Mma betting involves making wagers on the outcome of mixed martial arts bouts. The oddsmakers in MMA betting set the odds for each fight and vary their prices depending on how competitive the matchup is expected to be. The goal of a bettors is to find the best price on their selections to maximize profit. This requires comparing odds from multiple sportsbooks, taking into account a fight’s location and the amount of money wagered on a specific outcome.
In addition to the main event, MMA betting also includes various prop bets that are specific to the sport of MMA. These bets typically have a higher risk and payoff than the main event, as they require a precise result. They typically include a number of different bets that revolve around strikes and finishes. One of the most popular MMA prop bets is over/under round totals. Taking the Over means placing bets on how many rounds a fight will last, while the Under means placing bets on the number of rounds a fight will go without a KO or submission finish.
Taking the Over/Under is a great way to maximize your payout when betting on MMA. MMA fights are often scheduled for five rounds, so a bet on the Over will yield a larger return than placing a bet on a single round. If you’re looking for a more conservative approach, however, you can place a bet on the Under.
The number of significant strikes landed is another MMA prop bet that’s often available at sportsbooks. This subjective bet on striking power is determined by the number of strikes that create discernible damage, and it’s a good way to handicap a fighter’s chances of winning a fight. Similarly, a bet on a fighter’s stance can help you understand how they may fare against an opponent’s style. Southpaw fighters (left-handed fighters) tend to hold a slight advantage over their orthodox opponents.
Another important factor to consider when placing MMA bets is the condition of a fighter’s body. If a fighter experiences extreme dehydration during the weigh-ins, it can lead to a lack of cerebrospinal fluid in their brain, which makes them more susceptible to a knockout. Paying attention to a fighter’s condition before a fight can make all the difference in the outcome of your bets.
Lastly, pay attention to the number of takedowns a fighter is likely to land. A takedown lands a point in the judges’ scoring system and shows a fighter’s dominance on the ground. For example, Khabib Nurmagomedov landed 21 takedowns against Abel Trujillo in their fight at UFC 160. This was a key reason the judge awarded him the victory. This kind of betting metric is not widely used in the sport, so paying close attention to it can give you an edge over the competition.