MMA betting is an exciting way to get in on the action of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). But it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you place your bets.
Those looking to bet on MMA fights should do their research and stick with a strategy that’s based on statistics. Those who base their picks on emotions won’t be profitable in the long run.
Types of bets available
When it comes to MMA betting, there are many types of bets available. From traditional money line and parlays to exotic prop bets that specify the way a fight ends and in what round, there are several different options for experienced bettors and beginners alike.
Betting on MMA has grown to become one of the fastest growing segments of the gambling world. Once a sport that was an afterthought, it has now overtaken the likes of football, basketball, and baseball as the most popular form of betting.
One of the most popular ways to bet on MMA is through moneyline bets, or match bets as they are often called. These bets are simple to place and are easy to understand.
Over/Under bets
If you’re a fan of MMA betting, it’s important to understand how odds are determined. Unlike other sports, MMA betting odds aren’t based on a fighter’s actual probability of winning the match. They are based on a number of factors that influence public betting action and can change during the course of a fight.
Fortunately, there are some basic rules you can follow to make the most of your MMA betting experience. First, don’t get caught up in the media hype around a big fight.
Instead, look at a fighter’s style and how they fight in the Octagon or in the ring. If a fighter has a great defense or offensive style, they should be able to win a fight.
Likewise, bettors should look at the opponent’s record and how they have performed against fighters in their same weight class. Often, two fighters from the same weight class will face off against each other.
Method-of-victory bets
As in most sports, mma betting offers bettors the chance to wager on the outcome of a fight. There are many different types of MMA bets, but the method-of-victory bet is one of the most common.
Unlike outright bets, the method-of-victory bet requires you to predict not just who will win but how the fight will end. Several different ways of winning can be available in an MMA fight, including a knockout (KO), technical knockout (TKO), submission, or disqualification.
The odds for these methods of victory are based on factors such as the fighters’ fighting styles, their experience, and their skill level. Often, bettors will look at fight metrics such as significant strikes landed per 15 minutes and significant strikes accuracy. They can also compare two fighters’ performance history to find the best bets for a given matchup.
Draw bets
There aren’t a lot of draw bets available in MMA betting. However, they’re a good option if you think a fight will go to a decision or end in a draw.
A draw is rare in MMA, but it’s not unheard of. A draw can happen when a fight goes the distance and three judge’s scorecards in combination deem it a draw.
MMA fighters can have different mindsets, with some preferring to get finished early while others like the more challenging pace of a longer fight. Having an idea of how these mindsets match up against each other can help you handicap your bets.
MMA weight cutting is also a big factor in fights, as many fighters move up or down in class depending on success. Watching a fighter’s weight cut can give you an edge in your betting, as some fighters are better able to make it under the limit than others. Similarly, missing weight can have a negative impact on a fighter’s performance in a fight, especially if they’re coming off of a knockout loss.