MMA betting is more than just picking a winner; it requires a deeper understanding of the sport’s rules, fighters and wagering options. Understanding how to read odds and leveraging your knowledge of MMA’s rules, strategy, and history can lead to more informed bets that result in a bigger payout. From moneyline bets to predicting how a fight will end (submission, knockout or decision), there are a number of wager types available to the savvy bettor.
Moneyline MMA bets are the most straightforward and often the best place to start. They offer a lower payout than other bets, but are simple to understand once you learn the plus and minus system. Favorites are expected to win and carry a minus symbol in front of their odds, while underdogs are considered less likely to win and display a plus sign. In addition, betting patterns can cause lines to fluctuate, so it’s important to shop around as early as possible to find the best line.
The next step is to get more specific with MMA prop bets, which are bets on specific events within the fight. These bets range from predicting which round the fight will end in to over/under bets on how many significant strikes are landed. MMA prop bets tend to be more complex than other sports bets, but are worth exploring for a higher potential payout.
Another bet type to explore is the KO/TKO total, which allows you to predict how many rounds the fight will last and whether either fighter will score a KO or TKO in that time. The total is calculated by a panel of three judges who assign scores based on a 10-point must system. If the winning fighter receives more points than the losing fighter, a decision is declared. If the fight ends with a split or majority decision, the bet wins.
Finally, a bet on the Method of Victory total is an excellent way to increase your chances of a big payoff. This bet combines several bets into one wager for a higher payout, but all selections in the parlay must win for the bet to pay out. Successful MMA betting involves thorough research and analysis, something that applies to all bets in the sport. Be sure to consider fighters’ styles, records, injuries and recent performances when making your bets. In addition, it’s a good idea to compare fighters’ reach and weight classes to see how they stack up against each other.