When betting on MMA fights, understanding the various types of wagers is critical to making smart decisions and increasing winning opportunities. Prop bets, parlays (accumulators), over/under, round bets and the Method of Victory are common MMA betting options. Managing your bankroll and researching fighters, styles, records and recent performances are also important to consider when placing a bet.
While most MMA betting is done via online sportsbooks, traditional land-based sportsbooks are still a popular option for some bettors. Both offer convenience and a variety of betting lines. However, be sure to review the rules and regulations of each site before placing a bet. Online sportsbooks are also known to offer better odds and bonuses than their land-based counterparts.
MMA is a fast-paced sport where punching, kicks, grappling and submission holds are all possible techniques. Often, betting lines will reflect the dominant style of one fighter over another. For example, orthodox fighters will typically have a greater advantage over southpaw opponents. In addition, the stance of each fighter may be an important factor in determining how the fight will unfold.
In addition to a fighter’s style, bettors should look at their overall record and how it compares to their current opponent. Many bettors like to do what is called “MMA math” – comparing the records of two fighters to find out who is likely to win. However, this approach can mislead bettors and take the attention away from studying fight film and handicapping styles.
The Round Total is an MMA betting market that is set by oddsmakers based on the matchup, the fighters’ fighting styles and the number of rounds scheduled. The Over/Under is then priced according to the probability of the total being reached – taking into account the juice or vig charged by the bookmaker.
Bettors can place wagers on the Over/Under at MMA sportsbooks and other online betting sites. The payouts on these bets can be very lucrative, especially if you bet on the Under.
MMA fans can also bet on the Method of Victory, which includes a technical decision, a majority decision and a disqualification. While a majority decision bet is considered the safest of all the MMA betting markets, it is not without its risks. A major problem with a majority decision bet is that the winning fighter must receive points on at least two judges’ scorecards in order for the bet to pay out. In some cases, a fighter could even win a unanimous decision if only one judge scores for him or her. In this case, the bet would lose. This type of bet is also known as a push or a dead heat. A disqualification, on the other hand, is a bet that is guaranteed to lose. A fighter is disqualified if he or she fails to comply with the fight’s official rules and is consistently warned by the referee or judges. MMA betting can be very profitable and fun, but it is essential to research the matchups, study the fighters’ records and analyze fight film before placing your wagers.