MMA betting is one of the fastest growing sports in the world as fans are drawn to this action-packed sport. With legalized and regulated sports betting becoming more available, the popularity of MMA is continuing to grow. Along with its increased popularity has come the demand for better understanding of how to bet on a fight and read MMA betting odds.
The most basic MMA bet is called the moneyline bet, which is a wager on a specific fighter to win a match. Like in other popular sports, the MMA moneyline odds are determined by a sportsbook’s perceived chances of a specific fighter winning. A favorite’s odds are indicated by a minus symbol while underdogs carry plus symbols. The bigger the number for a fighter’s moneyline odds, the more likely a sportsbook believes that he or she will win.
In addition to the moneyline bet, MMA betting offers many other types of wagers including Over/Under bets and live betting. Over/Under bets are based on how many rounds a fight is expected to last, while live betting allows players to place wagers as the fight is taking place. The odds for these bets are constantly changing based on the action inside the cage, which makes live betting a fast and exciting way to bet on MMA.
Prop bets are another common type of MMA bet. These bets are based on a variety of factors including the style of two fighters, their past record against each other, and their past history in similar weight classes. In addition to these bets, MMA bettors often use a process called “MMA math” when handicapping fights. This involves comparing the records of fighters in the same weight class and thinking that, for example, FIGHTER A lost to FIGHTER B and thus, FIGHTER B should beat FIGHTER A. This thought process can mislead bettors and take away from studying the style and history of the fighters themselves.
Considering the differences in styles between two fighters is a great way to find value when placing MMA bets. For instance, a southpaw fighter could have an advantage against an orthodox fighter because he or she is used to fighting in that stance. In addition, a fighter’s KO loss can dramatically change their approach to a fight, and this should also be considered when capping the outcome of a match. Ultimately, these types of differences in styles and experience can result in some big payouts for bettors who know how to read the odds.
