MMA betting is a growing phenomenon and is now a popular choice at sportsbooks around the world. Bettors can wager on a variety of different bet types, including round betting and method-of-victory bets. Depending on the sport and the fighters, these bets can be quite entertaining.
Whether you’re new to MMA betting or a seasoned veteran, here are some tips to help you make more profitable wagers.
1. Know Your MMA Betting Odds and Public Perception
The odds that sportsbooks offer for MMA betting are typically calculated by using a weighted system that considers both the style of each fighter and the competition. This allows bettors to select a favorite or underdog that has a better chance of winning the match than the other side.
2. Know Your Opponents
In MMA, many fight fans like to compare the records of two fighters. Oftentimes, this can mislead bettors because it may lead them to think that if one fighter has lost to a previous opponent, then the other should beat the opponent they are facing.
However, this isn’t always the case and it’s important to understand that MMA fights are very competitive and each fighter has their own style and strengths. It’s also important to note that there are some styles that work well against other fighting styles.
3. Know Your Fighters
As with any other sports, it’s important to learn as much as you can about a fighter before placing a bet on them. You can find plenty of resources online that will help you do this.
4. Payouts and Banking are Easy – To make MMA betting easier, many sportsbooks offer fast payouts. This can be crucial if you’re looking to cash out large amounts of money.
5. Moderate Underdogs – Wagering on moderate underdogs is an excellent way to boost your bankroll while also giving you a wide array of bet options for MMA events.
6. Learn to Handicap a Fighter’s Style and Study Fight Film
To become a skilled MMA bettor, it’s best to spend as much time as possible watching the sport. You can find live MMA bouts at many online MMA betting sites and there are also several MMA news websites to keep you updated on the latest fights.
7. Beware of the “MMA Math” – The majority of bettors in MMA make the mistake of thinking that if one fighter has lost to x opponent, then they should beat y opponent. This can be dangerous because it takes attention away from handicapping styles and studying fight film.
8. Don’t Be Misled by Fighter Sponsorships – It’s common for fighters to endorse betting websites and get paid a commission. This can be very lucrative and has even become a staple in the UFC’s culture.
9. Don’t Back Young Fighters Over Experienced Fighters – Having a great deal of experience is an important factor in any sport, but it’s particularly true when it comes to MMA. Since January 2020, younger fighters have won 62% of UFC fights against older opponents.