MMA Betting Basics

Mma betting is a fast-growing sport that offers fans an entertaining sport with plenty of variety. This includes a wide range of fighting styles, a diverse roster of fighters, and a packed schedule of significant fights each week. To bet successfully, bettors must understand the rules of the league in which they’re betting and be familiar with each fighter’s skills, fighting style, and performance history. They should also know how to read MMA odds and how to make moneyline wagers.

A moneyline MMA bet is the most basic type of MMA betting. It involves choosing a winner of a particular fight by analyzing the odds offered at a sportsbook. The odds showcase how much a bettor can win for their wagers, in dollars per $100. A bettor can find a number of different options when making their moneyline bets, including whether the fighter will win via decision, submission, or other form of stoppage. In addition, a bettor can place a bet on the number of rounds the fight will last.

Another popular MMA betting option is the Over/Under fight totals market. In this market, bettors can choose either the Over (more than one round) or the Under (fewer than one round). These bets are based on statistical analysis of the fight, such as how many strikes landed and absorbed or how well each fighter performs in takedown defense. However, bettors should be aware that these bets are more likely to lose than bets on individual fight outcomes.

MMA bettors can also place a parlay bet, which combines several different outcomes of a fight to create one large bet. Parlay bets typically offer higher payouts than other types of MMA bets, but they also carry more risk since each outcome in the bet must occur correctly to be successful.

A key to successful MMA betting is to avoid betting on favorites. While it’s tempting to back a star fighter with big name recognition, this can be a costly mistake. Many of the most successful MMA bettors have made their money by backing underdogs in close contests.

It’s also important to consider the location of a fight. Often, travel can cause fighters to lose their edge, particularly if they’re not acclimatized to the conditions in which the fight is being held. For example, Fabricio Werdum tapped out Cain Velasquez at UFC 188 after Velasquez showed up in the high altitude of Mexico City without acclimating to the climate.

A great way to increase your chances of winning is by placing a live bet. These bets are placed as the fight is taking place and can change dramatically based on how the action unfolds. In general, live bets are more profitable than pre-event wagers because they provide more opportunities to be correct. However, if you’re not a fan of live betting, you can still place pre-event bets on the upcoming fights. Just be sure to set a budget and stick to it.