MMA betting can be a fun and profitable way to wager on fights. But it’s important to understand the complexities of the sport and the unique pitfalls that can catch bettors off guard. This article will provide an overview of MMA betting and help you make the most of your wagering experience.
Moneyline MMA bets: This is the most basic type of MMA betting and involves choosing a fighter to win a specific fight. Oddsmakers will determine who is the more likely winner by looking at things like style, recent performance, and even weight and reach differences. Favorites will be indicated by a minus symbol in front of their odds, while underdogs will be indicated with a plus symbol.
Over/Under MMA bets: These bets are placed on the total number of rounds in a fight. Typically, MMA fights are scheduled for five rounds, but if one or more fighters are expected to knockout their opponent early in the round, the round count will be shorter. The sportsbook will set an Over/Under price for the fight and charge a vig, or commission, on each bet.
Method of victory MMA bets: This is a bet on how the fight will end, either by knockout or submission. Depending on your sportsbook, you may also be able to place a bet on which exact round the fight will end in, which can increase the payout.
Parlays: This is a type of accumulator where multiple bets are combined together for greater odds. This can be done across the same matchup (a same fight MMA parlay) or across multiple matches. In order to win a parlay, all of the selected bets must be correct. A push will drop that leg from the bet and decrease the overall return.
Prop, futures, and live bets: These types of bets are made on specific events that can occur during a fight. These include things such as the first knockdown, attempts at a submission maneuver, and more. MMA sportsbooks often offer these bets with attractive odds and can provide bettors with an opportunity to earn large winnings.
MMA is a brutal sport and it can be hard for even the most skilled fighter to maintain their peak form forever. As such, a decline in a fighter’s performance can be an indicator that they are nearing the end of their career. This is especially true if they have been struggling in their most recent fights, have not won many convincingly, or have lost to styles they used to dominate. In these cases, bettors can often find value in betting against the once-popular favorite. Follow their training camps to see if they look slower than usual, struggle in sparring, or suffer from any injuries. The more knowledge you have of a fighter, the easier it is to make a successful MMA bet.