In mixed martial arts, betting on a fighter without doing sufficient research or handicapping their style can set you up for big losses. To avoid this trap, be disciplined: Set a budget for your wagers and stick to it, don’t chase losses and recognise when you’re on a losing streak. Disciplined betting also involves avoiding emotional betting, so be sure to make decisions grounded in fact and analysis rather than your feelings or personal bias.
MMA odds are based on a number of factors, including the fighters’ record, their training and experience, and the style and strengths of their opponents. Using these stats can give you an edge over your competitors, but it’s essential to take into account that every fight is unique.
For example, a fighter who is coming off a devastating knockout loss may be mentally damaged and over-cautious in the octagon, making them vulnerable to an upset defeat. In this case, the oddsmakers will adjust their MMA odds to reflect this weakness.
Another consideration is how the fight will be decided by the judges. There are three basic types of judges’ decision: unanimous (all three judges score the fight for one competitor), split, and majority. The odds on a majority decision are longer than those on a split or unanimous decision, as there is more risk involved in predicting the outcome of the judges’ decision.
Round betting is another popular MMA market, with bettors placing wagers on which competitor they think will win a particular round. Alternatively, bettors can place a bet on the total number of rounds the fight will last, with over/under bets winning if the fight lasts longer or shorter than the scheduled number of rounds. For a more nuanced wagering experience, you can even bet on the method of victory (whether it’ll be a knockout, submission, or decision).
To make the most out of your MMA betting, it’s important to shop around at different sportsbooks and get their odds early. This practice is known as line shopping and it’s an integral part of the strategy of sharp MMA bettors. By checking a number of different sites, you can identify lines that are either over- or under-valued. This practice is particularly valuable during MMA live betting, as the odds are dynamic and will change based on how the fight unfolds.