MMA betting offers bettors the chance to make a wager on hyper-specific components of each fight. These bets can range from the number of rounds a match will last to which fighter will score more takedowns or punches. These bets are much more complex than traditional MMA betting, but also offer the potential for much higher payouts. As a result, it’s important for new bettors to understand the different betting options before placing their first bet.
The most common type of MMA bet is the moneyline, or straight bet. This is where many bettors make their mistakes because they assume that they’re making a simple prediction on who will win the fight. However, it’s crucial for bettors to fully research each fighter before deciding who to place their bets on. This includes examining their past fighting history to see how they’ve performed in previous fights. This will help bettors to determine whether they’re confident enough to place a moneyline bet on the winner of the fight.
Another popular option is the Over/Under, or total, bet. This is a simple wager on how many rounds a fight will last or the amount of punches/kicks/knockdowns a fight will include. The sportsbook will choose a numerical value, and bettors can then decide whether the actual event will go over or under that number. These bets offer a lower risk than the fighter-by-fighter bets, and are a great way for bettors to get involved with the action without having to predict the exact winner of each individual round.
In addition to Over/Under bets, MMA sportsbooks often offer bets on the Method of Victory. This is a wager on how a fight will end, with options including a knockout, submission, or a judge’s decision. It’s important to consider how each fighter will win a fight when making this bet, as some styles are more effective against other styles. For example, a boxer with an orthodox style will have a difficult time fighting a southpaw because they’re not used to defending that stance.
Lastly, MMA sportsbooks often offer Future and Live bets. These bets are on events that will occur in the near or mid-term future. These bets can be placed as single bets or as parlays, which can increase the odds of winning by adding additional correct outcomes to your wager.
When placing these bets, be sure to check the odds for each market at multiple sportsbooks. This practice is called line shopping and is an integral part of becoming a sharp bettor. By doing this, you can find lines that are flawed and potentially boost your profits. This is especially important because MMA odds can change as the betting public begins to place bets on a particular fight. Be sure to shop around as early as possible, as the best lines tend to sell out quickly. It’s also a good idea to monitor the MMA sections of your favorite sportsbooks on a daily basis so you can be among the first to see new odds for an upcoming bout.