Mixed martial arts (MMA) has become one of the most popular forms of combat sports in recent years and betting on MMA is a huge moneymaker. It’s also a great way to enjoy the excitement and get a feel for how the fights go down in the octagon. MMA has a lot of similarities to boxing, but it does throw a few more variables into the mix.
Betting odds are a crucial aspect of MMA and UFC betting. They tell you who the favorite is and how much you need to bet to win a certain amount of money. Usually, a negative number means the favorite, and a positive number indicates an underdog.
MMA betting odds are broken down into three different areas: total rounds, method of victory and prop bets. The total rounds bet is a simple wager that pays out if the fight lasts more than or less than a certain number of rounds.
A MMA match is typically scheduled to last five rounds, and you can place bets on whether it will reach that number or not. Usually, you can bet on both the Under and Over, but you can also bet on a specific round total such as 3.5 rounds.
There are two ways to win an MMA fight: by knockout or technical knockout, or by judges’ decision. A KO is a knockout that literally ends the fight when one fighter is turned unconscious, while a technical knockout is more like the fighter getting “taped” to a move or hold that his opponent performed. Judges’ decisions can be a majority, split or unanimous.
Another area that can affect MMA betting odds is the style of fighters. Traditionally, orthodox fighters have a significant advantage over southpaw fighters, but that is not always the case. It is also worth noting that fighters can change their styles to better match up with each other and improve their chances of winning.
The style of a fighter can be an important factor in determining how they will perform inside the octagon. For instance, southpaw fighters have a better chance of out-working orthodox fighters in the clinch and grappling.
Other factors that can impact MMA betting odds include weight classes, fighters’ stance and how they prepare for the fight. Some fighters are better at cutting and maintaining their weight than others, and some are better at moving up or down in weight class depending on the fight.
It’s also worth noting that a fighter’s mental state can affect his or her performance in the ring. After a devastating knockout loss, a fighter may start to become cautious and lose their edge inside the octagon.
MMA betting odds are usually listed at the end of each fight. They are posted by the oddsmakers and updated frequently as the match progresses.
If you’re new to MMA betting, it’s important to understand these odds so that you can make informed decisions. The odds are published at a variety of sportsbooks and vary from book to book, so it’s best to shop around before placing your bets.