MMA betting is a fast-growing market at online sportsbooks and provides an exciting challenge for even veteran sports handicappers. While many of the same principles apply to wagering on MMA fights, there are some specific things to consider that can help you win your bets.
One of the most important considerations for a bettors is to understand how MMA odds are calculated. These odds are based on a number of factors, including the fighters’ experience and injuries, as well as the matchup between them. Some of these factors are more influential than others, but a bettors’ understanding of these can improve their odds of winning.
Another factor that can influence MMA odds is the fighters’ performance in past fights. While every match is unique, a bettors should look at trends like how often the fighters have landed strikes, absorbed strikes, taken down their opponents and more. While this isn’t always a guarantee of future success, it can be a good indication of how the fighters will perform in the upcoming fight.
The best way to make money on MMA fights is by betting on the underdog. This bet type offers a higher payout than a bet on the favorite and is usually based on data and analytics. A bet on the underdog can be a risky endeavor, but it’s an excellent way to capitalize on great odds that sportsbooks may have slept on.
Round betting is a popular MMA and UFC bet type, which allows bettors to place wagers on the winner of a particular round in a fight. While this isn’t as accurate as a Moneyline bet, it’s still an excellent way to bet on a specific period of the fight.
Method of victory betting is another MMA and UFC bet type that is similar to the Moneyline, but more complex. The winner of a fight can be determined by five different methods: knockout, technical knockout, submission, or the judges’ scorecards (including a Draw).
When placing these wagers, bettors should keep in mind that the odds for each option change from minute to minute based on the overall interest and the betting activity for the fight. Also, the different types of odds expressions available at a sportsbook (American Odds, Fractional and Decimal) might affect the final result.
In addition to the standard MMA bets, bettors can also place prop and future bets on a fight. These bets are fun and often involve props such as the first knockdown or attempt at a submission maneuver. They can also be based on the length of a fight, with over/under rounds being a basic bet. Depending on the matchup, styles of the fighters and how many rounds are scheduled for a fight, oddsmakers will set an Over/Under total, which is a price for both the Over and Under based on the probability that a certain amount of rounds are completed.
