What Is the Cycle Parlay?

The Cycle Parlay takes inspiration from baseball’s “cycle,” where a player hits a single, double, triple, and home run in the same game—a rare feat that’s tough to pull off but unforgettable when it happens.

Similarly, this high-risk UFC betting strategy combines three outcomes—one decision, one knockout, and one submission—in a single event. It’s not for the faint of heart, but when it hits, the rewards are legendary.

  1. One fighter wins by decision
  2. Another wins by knockout
  3. A third wins by submission

Because the odds are so high, a small wager can turn into life-changing money if you nail all three predictions.

The $100,000 Payday at UFC 308

The Cycle Parlay reached legendary status when Matty Betss hit for $100,000 during UFC 308. Here’s how the magic happened:

  • Leg 1: Ismael Naurdiev – Decision – Ismael used his speed and takedowns to grind out a judge-approved victory.
  • Leg 2: Geoff Neal – Knockout – Geoff Neal was dominating, although the fight finished with an unfortunate injury to RDA.
  • Leg 3: Khamzat Chimaev – Submission – Chimaev forced his opponent to tap and broke his jaw in the process.

When that final leg hit, Matty turned $2,500 into $100,000, proving that sometimes, swinging for the fences pays off.

The Crushing Reality of the Cycle Parlay

The flip side of the Cycle Parlay? It’s brutal when it doesn’t hit. And boy, does it miss often.

UFC 309: A Tough Pill to Swallow

  • Eduardo Mora – Decision: Eduardo Moura did win by Decision.
  • Jim Miller – Knockout: Miller got a Submission, instead of knockout.
  • Jon Jones – Submission: Jones got a KO, instead of submission.

So close, yet so far.

Why Is It So Difficult?

The Cycle Parlay’s difficulty lies in predicting three distinct outcomes in one night. Fighters’ styles vary, and predicting how a fight will end isn’t easy. Plus, UFC fights often turn out to be unpredictable, with anything from last-minute knockouts to surprise submissions happening all the time. Hitting on all three outcomes in one parlay requires a deep understanding of the fighters and how they match up.

The Big Reward

Despite how tough it is, the Cycle Parlay’s potential rewards make it worth the risk. By combining different fight outcomes, the odds stack up quickly, leading to payouts that are much higher than a traditional bet. A successful Cycle Parlay can turn a small wager into a massive payday. For example, a $1,700 bet can result in over $100,000 in winnings when all three outcomes hit.

The Highs and Lows

While hitting a Cycle Parlay is the dream, it’s important to remember that losses can be brutal. With so many variables in play, it’s easy to get close but fall short. Some Cycle Parlays have come close, with a fighter getting a win by decision only to lose out on knockout or submission. These near-misses can be just as frustrating as they are thrilling.

Conclusion

The Cycle Parlay is a rare, exciting, and difficult bet in the world of UFC betting. It involves predicting three different outcomes—decision, knockout, and submission—across one event, making it a challenging and high-stakes gamble. While the wins are big, the losses are tough, but for bettors looking for an unforgettable thrill, the Cycle Parlay offers an unmatched experience.

By Published On: December 13th, 2024Categories: Latest Fighting & MMA News: Results, Rumors & More