MMA betting is a fast-paced and exciting way to wager on the sport. Unlike most sports, where bettors place wagers solely on the outcome of a fight, MMA offers a variety of prop bets that give bettors more ways to win on a bout. Props include method of victory, round, and more. These bets are usually more volatile than other types of wagers, but offer higher payouts if correctly predicted.
Whether you’re a fan of the sport or not, it’s important to understand how odds work before placing your bets. Odds display how much you can win per $100 wagered, highlighting the favorite and underdog. For example, if one fighter has a minus symbol in front of their odds, this indicates they are the underdog in the fight and is based on previous performance. In contrast, a plus sign in front of a fighter’s odds means they are the favorite in the fight.
In addition to basic moneyline bets, MMA betting sites also offer Over/Under round totals. Depending on the style of the two fighters and how many rounds are scheduled for the fight, oddsmakers will set an Over/Under price for the expected number of rounds to be completed in the fight. Betting on the Over will yield a larger payout, while laying the Under will result in a smaller return.
Some MMA betting sites offer parlays, which are bets that combine multiple bets on different outcomes of the same fight. This can be a great strategy to maximize your potential winnings, but it’s important to note that a parlay comes with an added risk since you’ll need to win all of the individual bets to cash your ticket. Similarly, if you’re placing a bet on the winner of a fight, it’s important to research both fighters thoroughly before betting. While a fighter’s past performances may be an indicator of their likelihood to win, it’s essential to consider other factors like the venue (home advantage), the opponent’s fighting style, and any recent injuries.
Another type of MMA betting is live bets, which are wagers placed during the fight itself. These bets are based on the action taking place in the octagon and can be more lucrative than pre-fight wagers. However, it’s important to remember that live bets are determined by algorithms and live traders, who often fail to take into account technical aspects of a match that keen MMA bettors can pick up on.
Lastly, it’s important to pay attention to the history of both fighters and their opponents when handicapping a fight. In particular, bettors should look for patterns in their opponents’ wins and losses. For instance, a fighter’s losses might have come against elite-level competition, while their wins came against lesser foes. In addition, it’s worth considering a fighter’s stance – orthodox or southpaw – as this can affect their performance against an opponent with the opposite stance. This is particularly true in MMA, where fighters are known to favor certain techniques over others.