Mixed martial arts has grown in popularity with sports fans worldwide, and MMA betting is becoming one of the fastest growing markets at online betting sites. While many fighters are household names in MMA, betting on them is still a risky endeavor unless you do your research and develop a solid strategy. This article will give you a basic introduction to mma betting and provide tips to help you make the best bets possible.
The most popular way to bet on MMA fights is the moneyline bet, which is a wager on a particular fighter to win the fight. Oddsmakers set moneyline odds by comparing the winning probabilities of each fighter, with favorites generally carrying a minus symbol in front of their odds while underdogs will carry a plus sign. MMA bettors should only place moneyline bets after researching each fighter’s histories and winnings.
Depending on the style of each fighter, the number of rounds scheduled and other factors, oddsmakers will also set Over/Under round totals for each fight. A wager on the Over will require placing a bet on all of the rounds that are scheduled for the fight, while a wager on the Under will require a bet on all of the rounds expected to be completed by both fighters combined. Over/Under bets offer higher payouts than the moneyline, but they also come with more risk as a precise outcome is required to win.
Method of victory bets allow you to place a wager on how the fight will end, including by knockout, technical knockout, submission or disqualification. These bets are more complicated to place because they require knowledge of the fighting styles of each fighter, and a deeper understanding of how they will interact in the ring. A knockout bet, for example, requires a specific knowledge of how a fighter will score a knockout in the first or second round, whereas a submission bet only requires knowing whether the fighter will submit by the end of the fight.
Another specialized type of MMA bet is the round bet, which allows you to bet on the specific round in which a stoppage will occur. This bet type is more precise than the over/under or the moneyline, and carries a higher payout than other MMA bets. Round bets are especially profitable when placed on a matchup between two fighters with similar styles.
Some sportsbooks will offer a parlay option, where you can combine your bets on multiple fights in a single ticket. This can increase your potential payouts, but it is important to remember that parlays have increased risk as well. If you are placing multiple bets on underdogs, this is a good option to consider, as it can help you maximize your profits. However, if you are placing bets on favorites, be careful not to over-parlay them, as this can lead to a greater loss than if you had placed each bet individually. Also, it is important to know that not all sportsbooks accept parlay bets, so check before placing your bets.