Mma betting has become incredibly popular in recent years, and for good reason. It offers a huge range of wagering opportunities, from the typical win/loss bets to over/under totals and even on what round a fight will end in. Prop bets also are available, and these can offer substantial payouts for savvy bettors.
While the basics of MMA betting are similar to other sports wagering, there are some key differences that make this type of bet unique. These tips and tricks can help you improve your chances of success, even if you have never placed a bet on an MMA fight before.
The first thing to remember when placing a bet on an MMA bout is that the sport’s fighters are human. This isn’t just a cliche, either; every fighter has strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes, a fighter’s weakness is an area that their opponent exploits. For example, some fighters struggle to make weight and must undergo drastic measures to avoid falling below their designated weight class. These weight cuts can leave them drained before the fight even starts, and can give their opponents an advantage.
Another important consideration when betting on a fight is the fighters’ record against common foes. Many fight fans like to compare the records of two fighters inside a certain weight class, and then attempt to do what is known as “MMA math.” The logic goes something like this: FIGHTER A lost to FIGHTER B, but FIGHTER A has a better record against the other guys in their weight class. Ultimately, this type of thinking can mislead bettors and cause them to lose money.
As with other types of sports, the public’s bets on a fight can significantly move a line. This is especially true in MMA, where there’s often not a lot of liquidity in the market. That’s why it’s important to follow the lines and be aware of what the sharps are doing.
A common mistake that MMA bettors make is building too big of a parlay. This can result in a massive loss if not hit, and it’s usually best to stick with smaller parlays that have a higher chance of hitting. In addition, it’s a good idea to check the MMA section of your sportsbook on a regular basis so that you can see when odds are being updated. This way, you can avoid making a mistake by placing a bet before the odds are posted.