MMA betting is still relatively new when compared to the more established sports like football, baseball, hockey, and basketball. Because of this, oddsmakers may not have yet refined the odds as much as they have in other sports. However, that doesn’t mean that MMA betting can’t be profitable. In fact, there are a number of ways to increase your potential payouts by placing the right wagers.
The most basic MMA bet is the money line. Betting on this type of bet involves picking a winner, and each fighter is assigned odds that determine your potential payout. The odds a fighter is given are based on a number of factors, including the fighters’ styles, past performances, and injuries. This information is compiled by a team of odds makers, who are often experienced fight handicappers and mathematicians.
Another popular MMA bet is the over/under rounds total. This bet is based on how many rounds the fight will last, and it can be placed at an online mma sportsbook. For example, if the over/under rounds total is set at 2.5, this means that the fight must go over 2.5 minutes into the third round in order to win the bet.
When making a wager on an over/under rounds total, be sure to take into account the fighters’ styles and fighting stances. For instance, a southpaw fighter can sometimes have an advantage over an orthodox fighter due to the natural strength of their stance. Another important factor is the fighters’ ages. Younger fighters tend to perform better in MMA fights, so supporting them is a good strategy in the long run.
There are also a variety of MMA prop bets that can be made on specific aspects of the fight. These bets typically have higher house edges and can provide big payouts if you’re correct. Prop bets can include betting on the Method of Victory (knockout, submission, or decision) and predicting which round the fight will end in.
Be selective in your MMA prop bets, and don’t be afraid to place a few MMA parlays on a card. Remember, though, that gambling should be treated as a form of entertainment and not a way to make money. So set a budget and stick to it, and only bet with money that you can afford to lose. It’s also important to do your research on the fights and fighters before placing a bet, as this can help you find the best MMA betting sites. Good research includes analyzing statistics such as strikes landed, strikes absorbed, and takedown defense. You can also do this by watching previous MMA fights and making observations about the fighters’ style and abilities. The more research you do, the more likely you are to be successful with your MMA betting.