MMA betting involves more than just picking the winner of a fight. Wagering on a fighter’s method of victory or the number of rounds a fight will last can be an exciting addition to a fight-watching experience. Understanding the odds, researching fighters, and managing your bankroll are essential to a successful betting experience. This article will introduce you to the basics of MMA betting and prepare you to make informed wagers on the next MMA bout that you watch.
The most basic type of MMA betting is the moneyline bet, which is a simple bet on a fighter to win a fight. Unlike football or baseball, where you place bets on teams to win a game, the MMA betting market features both a favorite and underdog. This is reflected in the odds for each fighter, with a favorite carrying a minus sign (-) and underdogs sporting a plus sign (+). Odds are also based on how well a fighter has performed in past fights. This is why you should always check a fighter’s record before placing any bets.
Mma betting offers a variety of different bet types, including moneyline bets, over/under bets, and round bets. Over/under bets involve wagering on whether the total number of rounds a fight will last will be higher or lower than a specific number set by your sportsbook. Some sportsbooks will even allow you to place grouped round bets, such as Sterling to win in the first or second rounds. These bets offer increased payouts, but require a deeper level of knowledge about the fighters’ styles and strengths.
While it may be tempting to compare a fighter’s records against other fighters in the same weight class, this can often lead to inaccurate assumptions. Some fighters will lose to opponents who have similar fighting styles, and others will win by exploiting weaknesses in other fighter’s styles. This type of MMA “math” can mislead bettors and distract them from analyzing a fighter’s strengths and weaknesses in fight film.
Another important consideration when making MMA bets is the fighter’s health and training. The sport of MMA is brutal, and many fighters will be forced to fight while recovering from injuries. This can leave them feeling fatigued or even worse, which can lead to poor performances. In this case, bettors should look for fighters with a track record of fighting through injuries and other unforeseen circumstances. They should also avoid betting on fighters who have recently suffered knockout losses. Travel can also wreak havoc on a fighter’s physical condition. For example, Cain Velasquez lost to Fabricio Werdum at UFC 188 because he was gassed due to the high altitude in Mexico City where the fight took place.
