Mixed martial arts is an adrenaline-fueled sport that seamlessly blends striking and grappling techniques from a wide range of martial art disciplines. As the popularity of MMA continues to surge, betting on fights has become a popular way to engage with the action. However, successful MMA betting requires research and analysis. Considering factors like fighters’ styles, records, injuries and recent performances, and even their weight and reach differences is critical to making the right bet.
Unlike football and basketball bets, where there is one point spread, in MMA fights the most common type of bet is a Money Line wager. These odds are typically displayed in a format where the favorite is indicated by a minus sign (-) and the underdog is shown with a plus sign (+). The odds represent the payout associated with placing a bet on each fighter and are updated as they change. Odds are also presented in American, decimal and fractional formats and learning how to read them is essential to evaluating risk and potential profit.
Another popular MMA betting option is the Over/Under round totals wager. This involves predicting how many rounds the fight will last and whether it will end in a knockout, submission or decision. In addition, some sportsbooks offer a three-way line on fight odds that includes a DRAW match. Although a draw is rare, it offers a higher payout than traditional wagers on the fight winner.
Prop bets are an excellent way to diversify your MMA betting experience and can add value to your overall MMA betting strategy. These exotic bets are based on specific occurrences or non-occurrences that will not directly affect the outcome of the fight. They include Method of Victory bets (which are categorized as Knockout, Technical Knockout, Submission or Decision), Round Bets and FOTN (Fight of the Night).
Another important aspect of MMA betting is understanding how the different fighting styles of each fighter complement each other. A well-rounded MMA handicapper considers the styles of both fighters, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and how their stances — orthodox or southpaw – might impact the outcome of the fight. This information is particularly crucial when betting on the Method of Victory, where bettors predict how a particular fighter will win the fight: by KO, TKO, submission or decision. Similarly, bettors should also take into account the judges’ scoring system when placing bets on Split Decision and Over/Under Result bets.