MMA betting is a fast-growing and lucrative market, but bettors should remember that this sport is highly unpredictable. The more a bettor knows about this sport and its specifics, the more they can optimize their wagers. Those who bet based on what they think will happen or where their heart leads them won’t find a sustainable edge in the long run. The most profitable MMA bettors understand how to make their picks based on research and stats. MMA’s most popular bet is the moneyline, which is a straight bet on who will win a fight. The oddsmakers will set the Over/Under total for a fight based on how many rounds are scheduled, the fighters’ fighting styles, and other factors. The Over/Under total is then adjusted by a number called the “vig” or “juice,” which is added to the actual odds on each bet. A bettor should also consider the fighters’ striking abilities, which can be a major factor in a fight. Those who strike more often will likely win, but it is also important to note how hard each punch is landed. Strikes that are landed hard but not effective will only hurt the fighter. Takedowns are also a factor in MMA, and a betor should look at how well each fighter does at this aspect of the fight. For example, Khabib Nurmagomedov landed 21 takedowns on Abel Trujillo at UFC 160, which is a significant amount of takedowns for one fight. These types of takedowns show dominance in the judges’ eyes and are a critical part of MMA betting. The bettor should also consider how much experience each fighter has in their respective weight classes. Fighters who have fought in bigger divisions are usually better prepared for their fights than those who have only competed at smaller ones. Ring rust is another factor to consider. Fighters who haven’t fought for awhile will be more vulnerable to exploitable weaknesses. In a combat sport where mistakes can end a fight, it is important for a fighter to be as fresh as possible in order to avoid a costly mistake. Parlays are an excellent way to increase your payouts, but they are not without risk. Parlays combine multiple bets into one wager with a higher payout, but it is essential that all of the bets hit in order to receive the full payoff. In MMA, the same is true: any one bet that fails will disintegrate the entire parlay’s payout. This is a major reason why it is essential that you do your research and develop a sound MMA betting strategy before placing any bets. This may include betting against your favorite fighter, but this is a risk worth taking if you are willing to study the fighters and their matchups carefully. By following these tips, you can bet on MMA fights with confidence and win big! Good luck!