As MMA continues to gain popularity, bettors are eagerly looking for ways to wager on the sport. The emergence of reputable online sportsbooks has made it easier than ever to place MMA wagers. But, like any type of betting, mma betting requires research and analysis in order to be profitable. MMA bets can be placed on fighters, teams, and events. The most common MMA bet is the money line, which allows bettors to wager on a fighter to win the fight. Moneyline odds showcase how much a bet will pay for every $100 wagered, with favorites indicated by a minus sign (-) and underdogs by a plus sign (+).
Another popular MMA wager is the Over/Under round total. In this bet, the sportsbook sets a total number of rounds the fight is expected to last and bettors place bets on whether the fight will go longer (over) or shorter (under). Oddsmakers set an Over/Under price based on the style of each fighter and the matchup against a competitor of a similar skill level.
In addition to Over/Under round bets, MMA wagering sites offer prop bets, parlays (accumulators) and other types of bets. Prop bets are specific bets that require a deeper analysis of each fighter’s history and style. Prop bets also include a variety of other elements that can affect the outcome of the fight, such as a fighter’s stamina, ground game, and kicking skills.
Prop bets are also offered on the Method of Victory in a fight, which entails predicting whether a fighter will win via knockout, submission, or decision. The method of victory is determined by analyzing each fighter’s record against opponents with a similar style and assessing the fighters’ abilities in close, long-distance, and neutral rounds.
Besides researching fighters and their styles, bettors should consider factors such as how well they are able to cut weight before a fight. Some fighters struggle to make weight, which can be a disadvantage for them against smaller foes. In addition, fighters that have to undergo a late weight cut can become dehydrated and drained, affecting their performance inside the octagon.
Lastly, bettors should take note of a fighter’s record against opponents in their current weight class. As the sport of MMA grows, fighters will move up and down in weight classes depending on their success and the competition they face. Many of these changes come at a cost, as some fighters are better at cutting and maintaining their weight than others. This can drastically impact a fighter’s effectiveness and cause them to lose their edge in the octagon.