MMA betting is not only a fun way to wager on UFC fights, but it can also be a profitable experience for the savvy sports bettor. Here are some tips to help you profit from MMA betting:
Understand the odds and public perception
Combat sports like MMA are often viewed as being more even than other popular sports, so oddsmakers will tend to make their moneyline lines as close to an even money bet as possible. However, public sentiment can change these odds and the sportsbook may have to adjust prices in order to accommodate the bettors who are interested in one side over the other.
Line shopping
Shopping around for MMA odds is a great way to find the best price for a bet, especially with the increase in regulated sports betting in the United States. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Take advantage of prop bets
Many sportsbooks offer a variety of MMA prop bets, which allow punters to place side bets that aren’t tied to the main betting lines. These bets can range from round bets, which predict how many rounds a fight will last, to method of victory bets, which determine whether a fighter will win by knockout (KO), technical knockout (TKO), submission or decision.
Look at the age of the fighters
It is important to consider the age of the fighters you bet on in MMA fights, as older opponents will have a harder time defending themselves and will be slower. Bettors should also take into account the opponent’s record.
There is a lot of crossover in opposition within a particular weight class, so it’s important to know which fighters have won and lost in the past against which foes. This will give you an idea of how a fighter has handled themselves against tough competition in the past and how they might perform against their current opponent.
Keep track of the fighters’ recent wins/losses
In MMA, fighters have to win a certain number of fights before they can be considered a champion. This is a key factor for determining if a fighter is ready for the next step in their career.
MMA Math is rarely accurate
Some MMA bettors like to do what is known as “MMA math.” This means that they try to predict which opponent they believe should beat which opponent. This can mislead bettors because it takes away their focus from handicapping styles and studying the fight film.
MMA can be a dangerous sport for newcomers to the game and this can lead to losses for experienced MMA bettors who don’t have a solid understanding of MMA betting. This is why it’s a good idea to start small and gradually increase your bets until you’re comfortable with the sport.
Always bet on an underdog
In MMA betting, it’s common for underdogs to receive more attention than the favorites. This is because they have a higher chance of winning, so the underdog can be a better choice for bettors who want to make some money without risking a large amount of cash.