MMA betting is one of the most popular forms of wagering on mixed martial arts events. But understanding the rules of MMA fighting and how betting odds work is crucial to making informed wagers. In addition, it’s important to know the different types of MMA betting available. These include moneyline bets, round betting and method-of-victory bets.
Moneyline MMA bets are the most straightforward type of bet available. These bets are based on the probability that a specific fighter will win the fight. The odds are typically displayed in a format that shows the favorite as a minus symbol and the underdog as a plus sign. The odds indicate the payout for a bet on each fighter, with a higher number indicating a larger potential return. The odds can also be adjusted by a sportsbook to account for public perception of the matchup, and this is an area where savvy bettors can find some value.
In MMA, the goal of a fighter is to knock out or submit their opponent. In order to do so, they must be able to predict when their opponent will make an error or have an opportunity to capitalize on it. For example, in a match between two well-rounded fighters, one mistake by either fighter could cost them the fight. This is why it’s important to study both fighters’ records and past performance to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
While many bettors focus on the overall record of a fighter, it’s important to consider how a particular fighter performs against their opponent’s opponents. The cliche, “Fighter A beats Fighter B so they should beat Fighter C,” may seem like sound logic but it can mislead bettors and distract from studying fight film and analyzing styles. In MMA, there is often a lot of crossover in the opposition faced by fighters, so it’s important to be aware of this when placing a bet.
Another way to improve your MMA betting game is to follow the fighters’ training camps. This can give you insight into how a fighter is feeling and if any injuries are being suffered that may affect their performance. For instance, a fighter moving up in weight class might appear slow or show signs of injury during camp.
There are several tried and tested mma betting strategies that can help bettors increase their profits. These strategies can be applied to both pre-fight and live MMA betting. One of the most common is to watch for the Over/Under totals on the fight. Depending on the fight’s style and how many rounds are scheduled, oddsmakers will set an Over/Under number. The Over/Under will then be offered at various prices, ranging from +150 (a $100 bet wins $150) to -165 (a $165 bet wins $115). Many of the same markets that are available for pre-fight betting are also offered during live MMA betting. These include the moneyline, round betting and methods of victory (submission, decision or knockout). Live MMA betting is available at most sportsbooks, though some only offer a limited selection of markets.