The MMA betting market is quite different to other major sports, and there are many factors to consider when placing wagers on a fight. Some of these factors are a fighter’s previous performance, their current divisional ranking and fighting style, physical attributes and more. Using all of these factors, bettors should be able to establish whether or not a fighter’s given odds represent good value.
Unlike football or basketball betting where the odds of a team winning are displayed, MMA betting is often presented in the form of what’s called a Money Line bet. The Money Line for a given match is usually comprised of two numbers, with the first number denoting how much you must wager to win $100 (plus) and the second number being the amount that would be won should you place a $100 bet on that particular fighter.
As with other sports, the MMA betting market features many different bet types including prop bets and parlays (accumulators). In addition to these common wagers, MMA fights also feature Over/Under wagers, round bets and method of victory bets. Method of victory bets are available on a range of possible outcomes in an MMA bout, including decision, submission or any other form of stoppage. Round bets are more precise than the money line or Over/Under and often pay out bigger payouts, as you can select a specific round where you believe a fighter will win via knockout or submission.
While it is always tempting to bet large on heavy favorites, this can sometimes backfire. The best mma betting strategies involve careful statistical analysis, in-depth knowledge of the fighters involved and the ability to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Observing training camps and paying attention to how a fighter reacts to high-pressure situations can be vital when handicapping a fight.
Another tip when betting on MMA is to look for any discrepancies in the fighting styles of the combatants. For example, a southpaw fighter may have an advantage versus an orthodox fighter because they can use their long reach to evade punches and kicks more effectively. A fighter coming off a knockout loss may also be extra cautious, which can lead to them changing their fighting style in the octagon.
Betting on MMA can be an incredibly rewarding experience when you follow tried and tested betting tips. The most important thing to remember is that a successful bet doesn’t necessarily mean a victory. There are plenty of opportunities for upsets in the sport, especially when the favored fighter is prone to making mistakes. If you can identify these mistakes and exploit them, you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful MMA bettor.
