In MMA betting, the most common bets are on the outcome of a fight. This is similar to placing wagers on football or basketball games and requires simply picking one fighter to win over another. However, MMA betting can also be more complex with various types of bets and props available. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different types of bets and how they work, including some helpful tips for making money betting on MMA.
A moneyline bet is a simple bet on the winner of a fight, with payout determined by the odds on offer. Often, these bets are offered on methods of victory, such as by KO or TKO, submission, or decision. A moneyline bet is a more conservative way to make a wager and offers higher returns on smaller investments.
Another popular type of MMA bet is the over/under, or total bet. This is similar to a total bet in football or baseball and involves betting on if the total number of points or rounds will be over or under a given amount. The over/under bet is a good place to start for novice MMA bettors, as it provides a low-risk opportunity to win a substantial amount of cash.
One of the more complicated types of MMA betting is method-of-victory bets, which allow bettors to try and predict how a fight will end. This bet type takes things a step further than the simpler moneyline bet, as bettors can choose whether they believe a fighter will win via a KO/TKO, by submission, or by decision. Method-of-victory bets are typically offered at varying odds, depending on the difficulty of winning each type of victory.
Often, bettors will attempt to handicap a fight by looking at the records of the two fighters and which opponents they have won and lost against. This can be a mistake, as it may distract from studying fight film and analyzing style differences. For example, a left-handed fighter can be an advantage over an orthodox fighter, but many bettors fail to consider this when assessing the matchup.
It is also important to understand how the oddsmakers set MMA betting lines. They are commonly influenced by public perception and public money, which can force them to adjust the line in an effort to balance action. Understanding this can help bettors make smarter decisions about which sides to back and when it is wise to move off a line.
Finally, bettors should also consider the ring experience of each fighter when placing their MMA betting. Those with more MMA experience tend to have better overall fighting skills, but this can vary by weight class. For example, heavier fighters can sometimes have a harder time cutting and maintaining their weight, which can affect their performance.
In addition to the above, bettors should pay attention to the stances of each fighter. Fighters in the same weight class should generally be matched up against each other, and those who are fighting outside their normal weight class can have a difficult time adapting to new circumstances inside the octagon.