MMA Betting Basics

Mma betting is a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping experience for fight fans that can offer a chance to win big payouts. However, the sport can be volatile and you should always gamble responsibly and set a budget for your wagers. By understanding the odds, learning about the different types of bets and conducting thorough research, you can maximize your chances of winning while enjoying the thrills of MMA betting.

Moneyline betting is the simplest form of MMA betting and involves picking which fighter you think will win a particular fight. Favorites usually carry a minus symbol in front of their odds while underdogs will have a plus sign. Generally speaking, the higher the fighter’s odds are, the more likely they are to win.

Over/Under betting is another popular MMA bet type and involves predicting whether the fight will last longer (Over) or shorter (Under) than a certain number of rounds. Typically, sportsbooks will set the Over/Under at around 1.5 or 2.5 rounds. Because MMA is a more aggressive sport than boxing, the rounds tend to be shorter.

Method of victory bets, also known as KO/TKO/DQ bets, involve placing a bet on which method of victory a specific fighter will use to win a fight. Depending on the fight’s rules, there are usually three ways to win: by knockout, submission or judges’ decision.

When placing a KO/TKO/DQ bet, it is important to consider the fighter’s previous record and how they perform under pressure. For instance, a fighter who suffers a devastating KO loss may struggle to recover from that emotional blow in subsequent bouts. They might become more cautious inside the octagon, making them less likely to try out new techniques and strategies that could help them win.

Lastly, bettors should also pay attention to how well a fighter makes weight prior to a fight. Fighters who are close to missing the required weight limit can go through extreme measures in an attempt to make weight, which can leave them exhausted and prone to mistakes and injuries during their fight.

MMA betting offers a variety of options, including MMA parlays, which allow you to place multiple bets on one event for the chance to earn a larger payout. Parlays require all bets in a parlay to win for you to receive payment, so it’s important to carefully research and analyze each individual selection. This includes researching fighters’ styles, recent performances and injury histories. Also, be sure to take into account a fighter’s reach and weight class when handicapping a match.