MMA betting is an exciting and potentially profitable form of sports wagering, but it requires a great deal of research to make smart bets. There are a variety of different types of MMA bets, including moneyline and point spread bets, as well as prop bets. Prop bets have a much higher risk-to-reward ratio than standard bets, as they are often specific to the outcome of a particular fight. In addition, MMA fighters’ records can play a huge role in the odds of a particular bet.
Moneyline bets are simple wagers on the winner of a fight, and are the most common MMA betting market. They are available for all types of fights, and you can find them at most sportsbooks. However, be sure to shop around for the best price. Price differences may seem small, but they add up over the course of a fight.
A bet on a fighter winning by KO or TKO is another popular type of MMA betting. These bets pay out based on the amount of moneyline odds that a bookmaker offers, and you can place them at most sportsbooks. Similarly, you can bet on whether a fighter will win by submission or decision. However, beware of betting on a KO or TKO as it can be a dangerous and devastating move for a fighter.
Another fun MMA betting option is the over/under total, which is set on how many rounds a fight will last. Oddsmakers take several factors into account when setting an over/under total, such as the fighters’ styles and how much time they expect each round to last. For example, if one fighter has an advantage over the other in striking or grappling, they may be more likely to win by submission. Alternatively, a fighter’s cornermen might throw in the towel, which counts as a submission.
In addition to over/under totals, MMA fights also have other unique prop bets. For instance, some sportsbooks offer a DRAW option on fight odds, which is a rare outcome that typically carries a higher payout than betting on a specific winner. These types of prop bets can be particularly profitable when they are based on a strong understanding of the fighters’ histories and records.
When handicapping MMA, it is important to consider a fighter’s history and record, as well as how they have performed in similar matchups. A fighter’s style is also crucial, with fighters who use a southpaw stance having a distinct advantage over opponents who are used to fighting in an orthodox stance. It is also important to be aware of a fighter’s ability to make weight for a fight, as a failed weigh-in can drastically alter their performance inside the octagon.
A good MMA betting strategy involves studying the fight film of both fighters and paying special attention to their striking and grappling techniques. Effective striking is determined by the significant legal strikes landed, while dominance is measured by the number of takedowns and submission holds a fighter can land on an opponent.