MMA is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports in America. And with the rise of regulated betting, more people are turning to the sport to place wagers on the action. If you’re new to MMA betting, it’s important to understand the different bet types and how they work before placing any wagers. The most common MMA bets include moneyline/match bets on who will win the fight, over/under bets on how many rounds a fight will last, and parlays.
Moneyline bets are similar to those placed on football or basketball games. The underdog fighter is indicated with a plus sign while the favorite fighter has a minus sign. A larger number is indicative of the odds against victory, and betting on underdogs to upset these lines often yields lucrative returns.
Over/Under bets are based on the expected number of rounds a fight will last. This is done by calculating the oddsmakers’ perception of how long the fight will last based on the fighting styles of both fighters. A defensive fighter versus an aggressive fighter, for example, could make the fight last longer and cause the over to be more profitable than the under.
Another important factor when handicapping a fight is the weight class of the fighters. Fighters must compete in their designated weight classes, and missing the cut can have drastic consequences. It is important for bettors to check fighters’ weigh-ins and their progress leading up to a fight to see how close they are to making weight. Fighters who are close to missing the cut can go to extreme lengths to make weight, including starving themselves and even taking diuretics. This can leave them drained and weakened for the fight, giving their opponent an advantage.
Mma fights also feature a variety of prop bets, which are bets on specific aspects of the fight. These include the method of victory (i.e., KO/TKO, submission, or judges’ decision), how many rounds the fight will last, and more. A great way to find value on a prop bet is to shop the odds at multiple online sportsbooks. This is particularly important if you’re looking at a large amount of action on a particular prop.
Lastly, be sure to study the fight history of the fighters involved. This is especially important if you’re betting on an underdog, as it’s not uncommon for them to lose their first few fights. You can also use a site like Scores and Odds to compare fighters’ records against their opponents, as well as how they’ve performed in the same weight class. In addition, be sure to pay attention to how fighters prepare for a fight. Those that train extensively for a fight and spend a lot of time in the gym tend to perform better than those who just show up on fight day. This includes preparing for the physical, psychological, and emotional demands of a fight. Getting good coaching and a solid game plan are crucial for success in any MMA matchup.