When betting on MMA, the main type of wager is a moneyline or match bet on which fighter will win a particular fight. Unlike in football or baseball where the odds are displayed as decimals or fractions, MMA odds are listed as percentages. This can be a bit confusing at first, but knowing how to read mma odds is important for successful betting.
Much like boxing, MMA has multiple weight classes and fighters often move up or down in class depending on their success or the competition in their current weight division. This can sometimes affect the odds on a specific match as some fighters are better able to cut and maintain weight, while others struggle to do so. In addition to a fighter’s weight, their fighting style should also be considered when handicapping a specific match. For instance, southpaw fighters can have an advantage over orthodox fighters in the same weight class due to their natural fighting stance.
Mma betting is still relatively newer than traditional sports, so the oddsmakers haven’t had as much time to fine-tune the betting lines in a way they have in other sports that have been around longer. As a result, the MMA betting lines can be more volatile than other sports, which can create some unique opportunities for smart bettors.
In addition to the usual match and moneyline bets, MMA betting has some interesting prop bets, parlays (accumulators) and round and method of victory wagers as well. Many of these wagers are more lucrative than simply placing a moneyline bet, but it’s essential to do your research and be selective with the bets you place on a given fight card.
Prop bets are wagers on an occurrence or non-occurrence that doesn’t directly influence the outcome of a fight. MMA props are usually offered by online sportsbooks and include things like round betting and the popular method-of-victory bets. With these wagers, you can bet on a specific method of victory in a fight such as inside the distance, submission or knockout.
Round bets are a great way to get in on a few of the action-packed rounds in a fight and can pay out big if you’re right. MMA sportsbooks often offer bettors the chance to make exact-round bets, which can be even more profitable than the standard over/under bets.
MMA is a fast-paced sport, so it can be tempting to try and make some quick profits by placing several exotic bets on the same event. However, if you’re looking for a long-term strategy, it’s a good idea to stick with the basic bets and focus on doing your research. This will help you avoid making costly mistakes that can sour your experience and limit your potential winnings. In addition, be sure to test your bets before they go live so you can see how much you’ll stand to profit if your bets are correct. This will also help you decide whether or not to bet on an event at all.