MMA betting is one of the fastest growing sports wagering markets. Unlike team sports, which typically feature fixed point spreads, the most common bet type on MMA fights is the moneyline, which allows you to place a wager on either a favorite or underdog. In addition, MMA betting offers prop bets, parlays (accumulators), and round bets. MMA fans can also make method-of-victory bets that let them predict how a fight will end, including a knockout or submission.
The odds for MMA fights are based on a number of factors, including the fighters’ styles, their records, and even their injuries. The more information you have, the better your chances of making a profitable bet. But be careful not to get sucked in by the hype surrounding a particular card or a headlining name. Instead, focus on doing your research and only bet on cards you feel comfortable with.
A good starting point is the fighters’ styles, which are reflected in their fighting stances. For example, orthodox fighters are more likely to win by a knockout than southpaws, and that fact is reflected in the odds. You can also look at a fighter’s record against other opponents in the same weight class to see how well they’ve done against similar fighters.
Another factor to consider is the number of rounds scheduled for a fight. In MMA, most matches are scheduled for five rounds. This will affect the Over/Under total, which is set based on the expected number of rounds to be completed. Typically, the higher the number of rounds scheduled, the lower the Over/Under total will be.
Once you’ve mastered the basics of MMA betting, you can start to make more complex bets. One of these bets is the method-of-victory bet, which lets you choose whether a fighter will win by knockout, submission, or decision. You can also bet on the number of judges’ decisions in a fight. There are three types of judges’ decisions in MMA: unanimous, split, and majority.
Finally, be sure to consider the number of fights a fighter has previously won and lost. Many bettors try to do what’s called “MMA math,” assuming that a fighter with a better record than their opponent should win. In reality, this is rarely the case. In fact, bettors who support the underdog in a bout where two fighters have the same winning record have won 61% of the time.
Mma betting can be an enjoyable and lucrative pastime if you know what you’re doing. But before you put down your hard-earned money, it’s important to understand the different aspects of MMA betting. This article will help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls that casual gamblers fall into. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to making smart MMA wagers.