Mma betting is a unique form of sports betting that requires careful handicapping. In addition to the standard betting options, MMA offers prop bets that allow you to place wagers on hyper-specific components of each fight. These bets can help you maximize your profits while also limiting your risk.
A moneyline MMA bet is one of the most basic types of wagers and involves placing a bet on which fighter will win their bout. Typically, this bet will feature an established favorite alongside an underdog and the odds for each are displayed by the sportsbook. Favorites will usually have a minus sign in front of their odds while underdogs will have a plus sign in front of them. The odds for a bet on either the favorite or underdog will vary depending on how close the fight is expected to be and how much action the sportsbook expects.
Another popular MMA betting option is the Method of Victory bet. This is a wager on how the fight will end, with the most common options being KO/TKO, submission and judges’ decision. When making a Method of Victory bet, it is important to look at the fighters’ record, their wins and losses, as well as the type of competition they have faced. For example, a fighter who has mostly won tightly contested fights may be better equipped to deal with a longer bout than a fighter who has dominated the majority of their matches.
It is also important to stay updated on any last-minute news that could impact the outcome of a match. For example, a fighter’s training camp might be disrupted by an injury or they might be dealing with a new opponent who has different tactics and skills than their previous opponents. This is why it is important to study fighters’ past fight film, as well as their current training and preparation.
In addition to the above, bettors should take into account the fighting styles of each fighter when handicapping a fight. For instance, a striker versus a grappler can present unique betting opportunities. Additionally, the stance of each fighter (e.g. orthodox versus southpaw) can be a significant advantage or disadvantage in the octagon.
Another type of MMA bet that can pay off big is round props. These bets require punters to predict how many rounds the fight will last for and are generally available at greater and more profitable odds than standard bets. Round props can be placed on a number of different outcomes, including the first round, the last round, and whether the fight will go the distance or be stopped by a referee decision.
Finally, bettors can make live MMA bets which are wagers that are placed as the fight is happening. Sportsbooks have developed algorithms that spit out live lines as the fight is occurring. These lines can change quickly, however, so bettors must act fast if they see a line they like. These bets are only available at licensed sportsbooks, but they can greatly increase the profit margins on a fight.