MMA Betting Basics

MMA betting is becoming increasingly popular, with many new comers to the sport embracing this exciting and profitable form of wagering. There are many different types of bets, including parlays (accumulators), over/unders, round bets and method of victory wagers. Some of these bets require a deeper understanding of fighters, their styles, records, and recent performances. This knowledge may also help bettors to make informed decisions on the odds that are available for each fight.

When placing a bet on a specific fighter, be sure to consider their fighting style, record, injuries and other factors that could affect the outcome of the fight. In addition, be aware of the possibility of a draw in a particular match. This is not very common, but can occur if both fighters are able to defend themselves well enough to avoid any significant damage to their opponents.

In-fight MMA bets, known as prop bets, are often more lucrative than money line bets. They allow bettors to place bets on things such as how a fight will end (method of victory and in what round) and can offer a more precise payout than standard moneyline bets. Prop bets can also come in the form of a parlay, which combines multiple selections for a chance at an even larger payout.

Over/Under Round Totals are another common MMA bet, which involves predicting how many rounds a fight will last. Sportsbooks set a round total for each fight and bettors can choose to bet on the over or under. For example, if the fight is scheduled for five rounds and both fighters have a high level of submission ability, the over will be favored. Conversely, if one of the fighters has an outstanding ground game and is able to control the fight on the mat, the under will be favored.

A good MMA bettors conducts their own research into the fight they’re betting on and compares it to the odds offered by sportsbooks. This can include looking at statistics such as strikes landed, strikes absorbed and takedown defense. It’s also a good idea to look at the size and reach of each fighter, as a bigger fighter will likely be able to dominate his smaller opponent.

Lastly, be aware that a number of fighters struggle to make weight for their upcoming matches. This can leave them exhausted and drained before the fight starts, which can impact their performance in the ring. Bettors should note that some fighters will go to extreme lengths to ensure they make weight, such as overtraining and starving themselves. This can have a negative impact on their performance and may lead to them losing out on their bets. It is important to follow fighters closely during their weigh-ins to ensure they make the weight cut in time for their fight. If they do not, they may be forced to withdraw or face a fine from their sportsbook. This can impact the odds on their matchup and sway the public away from them.