MMA betting can be an exciting and lucrative way to enjoy the action of a fight without having to attend. However, it requires careful consideration of a number of factors. Understanding the different types of wagers, conducting research on fighters and managing your bankroll are key to success.
Betting on the winner of a fight is often the first place MMA bettors start, and it’s the most basic type of MMA betting available. Odds are set on each fighter based on their skills, records, and recent performances, as well as the underlying factors that affect the outcome of a match. These include things like the weight and reach of a fighter, their style, their ability to take down opponents and more.
Mma betting also includes over/under totals, which are bets on the expected number of rounds in a fight. Oddsmakers use a combination of factors, including the fighting styles of the two fighters and how aggressive they are. For example, a defensive fighter may be better suited to the under, as they’re more likely to win by submission or decision.
In addition to over/under totals, MMA bettors can also place specific bets on the round in which a fight will end. These bets can be quite lucrative, as they offer higher payouts than standard odds. In addition, many sportsbooks allow bettors to make exact-round bets, which are even more lucrative.
Another popular MMA bet is on the method of victory, or how a fight will be won. This bet type varies in payouts depending on whether the fighter wins via submission, knockout or a decision. It’s important to note that the winner of a fight can change the method of victory, which is why this bet type is so difficult to predict.
While many MMA bettors rely on the popularity and track record of a fighter, it’s important to remember that a fighter can lose to an opponent they wouldn’t have won against in other circumstances. Considerations such as travel, environmental conditions and more can impact a fighter’s performance. For example, Fabricio Werdum defeated Cain Velasquez in Mexico City due to the altitude and the fact that Velasquez had failed to adequately prepare for the fight.
Lastly, MMA bettors can also make prop bets, which are bets on specific aspects of the fight that have nothing to do with the result of the fight itself. These bets can include anything from predicting the number of total rounds a fight will last to any point deductions that might occur. Parlays, which combine multiple bets for a larger payout, are also popular among MMA bettors. However, all of the selections in a parlay must win for the bet to pay out.
