MMA betting is a complex sport and is not suited for novice bettors. It requires extensive research, an understanding of the fighters and their fighting styles, and a keen eye for value. It’s also important to avoid getting caught up in a fighter’s hype. Their reputation often exceeds their actual skill set and value, which is why it’s crucial to assess each fighter on a fight-to-fight basis. In MMA, this information can be obtained by following their social media and paying attention to their camp and training updates.
In addition to the basic wagers such as Over/Under and Moneyline bets, MMA betting offers a variety of prop bets. These bets are typically easier to win and offer a higher payout than standard bets. However, they are not without their risks and should be viewed as fun wagers rather than a source of long-term profits. Prop bets can range from method of victory bets to round betting and are based on specific aspects of the fight.
When placing a bet on MMA, it is essential to shop the odds and compare them across multiple sportsbooks. This allows bettors to find the best price and maximize their chances of winning. In addition, it’s a good idea to check in on the MMA section of a sportsbook daily so that you can see when the odds are posted for upcoming matches. After a while, you’ll learn each sportsbook’s cadence and will be able to predict when they’ll post the odds for each match.
One of the most common mistakes that MMA bettors make is over-betting on favorites. In MMA, the odds on the winner are shorter than in other sports and this makes it more difficult to win a bet on a heavy favorite. Moreover, it is important to manage your bankroll and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Another key to successful MMA betting is staying current on a fighter’s injury history and how they train for each fight. It’s also a good idea to read up on a fighter’s performance in previous fights to understand how they’ve faired against the style of their opponent. Finally, be sure to pay attention to the venue where a fight is taking place as this can have an impact on the fighter’s performance.
Another popular MMA betting wager is on the Over/Under for round totals, which are based on how many rounds a fight will last. The Over/Under is calculated based on the number of rounds scheduled and the expected pace of the fight. Then, the oddsmakers set a price for the Over and Under (known as the vig or juice) based on the implied probability of reaching those numbers. If you bet on the Over and the fight ends before 2:30 into the third round, your bet is a winner. On the other hand, if the fight lasts over three rounds and is stopped before that time, your bet is a loss.