MMA betting has experienced big growth in recent years. This is due to the entertainment value of this sport, the variety of fighting styles and the large number of fights held each year. This makes MMA betting a great choice for those looking to bet on fights without the risk of losing all of their bankroll. However, it is important for a bettor to research the fighters and the league in order to make a profitable wager. This can include studying a fighter’s performance history, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, as well as examining their training methods and style of fighting.
Having a wide range of betting markets is an essential feature for a good mma sportsbook. While smaller operations may only offer fighter moneylines and over/under rounds, larger sites should have a vast selection of MMA wagering options. This includes markets such as method of victory, round betting and even specific round props. Getting these bets in early can increase the payout potential significantly as they are generally available before the fight takes place.
Basic MMA bets are the most popular and involve placing a wager on which fighter will win a particular fight. Often, this bet type involves choosing between two fighters with different fighting styles. For example, a fighter who is a more technical wrestler may have an advantage over a striker who relies on power. In addition, a fighter’s stance can also be a factor. For example, a southpaw fighter will have a distinct advantage versus an orthodox fighter.
Over/Under rounds is a more basic bet that focuses on the total number of rounds a fight will last. This bet is typically set at 2.5 rounds and the bettor can choose whether they think the fight will end in more (over) or less (under) than that amount of time. Depending on the fight, the over/under can be an excellent bet to make in the first few rounds of a fight when both combatants are trying to score takedowns and knockouts.
Many MMA fighters are very transparent on social media and this can help bettors make informed decisions. For example, a fighter that struggles to make weight before a fight is likely to be exhausted and drained by the time they walk out on the cage. A bettors can also use social media to monitor a fighter’s progress leading up to a weigh-in, as well as their post-fight nutrition.
Another way to increase the profitability of MMA betting is to make a series of small bets on unique and interesting markets. For instance, a bet on the method of victory can have much higher payouts than a standard moneyline bet. In addition, a bet on the exact round that a fighter will win can be even more lucrative. Fortunately, a variety of MMA sportsbooks offer these unique bets to their customers.