite the increase in releases, Insight the Octagon’s profitability was exemplary:
— 2020 final win percentage was 41-29 (58.6%).
— 2020 net profit earned was + 20.77 units (average winning position of + 121).
We now turn the page to 2021.
Readers can rely on Insight the Octagon adhering to the same focus and tenacity that these amazing athletes practice in the cage while remaining diligent in releasing only positions that offer market advantage.
A glimpse into 2021 shows that January will present fight enthusiasts with two outstanding cards scheduled for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. UFC Fight Night on Jan. 16, which is the NFL playoffs divisional weekend, has an outstanding main event featuring featherweight contender and ex-champion Max Holloway -185 facing challenger Calvin Kattar + 160.
Most of the remaining bouts on this slate are still being solidified, but one fight I have already invested in is Tom Breese -125 against Omari Akhmedov + 115, which reflects opening odds. Breese -130 is the current price, and I think he’ll end up closing -150 to -165.
I advise taking Breese -130 now. This will be an official release come mid-January.
Finally, I want to thank all the readers and Twitter supporters. Teaching people through live example how to effectively run a business based on sports gaming is my passion, and I look forward to continuing to share my ways and means with any enthusiast willing to take a long-term approach to deriving profit from the UFC.