MMA betting is a fast-growing activity as more people seek out the excitement and rewards of this popular sport. But while betting on MMA is similar to placing wagers on any other sport, there are certain factors that can make or break your bets. These include thorough research and a keen understanding of the fighters involved in each fight. The more you know, the better chance you have of winning a bet.
The most common MMA betting wager is the moneyline bet, which allows you to select which fighter will win the fight. This type of bet is easy to understand and uses the familiar plus and minus system. A favorite is indicated by a minus sign (-), while an underdog is indicated with a plus sign (+). The higher the risk, the greater the payout.
Oddsmakers set Over/Under totals based on the fighters’ styles and the number of rounds scheduled for the fight. The Over/Under total is then divided by the sportsbook’s margin, or vig (vigorish), to determine its implied probability of reaching that mark. A bet on the Over will pay out if the fight goes the distance, while a bet on the Under will pay out if it is stopped before the designated number of rounds.
In addition to Over/Under and moneyline bets, MMA sportsbooks offer a variety of prop bets that allow you to place wagers on specific aspects of a fight. These bets can range from predicting the round in which a fight will end to the Method of Victory, which predicts whether the fight will be won by KO/TKO, Submission, or Decision. Prop bets can also be included in parlays, which combine multiple bets for a larger payout. However, all bets in a parlay must be correct to win. A push results in a lost bet.
A successful MMA bet requires careful study of fighters’ records, style, and recent performances. You must also consider their training and travel schedules, weight and reach differences, and injuries. For example, a fighter that suffered a devastating knockout loss in their last fight can become more cautious in their next outing, or they may lose their edge due to fatigue.
MMA events are held almost daily, with the UFC alone holding a minimum of two events per week. As a result, there are always MMA betting opportunities available. In addition, smaller MMA organizations hold events on a regular basis. With so many options, it is imperative that you shop around for the best odds before making your bets. This practice is known as line shopping and it is an integral part of any sharp bettor’s strategy. The best time to shop for lines is immediately after they are posted, as odds can change based on betting patterns. In addition, the odds for a particular bet can differ between sportsbooks, so it’s important to check them frequently.