Mixed martial arts is a fast-growing sport that attracts fans from all over the world. Betting on MMA fights can be an exciting and lucrative endeavor for those who have the right strategy. It’s important to keep in mind that MMA betting is different than other sports wagering, so it’s essential to understand the odds and bet types before placing any money on a fight.
The most common type of MMA bet is the moneyline, which involves placing a wager on the fighter you believe will win. These odds are based on the fighters’ records, fighting styles, strengths and weaknesses, and any injuries they may have sustained in previous fights. Oftentimes, the underdog will have higher odds than the favorite, but it’s important to be aware of the betting market before placing your bet.
Another popular MMA betting market is the over/under, which is a bet on how long the fight will last. This is typically a difficult bet to make, as the number of rounds in an MMA match varies depending on the fighting styles of the two fighters. If the match features two defensive fighters, the over/under will likely be set low, while a match featuring two aggressive fighters will likely have an over/under high.
Mma fights usually feature between three and five rounds, with non-championship and championship matches lasting a minimum of three rounds. The fight type also has an impact on the length of a fight, with a submission victory typically resulting in a shorter fight than a decision victory. As a result, many bettors will place a wager on the method of victory, with knockout and submission victories both having different odds than a decision win.
While it’s tempting to bet on a fighter you like, this is not an effective strategy for making money in MMA betting. Blindly betting on your favorites every fight will quickly deplete your bankroll. Instead, focus on developing a winning strategy by studying the odds and analyzing fights. By doing this, you’ll be able to identify the best wagers and maximize your profits.
One of the most profitable bets is a parlay, which combines multiple individual bets for a larger payout. It is important to limit your parlays to three picks at a time, as more bets in a parlay decreases the probability of correctly picking more than 3 of them. For example, you might want to combine a bet on Henry Cejudo an underpriced underdog at (+200) with Gregor Gillespie who has a good chance of beating Yancy Medeiros (+500). This combination would yield a $260 payout, which is significantly more than a single $100 bet on each fighter individually. Moreover, it is vital to watch the weigh-ins the evening before the event to determine if both fighters are within the weight limit and if they will have any injury concerns. This will greatly improve your chances of making a successful parlay bet on MMA fights. Lastly, you should always consider the fighters’ history of performance at the venue where the fight is taking place.