MMA Betting Basics
MMA betting is a popular way to wager on a fight. It can seem complicated to the casual sports bettor, but once the basics are understood it is quite easy to place a bet and win money. Whether placing bets on individual fighters, a specific method of victory or round betting, there are many opportunities to be found once you know how to read the odds.
Typically, MMA betting lines will display a favorite and an underdog. The favorite is considered more likely to win the fight and carries a minus symbol in front of their moneyline odds, while the underdog is less confident and carries a plus sign in front of their odds. However, the odds of a particular fighter can change throughout the course of a week and it is important to check back often to find new odds.
The easiest and most basic type of MMA bet is the moneyline bet. This bet simply asks the bettor to pick which fighter will win the fight. Depending on the matchup and styles of the two fighters, the winner will be determined by either a submission, KO or a technical decision. In some cases, the two fighters may have similar skills and it can be a close call as to which one will win.
Another popular MMA bet is the Over/Under total for the number of rounds a fight will last. Using the fighting styles of the two fighters and the number of rounds scheduled for the fight, oddsmakers will set an Over/Under total. The Over/Under will then be priced, with the vig or juice taking into account. Choosing the Over or Under can be quite lucrative, especially with the high payouts that can be earned by placing these bets at online sportsbooks.
If a bettor wants to be more specific with their bets, they can place an exact-round bet on which round the fight will end. Several MMA sportsbooks offer this and it can be very profitable as the payouts are much higher than placing bets on which fighter will win or how the fight will end.
A good rule of thumb is to never bet more than you can afford to lose. Also, always be sure to set a budget and stick to it. Gambling should be viewed as a fun and exciting pastime and not a pathway to financial wealth. Lastly, it is essential to research the fighters you are considering placing wagers on by looking at statistics such as strikes landed, strike absorbed and takedown defense. Other research can include analyzing the fighters’ stance and their ability to defend that stance. It is also recommended to look at the history of each fighter and how their styles matchup. Often times, southpaw fighters will have an advantage over orthodox fighters. This is why it is so crucial to analyze fight film.