Mixed martial arts is one of the fastest-growing betting markets at online sportsbooks. But MMA betting isn’t just about picking winners; it requires careful research and strategic decision-making. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
The first step to mma betting is understanding how to read odds. Unlike in basketball or football, MMA odds show how much you can win on a wager, not the probability of winning the fight itself. The odds are typically expressed as either American, Fractional or Decimal odds. The most common MMA bets are Money Line bets, which place a wager on a specific fighter to win the fight. The oddsmakers set these odds by calculating the implied probability of each fighter. Favorites are usually displayed with a minus symbol in front of their odds, while underdogs are listed with plus symbols.
Another important factor to consider is the fighters’ styles and past performance. A fighter’s style can impact their ability to win a fight, especially if they’re fighting someone with a different stance. For example, orthodox fighters tend to have an advantage versus southpaw opponents. A fighter’s previous performances will also reveal their stamina, striking ability and how they handle pressure.
Mma betting odds are constantly shifting, so it’s vital to stay up-to-date on the latest information. This includes fighter news, the results of their last fight and any reports on their training camp. Keeping on top of these factors can help you spot any potential value in the odds for your MMA bets.
In addition to the main bet types, MMA fights also feature numerous prop bets. These are bets on a variety of occurrences in a fight that don’t directly affect the outcome of the match. Examples of these include Method of Victory bets (submission, knockout, or decision) and Round Bets.
Mma prop bets can be placed individually or as part of a parlay, which combines multiple bets for a higher payout. Generally, these bets have lower margins than single bets, but they can still make a big difference in your bankroll. Prop bets are available for both live and pre-fight betting. The main differences between the two are that live bets allow you to place your bets while the fight is taking place, and they’re updated in real time.