When it comes to betting on MMA fights, there is a big difference between just placing any old wager and making smart MMA bets. Taking the time to gain technical insight on fighters’ fighting styles and how they contrast with one another is key in reducing the chance of betting mistakes. It is also helpful to have a tried-and-true MMA betting strategy that will increase your odds of success.
Unlike sports betting, where the most common bet type is a money line (where one team gets a number of points), MMA betting features a slew of different bet types, including prop bets, parlays and over/under bets. In addition, MMA bettors can place method-of-victory bets, which allow them to bet on how a particular fighter will win the fight, such as by knockout, submission or decision.
In addition to the aforementioned bet types, MMA bettors can also place round-by-round bets. These bets are usually placed in the middle of a fight and allow bettors to wager on how the next round will end, such as by a knockout or a draw. In addition, some sportsbooks offer live round betting that allows bettors to place a wager on the upcoming rounds while the fighters are in their corners preparing for the next round.
While betting on MMA fights is not as easy as placing a bet on a basketball game, it can be profitable when you do your research. For example, if you’re betting on an underdog, you can look up a fighter’s performance history and compare it to the opponent’s. This will help you determine whether or not the underdog has a good shot at winning. Moreover, it is important to set a realistic budget for your gambling. This way, you won’t risk losing all your money by betting large amounts.
Another way to improve your chances of making a smart MMA bet is by shopping the odds at different sportsbooks. This is called “line shopping” and is an integral part of any MMA betting strategy. Typically, a good line shop will allow you to find a bet that’s significantly undervalued. In addition, it’s best to shop the lines early in order to get the most accurate odds possible.
Another factor to consider is a fighter’s training camp. Watching their sparring sessions can provide valuable insights into how a fighter will perform in an upcoming fight. For example, a fighter coming off a KO loss may be more cautious and lose their edge inside the octagon. Similarly, fighters moving up or down in weight classes may have a harder time cutting and maintaining their weight. This can impact their performance in the octagon, which can affect the outcome of the fight.