MMA’s growing popularity has fueled a boom in betting activity. Betting on MMA fights can be an exciting and profitable way to enjoy the sport, but only if you understand how odds work and use them wisely. The key to success is researching fighters and events, placing informed bets, and practicing responsible bankroll management. Read on to learn more about mma betting, including bet types, odds, and payouts.
The most basic MMA bet is the moneyline bet, where you wager on a fighter to win. The payout for this bet depends on whether the fighter is a favorite or underdog. Favorites are indicated by a minus sign (-) and underdogs by a plus sign (+). Moneyline odds also include a DRAW option, which is less common and offers much lower odds than either of the other two options. In addition to the moneyline bet, you can place Over/Under bets for round totals. This involves betting on how many rounds the fight will last, and the over/under is determined by adding up the number of rounds each fighter wins in the first two scheduled rounds, as well as any other extra round.
Prop bets are another popular MMA betting option and offer higher, more profitable odds than the standard moneyline bet. These bets allow you to make wagers on specific occurrences in a fight, and often have more detailed explanations of how the bet works. Fight props include predicting the winner of a particular round, or a method of victory (submission, knockout, or decision). Some sportsbooks even offer bets on how long a particular fight will last, known as “round props.”
Another type of MMA betting is based on a fighter’s previous performances in other promotions. The most successful MMA bettors can identify fighters who are due for a win, and fade favorites who are showing signs of decline. They also seek out underdogs with something to prove, or fighters who have recently defeated an established star.
Another important edge is understanding how to analyze fighters’ social media. While other sports limit access to their players, MMA fighters are surprisingly open about their lives and training, and bettors can gain valuable information from these posts. For example, by watching a fighter’s social media posts, you can see how they are feeling about their preparation for a fight and get an idea of how motivated they might be. By comparing this information with the fighter’s record and past performance in other promotions, you can make more accurate predictions on future fight outcomes.