If you’re used to betting on team sports, MMA betting can seem like a foreign concept. However, if you take the time to learn the basics of mma betting, you can place wagers on MMA matches with confidence. Here are some of the most important things you need to know before getting started.
MMA is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and its popularity has led to increased opportunities for MMA fans to place wagers on fights. The UFC, the sport’s biggest promoter, holds events almost on a weekly basis, and other MMA organizations also regularly hold fights. This means there is always a new MMA fight to wager on.
Betting on a fighter’s chances to win a fight is called placing a moneyline bet. In MMA, odds are displayed on the left-hand side of the betting slip and showcase how much a bettor can expect to win for a $100 wager. Typically, a fighter who is considered to be the favorite will have minus odds, while a fighter who is expected to lose will have plus odds.
Another popular form of MMA betting is on the Over/Under round total. Depending on the matchup, style of the fighters, and the number of rounds scheduled, oddsmakers will set the Over/Under total for a fight. The price for both the Over and Under is then adjusted based on the implied probability that the match will reach that round total.
Lastly, MMA bettors can also make wagers on how long a bout will last by betting on the Over/Under round total. In MMA, each round lasts five minutes, and a fight can end at any point during that time frame via a knockout or submission.
Prop bets are another popular way to bet on MMA fights. These bets can be placed on any aspect of a match, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some common prop bets include whether a fighter will win a fight by knockout or submission, how many rounds a fight will last, and even on whether two fighters will touch gloves before the fight begins.
Despite their increased popularity, bettors should still approach MMA betting with caution. It’s easy to become emotionally attached to certain fighters, but this can lead to poor betting decisions. It’s also important to remember that MMA betting is not a reliable source of income, so be sure to set a budget and stick to it.
The key to MMA betting success is conducting research on the fighters you’re betting on. This includes looking at their fighting styles, comparing their ages, and analyzing their past performances. You should also pay close attention to a fighter’s weigh-ins, as some fighters struggle to cut and maintain their weight classes. This can impact how well they perform in the octagon, especially if they’re coming off a loss by knockout. Finally, don’t be afraid to bet on underdogs if you feel confident in your research.