With the rise in popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA), sportsbooks have jumped on the bandwagon to offer betting lines for MMA fights. However, navigating the betting landscape can be tricky. This article aims to give you an overview of mma betting and provide some tips for placing successful wagers.
The most common MMA bet is a moneyline bet, where you simply choose which fighter you believe will win the fight. The payout on this bet is determined by the oddsmakers’ plus and minus system, where favorites have lower odds and therefore offer a higher risk/reward ratio than underdogs.
Other types of MMA bets include over/under round totals, in which you bet on how many rounds the fight will last. The oddsmakers will set a total number of rounds and then price the Over/Under bets on whether the fight will go longer than or shorter than that amount. The Over/Under round totals will also be influenced by the fighting styles of the combatants. For example, fighters with a southpaw stance tend to have an advantage over their orthodox opponents because they’re not used to defending that type of attack.
Another popular MMA bet is the method of victory, which allows you to place a bet on how the fight will end, including a knockout or submission. This bet requires a deeper understanding of the combatants’ styles and strengths, so it’s important to conduct your own research before making this bet.
In addition to studying the fighters’ records and styles, bettors should also pay attention to the fighters’ weight classes. Some fighters struggle to make weight and can experience a number of physical ailments as a result. For instance, some fighters may lose a significant amount of water weight in an attempt to tip the scales, leaving them dehydrated when they step into the ring. This can negatively impact their performance, so bettors should take into account a fighter’s weigh-in history when placing MMA bets.
Live MMA betting can be done through a sportsbook’s Bet Live section or the MMA/UFC category on their website or app. These bets are typically time sensitive, so you’ll want to be able to act fast. Live betting odds can change quickly based on bet patterns and any new fighter news.
In addition to live MMA betting, many sportsbooks offer wagers on past MMA events. These bets are not as lucrative as futures wagers, but they can still offer good value and a fun way to enjoy the action without having to commit to an entire event.