Mma betting is an exciting way to wager on MMA fights and enjoy the adrenaline-pumping action of this thrilling sport. However, like any form of gambling, it can also be risky if not conducted responsibly and with sound financial management practices. Educating yourself about the different bet types, conducting thorough research, and practicing good money management can help you enjoy the thrill of betting on MMA fights while potentially earning substantial payouts.
The most basic type of MMA bet is the moneyline wager, where you place a bet on one fighter to win the fight. Unlike boxing, where odds are displayed as a decimal number, MMA fighting odds are typically presented in percentage format, with the amount of money you can expect to win for every $100 wager indicated by the plus or minus symbols. Favorites will usually be listed with a minus sign in front of their odds, while underdogs will be listed with a plus symbol.
Rounds bets, or Over/Under rounds bets, are another popular MMA betting market. Depending on the matchup, style of the fighters involved, and number of rounds scheduled for the bout, oddsmakers will set an Over/Under total based on the expected number of rounds the fight will last. The Over/Under price will then be adjusted by the bookmaker’s margin or vig (vigorish) to reflect the implied probability of the fight reaching its specified round total.
Method of victory wagers, or prop bets, are another popular MMA bet type. A Method of Victory bet allows you to predict not only the winner of a particular fight, but how that person will win the fight as well—by knockout, technical knockout, submission, or judges’ decision. These bets can offer some of the largest payouts in MMA betting, but they require careful analysis of each fighter’s style and history, including any injuries that may impact their ability to perform. Also, a fighter’s stance—whether they are orthodox or southpaw—should be taken into account when assessing their chances of winning.
In addition to round, over/under, and method of victory wagers, MMA betting markets often feature a variety of other prop bets, such as the distance of a particular round or how many strikes will be landed in a specific time period. These props are designed to provide more action-oriented bettors with unique betting opportunities, and they can make for a great way to add some excitement to a live MMA fight. Just be sure to read the rules carefully before placing a prop bet, as some have specific requirements, such as the number of points awarded for a takedown or submission. In addition, some props are offered only on certain events, such as the first or second rounds of a fight.