A burgeoning sport, mixed martial arts has gained popularity and has become a staple of sports television programming. With multiple fights a night and a host of betting markets, MMA offers an exciting way to wager on the outcome of a match. To make the most of your wagers, learn how to read MMA odds and understand the different types of bets available.
Like boxing, MMA betting involves placing wagers on the fighter who will win the fight. A moneyline is the most common form of a bet and reflects the odds that a sportsbook sets for each fighter. In a moneyline bet, the underdog is listed with a plus sign and the favorite is listed with a minus sign. The larger the number, the higher the odds of the underdog winning. The over/under is another popular MMA bet and involves wagering on how many total rounds the fight will last. The over/under is determined by a sportsbook’s calculation of how long the fight will last based on past fight history and other factors.
In MMA betting, it’s important to know a fighter’s style and how it matches up with the opponent’s. A fighter’s stance, such as orthodox or southpaw, can also be helpful in predicting how a fight will end. Typically, fighters in the same stance will have an advantage over those in other stances.
Pay close attention to a fighter’s weigh-ins. A fighter’s performance can often be impacted by the stress of making weight. Additionally, extreme dehydration can decrease the amount of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which can make a fighter more susceptible to knockouts.
Another important aspect to consider is a fighter’s record. A fighter with a more impressive overall record will have a better chance of winning the fight than one with a more limited resume. This can also be a factor when considering the age gap between fighters. It has been shown that younger fighters tend to win more often than their older opponents.
MMA betting also includes prop bets, which are wagers on specific aspects of a fight, such as the method of victory or the round in which the fight will end. These bets are more precise than a moneyline or over/under and can yield a large payout if the pick is correct. A KO, technical knockout, or submission are all methods of victory that can be tipped in this type of wager. In addition to these wagers, MMA fans can place parlay bets on several fighters’ fights, but this is not recommended for beginners because it increases the risk and may result in a loss. It is best to wait until you’re more familiar with the sport and have a solid understanding of its betting markets before placing parlay bets.