Mma betting is a dynamic and thrilling way to experience the sport, but it also comes with significant risks. To avoid losses, MMA bettors should master the various types of wagers, conduct thorough research and practice responsible bankroll management. By understanding the odds, learning about the various types of bets and avoiding emotional betting, MMA fans can maximize their enjoyment of the fight and earn potential payouts.
Betting on mma involves choosing which fighter you think will win a particular fight. The most basic bet is a moneyline bet, which rewards a correct pick with profits based on the odds. A favored fighter will have minus odds, while an underdog will have plus odds. In addition to the moneyline, MMA bettors can place accumulator or parlay bets, over/under bets, round bets, and method of victory bets.
Unlike the point spreads that are common in American sports, MMA betting odds showcase how much you can win for your wagers, per $100 wagered. The odds are expressed using the plus and minus system, which is relatively straightforward to understand once you get the hang of it. Favorites offer a lower payout and present less risk, while underdogs offer a higher payout and more risk.
When handicapping a MMA fight, be sure to consider the fighters’ styles and how they match up against each other. In particular, pay attention to the fighter’s stance: orthodox fighters can have trouble against southpaws. Also take into account the fighting location, as travel can wreak havoc on a fighter’s energy levels. For example, Cain Velasquez lost to Fabricio Werdum after traveling to Mexico City and not acclimating to the altitude.
In-fight betting, or live betting, offers the best chance to cash in on outstanding odds that the sportsbook has overlooked. This type of wagering can be especially lucrative during a live fight, when a fighter is making strong advances and picking up momentum that the bookmakers aren’t catching on to.
A final word of advice for MMA bettors: Don’t fall into the trap of “MMA math.” Too many people make this mistake by comparing opponents’ past records and thinking that fighters with similar styles will beat each other. This is a dangerous mindset that can distract bettors from studying fighter film and analyzing the matchups properly. In addition, it can lead to poor betting decisions based on emotion and personal bias.