With the recent explosion of popularity in MMA, it’s no surprise that betting on MMA has become one of the fastest growing wagering markets at UFC and other sportsbooks. The sport offers a number of unique betting options that differ from traditional boxing wagers. To get the most out of your MMA betting experience, it’s important to know how to bet properly and avoid making any mistakes.
The first thing you need to understand about mma betting is how the odds are set. Much like in other sports, MMA fights are offered with head-to-head moneyline odds. These odds are calculated by evaluating each fighter’s record and the competition they have faced. A fighter’s style should also be taken into account as a determining factor in their overall odds. For example, an orthodox fighter will have a disadvantage against a southpaw opponent because they aren’t used to fighting from that stance.
Another aspect to consider is how the fight will end. MMA fights can be won by knockout (KO), technical knockout (TKO), or submission. In addition, a decision can be made by the judges or the fighter’s cornermen can throw in the towel to stop the fight. A KO or TKO bet pays out according to the method of victory while a submission bet is based on a fighter being unable to defend themselves against the other fighter’s attacks.
Aside from the main event fights, MMA offers a wide variety of prop bets that can increase your bankroll. These wagers are typically placed on things that will occur during a fight and can be placed on virtually anything related to the octagon. Some common prop bets include betting on the first KO/TKO, the first submission maneuver, or whether a fighter will touch gloves at all during the fight.
When placing a bet on an MMA fight, you should always compare the prices of different sportsbooks before placing your bets. In some cases, you may find that a particular sportsbook is offering lower odds than others. This could mean a bigger payout if you place your bets with the right bookmaker.
It’s also helpful to study fighter records and delve into their past results. However, don’t fall into the trap of doing what’s called “MMA math.” Many bettors make this mistake by looking at a fighter’s wins/losses record and then making a correlation between their opponents. For example, FIGHTER A lost to FIGHTER B but FIGHTER A has also defeated a few of the same foes that FIGHTER B has. This type of thinking can mislead bettors and take attention away from studying a fighter’s style and studying their fight film. The best way to make a profit from MMA bets is by parlaying multiple bets together. However, this is not without risk since you must win all of the bets in your parlay to cash out. This type of bet is typically only a good option for experienced bettors. Otherwise, it can lead to a lot of bad losses.