The popularity of MMA has led to an explosion in the number of fights that take place on a regular basis. The UFC alone holds a fight nearly every week, while other MMA organizations host events on a weekly, monthly or bi-monthly basis. This means there are plenty of opportunities to make MMA wagers, from picking the winner of a fight to betting on how many rounds a match will last.
MMA betting is not just a shot in the dark; it requires careful research and analysis of the fighters involved in each match. This includes studying their fighting styles, strength and weakness, as well as their recent performance. In addition, understanding the odds and managing your bankroll are essential for success. Taking advantage of MMA prop bets is also a great way to increase your payout potential. Props are bets placed on specific events within the fight, such as whether a fighter will be knocked down or if the fight will go the distance.
Moneyline – A basic bet that predicts which fighter will win the fight. Moneyline odds reflect how likely a fighter is to win, with favorites indicated by minus symbols and underdogs by plus symbols. Moneyline bets are often a good choice if you know the fighters well, but remember that a fighter’s record against foes with similar styles can also influence the outcome of a fight.
Over/Under Rounds – A bet on how many total rounds a fight will last. Rounds are typically scheduled for five minutes and oddsmakers will set an Over/Under price based on the expected number of rounds the fight will last. The Over/Under price is then multiplied by the vig (the house’s fee) to determine how much you will have to wager in order to break even.
Method of Victory – A bet on which method a fighter will use to win the fight. This bet can be made as a single selection, or in parlays with other bets on the same event. The odds on this bet are dynamic and may shift based on the action in-fight.
Hedging – This bet involves placing two bets on different outcomes of the same event. It is possible to win both bets if they are correctly predicted, but hedging can be risky and should only be used with a limited bankroll.
Using a sportsbook with live betting is an excellent way to make MMA wagers. This type of betting allows you to place bets on a fight as it is happening, with the odds changing continuously based on the action inside the octagon. While live MMA betting doesn’t offer as many options as other types of sports betting, it can still be lucrative for those who can quickly analyze and react to the action as it unfolds. For example, some MMA fans like to do what is known as “MMA math,” which involves comparing the records of opponents and predicting who will win by analyzing their past victories against foes with similar fighting styles.