MMA betting is a popular activity in the sport, but like any other gambling activity, there are risks. It’s important for bettors to manage their bankroll and set realistic expectations. The more research a bettor does, the better their chances are of making a winning wager.
The most common MMA betting market is the moneyline, which allows bettors to place a bet on a fighter’s odds of winning the fight. These odds are based on a fighter’s previous fighting history, training camp, and current conditioning level. The higher a fighter’s ranking, the lower their odds will be. The number of strikes a fighter has landed and the accuracy of those strikes are also important factors to consider. The stance of the fighter, whether it’s orthodox or southpaw, should be taken into account as well. Southpaw fighters can find themselves at an advantage versus orthodox fighters because their opponents are not used to defending that type of stance.
Other MMA betting markets include method of victory and round props. Method of victory props let bettors choose exactly how a fighter will win the fight, which can lead to bigger payouts than other bets. Round props are similar to over/under bets, except they focus on specific rounds and a specific way of ending the fight, such as KO/TKO or submission.
When placing MMA betting wagers, it’s important to know that the odds for the fight will change quickly as the match progresses. Bettors who want to make a bet on the underdog will have to place their bets early before the odds change significantly. MMA betting odds are often updated every time a new bet is placed, so bettors should check the live odds frequently.
In addition to betting on the winner of a fight, bettors can also bet on the total points scored by both fighters. This bet is not as reliable as the moneyline or over/under, but it can still yield a significant payout if the correct prediction is made.
Another MMA betting option is the parlay, which combines multiple bets into one wager with a higher payout. While parlays are a great way to increase your earning potential, they are risky and should be avoided unless you have a lot of cash on hand. Parlays require all of the individual bets to succeed, and a single mistake can wipe out your entire payoff. In a combat sport where seconds and mistakes can end fights, this is a huge risk to take. Keeping this in mind, be sure to only place parlays on fights with high-value odds. This will help ensure that you’re able to afford the losses if they occur.