MMA betting is one of the fastest-growing markets at sportsbooks and online bookmakers across the globe. It’s a growing market that’s fueled by the popularity of the UFC and mixed martial arts.
There are many ways to bet on MMA events, from moneyline bets and method-of-victory wagers to round totals and over/under odds. Understanding MMA betting options can help you make smarter bets and increase your chances of winning big.
Moneyline Bets: These are simple bets that let you win a fixed amount of money if a fighter wins. These bets offer a high level of liquidity and are one of the most popular types of MMA betting.
They’re available on most major MMA fight nights and are a great way to increase your winnings. If two fighters are on the moneyline, you can bet that one will win by a specific method, such as a knockout, submission, or decision.
American Odds: These are the most common type of MMA betting odds and they’re easy to understand. You can see them on a betting slip before you place your bet. They tell you how much you have to bet for a payout of $100.
Parlay Your MMA Bets: This is another popular method of MMA betting and it lets you back multiple fighters for a single wager. These bets can be very lucrative if you win, especially when you’re betting on underdogs to upset the favorites.
Be Emotionally Consistent: It’s tempting to bet on a favorite because you like them, but you should always be mindful of their opponents. MMA is an extremely competitive sport and it’s not uncommon for fighters to lose their first or second outing, making it harder to predict their performances in the future.
Weight Cuts: Just as with boxing, MMA fighters must make weight before they can compete in the Octagon. Late weight cuts can leave them sluggish and dehydrated, reducing their ability to perform.
MMA has multiple weight classes and some fighters are better at cutting and maintaining their weight than others. These fighters can often move up in class, giving them an advantage against those that are a little lighter.
Line Shopping: When you’re betting on MMA, it’s important to shop around for the best prices. The differences between odds at different sportsbooks may not seem significant, but they add up over time.
Styles Make Fights: It’s important to look at a fighter’s style and how it matches up with the style of their opponent. For instance, Southpaw fighters (left-handed fighters) can be at an advantage against orthodox fighters because they are not used to defending that type of stance.
Knockout Losses: MMA fighters can suffer psychological damage after losing a KO, which can have a detrimental effect on their approach and style in the Octagon. They can become overly cautious and even begin to change their stance and technique, leaving them vulnerable to attacks from their opponents.
The MMA betting odds for an upcoming event are set by oddsmakers, using head-to-head moneylines to calculate an implied probability for each fighter. These odds are then used to set a moneyline for the bout. When a fighter’s price increases, they’re favored to win the fight and when it decreases, they’re a clear underdog.