MMA betting can be an exciting addition to your wagering portfolio. It involves a variety of types of wagers, from picking the winner to predicting the method of victory and rounds of the fight. To maximize your profits, you need to research fighters and their history, understand how odds work, and manage your bankroll effectively.
The most basic MMA wager is a moneyline bet. This bet focuses on one of two fighters to win a fight, with the favorite carrying a minus symbol in front of their odds and the underdog carrying a plus symbol in front of their odds. The oddsmakers determine the winner based on a number of factors, including fighting styles, records, recent performances, and injuries.
Another common MMA bet is the Over/Under round totals. This bet focuses on the amount of time a fighter will spend in the ring. The over/under is set at a number of rounds, and the bettors must choose whether the total will go higher or lower. The oddsmakers will adjust the odds based on how much money they receive from bettors, so it is important to look at those odds before placing your bets.
Those who are experienced with sports betting can make smarter MMA bets by doing some research on their opponents. This can include looking at a fighter’s record, style, and injuries, as well as studying fight film from previous matches. In addition, bettors should know the rules of MMA and how judges score a fight.
When betting on MMA, you can also place prop bets, or exotic bets, on the outcome of a fight. These bets can be very profitable, but they require some skill. For example, a bet on the underdog may win, but it is important to do your homework and learn about the fighters. It is also crucial to study the matchups of fighters in order to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
The odds on a fight will change throughout the day and night as more and more bettors weigh in on the event. This is why it is important to shop around for the best odds, a practice known as line shopping. It is also recommended to bet as early as possible, since the lines can shift quickly. This is especially true if there is new fighter news or a significant injury to one of the competitors.
In addition to MMA prop bets, you can also make MMA parlays, which combine multiple bets for a greater payout. However, a single bet on the wrong selection will result in a push and the loss of that leg of the parlay. Prop bets on MMA often include Method of Victory, Round Bets, and FOTN (Fight of the Night). In addition, you can bet on a specific fighter to win by knockout. This is often called a “KO” bet and is usually the most lucrative bet. It is crucial to understand the rules of KO bets before making them, as they can be difficult to predict.