MMA is an exciting sport that combines martial arts styles like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Greco-Roman wrestling and more in one fight. It’s an intense sport that’s growing in popularity, and there are a variety of wagers available on every fight.
Compared to other sports, MMA betting is relatively straightforward and involves placing money on a winning bet. The odds are set by the bookmakers, and they are updated in real time. Whether you’re an experienced bettor or just starting out, learning how to read the odds board is essential for getting the most out of your bets.
American Odds
The most common MMA betting odds are American odds, which are displayed in a positive (+) or negative (-) sign. The negative number means that you need to bet more money to win a specific amount of money, while the positive number represents the value of your wager. Choosing a bet with the correct odds can give you an edge over the bookmaker and help you make more informed betting decisions.
Divisional Rankings
Similar to boxing, MMA bouts are split into men’s and women’s divisions and a list of the best fighters in each weight class is published. These rankings are adjusted as fights progress, and a fighter may be dropped to a lower division when he or she doesn’t perform as well as expected in the first round.
Late Changes and Replacements
Many MMA fights go through late changes, with fighters pulling out of the event or agreeing to come back later on due to injury or illness. This doesn’t happen often, but when it does it can lead to a large drop in the odds of a favorite fighter.
If you want to bet on a favorite, it’s important to research the fighter’s previous performance. It’s also important to look at how they match up against their opponent. In particular, orthodox or southpaw fighters can have advantages in the ring, so comparing their styles is crucial to handicapping an MMA matchup.
Bets on the Method of Victory
In MMA, there are three victory conditions: knockout, submission and judge decision. This bet type is very popular and can be an excellent way to get in on the action.
Prop bets are another popular way to place a bet on a specific outcome of an MMA fight. These bets are a lot of fun and can pay out big.
A popular MMA bet is the round bet, which can pick a specific winner in each of the rounds. This is much more precise than the moneyline or over/under bets, and it can result in more lucrative returns.
DRAWs aren’t as common as wins and losses, but some sportsbooks offer a DRAW bet for MMA fights. This is a great option for those who are looking for more excitement, as there’s always the chance of a draw!
Over/Under for Round Totals
Over/under bets in MMA betting are typically listed as 1.5 or 2.5, meaning they’re expecting the fight to last at least that long. They’re also unique in that the “.5” indicates halfway through the round, so the total is only rounded up if it ends on the exact number you’ve placed your bet on.