Betting on MMA fights is an exciting and potentially profitable form of betting. By understanding the odds, knowing the different bet types, and practicing responsible bankroll management, you can maximize your chances of winning payouts. In this article, we’ll explain the basics of MMA betting and offer tips for making the most of your wagers.
MMA fighting odds are published before every fight and can help you handicap the matchup. They are expressed in positive and negative values, with negative numbers indicating that the fighter is expected to win and positive numbers indicating that the fighter is the underdog. However, be careful not to fall into the trap of betting on a favorite with low odds because they are often not worth your money.
The most basic MMA bet is the moneyline, which involves choosing which fighter you think will win the fight. Favorites are considered more likely to win than underdogs, which is reflected in the odds. A favorite will carry a plus sign in front of the odds, while underdogs will have a minus sign. The odds will also shift based on betting patterns, so it is important to check them regularly.
Another popular MMA bet is the over/under rounds, which allows bettors to place a wager on how many rounds the fight will last. This type of bet is available at many online sportsbooks, and the odds will fluctuate based on the action in the cage. You can also bet on how a particular fighter will win the fight, with options including inside the distance (ITD), submission, or knockout (KO).
Some online sportsbooks offer live round betting, which allows bettors to place wagers on how a specific round will end. This bet type is particularly popular during a close fight, as it can add an extra element of excitement to the matchup. In addition, bettors can also bet on whether a particular round will end in a technical draw or a decision.
When placing a method-of-victory bet, be sure to study the fighters’ past opponents and their styles. It is easy to make incorrect assumptions by comparing the records of two fighters in the same weight class, but this can be misleading and divert attention away from studying fight film.
Pay special attention to a fighter’s weigh-ins before the fight. Some fighters struggle to make weight for their bouts, and they can go through extreme measures to avoid missing the mark. This may include starving themselves, overtraining, and dehydrating to drop the excess weight in time for the fight. If a fighter struggles to make weight, it can leave them exhausted and at a disadvantage against smaller foes.
