Mma betting is a popular way to bet on fights and can be extremely lucrative for those who do their research. This includes studying fighters’ past performance, styles and strengths and weaknesses. Bettors can also place bets on the round in which a fight will end and the method of victory. However, the key to mma betting is understanding the odds and how they are calculated. Unlike football or basketball odds, MMA odds showcase how much a bet can win per $100 wager. Betting on underdogs with plus odds can lead to larger payouts.
Another common MMA betting type is the Over/Under total rounds bet. This bet is based on how many rounds the fight will last and depends on the fighting styles of both fighters. For example, if two fighters are known for their grappling skills, the Over/Under will be higher because it’s more likely to see an early submission.
Similarly, if a fighter has a more dominant striking style, the Over/Under will be lower because it’s more likely to see a late knockout. Regardless of the style, Over/Under bets should be placed with care as they often carry a higher vig (commission) than other bets.
In addition to Over/Under and round bets, MMA fights can also have a variety of other prop bets. These bets can range from determining first blood to which fighter will have the first takedown. While these bets can pay out in a matter of seconds, they are riskier than other bet types and should only be made with money that you can afford to lose.
Prop bets can also include a bet on how the fight will end, with options including KO/TKO, Submission, and Judge Decision. While this bet type can be a fun way to get involved in the action, it is not recommended for beginner bettors. Depending on the oddsmakers’ calculations, these bets can have a large variance.
One final tip for MMA bettors is to avoid doing what is known as “MMA Math.” This refers to comparing the records of opponents to determine a winner. For example, a fighter may have a losing record against someone who has won a lot of fights, but those wins came against inferior competition. This thought process can mislead bettors and take away from handicapping styles and studying fight film.
In MMA betting, the most common bet is the Money Line bet. This bet states how much a bettor can win for every $100 wagered, and it can be found at any online sportsbook that offers MMA fights. The odds will change from the time they open to the night of the fight, so it’s important to monitor them regularly and to pay attention to any fighter news that could affect them. Besides the Money Line, other popular MMA betting bets include Round Bets, Method of Victory Bets, and In-Play Betting. The latter is especially exciting and can offer huge returns in a short amount of time.