Mma betting is an exciting form of sports betting that combines different fighting styles into a high-stakes spectacle. It is a popular activity amongst MMA fans and can be a lucrative source of income, but it requires careful research and strategic thinking. It also involves avoiding emotional wagering, which can lead to losses. This article aims to help bettors make smart MMA bets and avoid common pitfalls that casual bettors can fall victim to.
The first step to mma betting is understanding how to read MMA odds. Betting odds showcase how much a bet will return for each $100 wagered, with negative numbers signifying underdogs and positive ones denoting favorites. In addition, the number of rounds a fight will last and the type of finish (knee knockout, submission, or decision) are factors that can impact the odds.
Bettors should also be aware of a fighter’s weight cut and weigh-in schedule before their match. Many MMA fighters struggle to make their weight class and can go to extreme measures in order to maintain their fighting weight, such as overtraining, starving themselves, or dehydrating themselves. Such methods could leave them drained and give their opponents an advantage.
Similarly, a fighter’s experience and strength against similar opposition should be considered. If a fighter’s losses are to elite-level opponents and their wins came against lower-quality foes, then they may not be ready for the challenge of taking on a top-level contender. In addition, a fighter’s style and stance should also be factored in. For example, a fighter with an orthodox stance can have difficulty defending against a southpaw opponent.
In addition to placing bets on the winner of a fight, MMA bettors can also place bets on other fight props. Method of Victory Props, for instance, ask bettors to predict the method of victory in a given fight. Often, these bets carry a higher payout than bets on the winner of a specific round.
Another popular MMA bet is the Over/Under Round Totals prop, which asks bettors to predict the number of rounds a fight will last. This bet carries a slightly higher risk than a bet on a specific fighter to win, but it can pay off big if a fighter is able to finish the fight quickly.
Lastly, bettors can also place bets predicting the exact round in which a fight will end. Often, these bets will have a larger payout than standard bets on the overall fight total, and can be a great way to add excitement to a live match. However, bettors should note that a fight can end in any round and that a draw is very rare. For this reason, savvy bettors will monitor the odds closely and lock in their bets as soon as possible in order to take advantage of any potential shifts.