A sport that combines multiple combat disciplines into one, MMA (mixed martial arts) has become a global phenomenon and is watched by millions of people. It is a fast-paced and aggressive sport that has been growing in popularity as legalized sports betting becomes available worldwide. But there are a number of factors that every MMA bettor should be aware of before placing their wagers, such as a fighter’s style, record, and how they have fared against other fighters.
Moneyline bets, Over/Under bets, and parlays are the most common MMA wagers. These are similar to football and basketball moneylines where a positive or negative number indicates the odds for each side of the matchup. To be successful with moneyline bets in MMA, you must do your research on the fighting styles of each fighter and look for any significant injuries or performance history that may affect them.
One of the biggest issues with MMA betting is that the experience level of bettors is much lower than in other sports. Many will place their bets based on quick tips from friends or talking heads or a fighter’s big name or feel-good story. This can cause the betting lines to swing wildly and can lead to large losses for bettors. But savvy bettors know that the best way to make money is by taking advantage of these swings with a few simple tactics.
In addition to analyzing the overall record and style of each fighter, bettors must also take into account the winning method of their chosen fighter. This is because most MMA fighters specialize in certain techniques and will win more fights by their preferred method than others. A fighter who has a strong submission game, for example, will be able to dominate their opponents by using their own strength against them.
Another important factor when evaluating a fighter’s odds is their ability to make weight. Fighters that struggle to make their weight limit can be drained before the fight even begins. This is because they have to go through strict dieting and dehydrating measures to prevent themselves from missing the mark, which can leave them drained of energy before they even step inside the Octagon or ring.
MMA is a unique sport that offers a variety of prop bets for fans to enjoy. Some of these are similar to those found in boxing, such as the Over/Under bet on the number of rounds a fight will last. Others are more specific and can offer a higher payout than the standard moneyline or over/under bets. A popular MMA prop is on the round bet, which allows bettors to choose which particular round they think the fight will end in, such as a knockout or submission. In addition, some sportsbooks offer live round betting that allows bettors to place a wager in the middle of the fight between rounds. This can be very lucrative, but be wary of making a mistake in the middle of a fight as it is often difficult to predict how the fighters will perform.
