Betting on MMA is one of the fastest growing betting markets at online sportsbooks worldwide. It’s an exciting, action-packed sport with a passionate fanbase that enjoys wagering on every major UFC event as well as upcoming fights from other popular promotions. However, winning bets in MMA isn’t just a shot in the dark; it requires careful research and analysis to make informed decisions that increase your chances of success.
Learning how to read MMA betting odds is the first step to successful mma wagering. These odds are displayed in moneyline format, where the favorite is indicated by a minus sign (-) and the underdog is marked with a plus sign (+). The plus and minus system reflects the expected payout associated with each bet, but be aware that the odds can shift from the time they open to the day of the fight based on betting patterns and any fighter news that may emerge.
The most common type of MMA bet is the moneyline, which involves placing a wager on which fighter will win a specific fight. Oddsmakers set these markets by comparing the fighters’ records, past performances, and fighting styles to calculate an implied probability for each contender. The oddsmakers also take into account the number of rounds and possible ways a fight can end, including KO/TKO, submission, or decision. The moneyline odds are then converted to a price, with the lower number representing the higher chance of winning and the reverse.
In addition to betting on individual fights, MMA bettors can place parlay bets. Parlays combine multiple individual bets into a single wager, increasing the potential payout but all of the selections in a parlay must win for a bet to pay out. Having an in-depth understanding of both fighters’ style and record is essential to making profitable parlay bets.
Lastly, MMA bettors can place over/under bets on the total number of rounds in a specific fight. These bets are often more difficult to predict than bets on the winner of a fight, but they offer a high payout for a low risk. Over/under bets on a fight can be placed at most online sportsbooks, though some sites limit them to certain types of bets.
MMA prop bets can be extremely lucrative, especially if you’re familiar with the fights and fighters involved in them. A lot of fighters are able to beat their opponents using methods other than the fight’s traditional method of victory, and these bets reward risk and accuracy. Method of Victory prop bets are especially popular, as they can involve predicting which round the fight will end in and which fighter will score that result – knockout, submission, or judge’s decision. In-play MMA betting is another popular option, but beware that live odds are often influenced by algorithms and traders who are too focused on the immediate action to see the bigger picture. This can lead to erroneous bets and even losses. It’s important to set a budget and stick to it when betting on MMA, especially as this is an inherently risky form of gambling.