MMA betting involves a complex combination of factors, including fighters’ styles and records, past performances, current injuries, weight and reach differences, and even personal vendettas. In addition to learning about these factors, a good MMA bettor must also understand the different types of wagers and how they work. Moneyline – The most straightforward type of MMA wager is the money line, which involves betting on which fighter will win a fight. A bettor’s potential payout is determined by the odds on each fighter, with favorites carrying minus symbols and underdogs carrying plus symbols. Odds are typically listed in a ratio format, which shows how much money a bettor needs to invest to win $100 in profit.
Over/Under – In an Over/Under bet, a bettor places a wager on how many rounds the fight will last, with odds displayed as either an Over or Under amount. A high Over/Under number means that the bettor expects the fight to last longer than expected, while a low Over/Under number indicates that the bettor expects the fight will end sooner than expected. MMA Over/Under bets are available on most sportsbooks and offer larger potential payouts than standard betting lines.
Method of Victory – Unlike traditional sports, MMA can end in a number of ways, including a knockout, technical knockout, submission, and decision. MMA bettors can place wagers on the method of victory by studying fighters’ previous performance and understanding their styles. For instance, a fighter who is coming off a KO loss may become more cautious in the octagon and have a difficult time making it to the end of a fight.
Fighter Record – Often, bettors will compare the win/loss record of a fighter against their opponents’. This can help them determine a potential winner, but it is important to consider the quality of those opponents. Some fighters are matched against more talented opposition than others, while some lose to other fighters who have similar styles. For this reason, it is important to study the fight film of each fighter and look at their overall record as well as their recent form.
Age – A fighter’s experience in the sport can be an advantage, but not always. The older a fighter is, the more they tend to struggle in their later years, especially if they are fighting younger fighters with superior skills and fitness levels. This can lead to a decrease in their overall win percentage.
The best way to place a successful MMA bet is to study the fighters’ records, styles, and current injuries. This will allow you to make a more informed decision about which fighter is likely to win the match and how long it will last. In addition, bettors should learn as much as possible about the fighters’ past fights and their overall history in the sport. This includes learning about the average rounds they have fought, their takedown and knockout numbers, and their record against certain styles.