The question of whether you can bet on both fighters in a match depends on the rules and policies of the sportsbook or betting platform you are using. In most traditional sports betting scenarios, you cannot place a bet on both fighters to win the same match, as this would be a conflict of interest and would essentially guarantee a payout, which is not how sports betting typically works.
However, there are some strategies and types of bets that might give the appearance of betting on both fighters:
1. **Parlays**: Some bettors might include both fighters in a parlay bet, which is a single bet that links together two or more individual wagers. If one leg of the parlay loses, the entire parlay loses, so this is not truly betting on both fighters to win but rather a complex bet that includes multiple outcomes.
2. **Live Betting**: Some sportsbooks offer live betting, where you can bet on the outcome of a fight while it’s happening. If the fight is not going as expected, you might bet on the fighter who is currently losing, but this is not the same as placing a bet on both fighters before the fight starts.
3. **Prop Bets**: There are various prop bets that might allow you to bet on different aspects of the fight, such as the method of victory or the round in which the fight will end. These bets do not necessarily cover the outcome of the fight itself but can provide different ways to bet on the event.
4. **Insurance Bets**: Some sportsbooks may offer insurance bets or refund promotions where you can get your stake back if a certain condition is met (for example, if the fight goes the distance). This is not the same as betting on both fighters, but it can mitigate some of the risk.
It’s important to read the terms and conditions of the sportsbook you are using to understand what is and isn’t allowed. Betting on both fighters to win in the same event is generally against the rules, as it would eliminate the element of risk that is inherent in sports betting. Always bet responsibly and within the legal and ethical guidelines provided by the betting platform.