The Basics of MMA Betting

Mma betting is the practice of placing a wager on the outcome of an MMA fight. This form of gambling is becoming increasingly popular, and some professional MMA fighters even make more money from betting than they do coaching. Whether you’re an experienced betor or just starting out, it’s important to understand the rules and risks of mma betting.

The first thing you should do before betting on an MMA match is to research the two fighters’ past opponents and styles. This will help you find some value and will also keep you from making the common mistake of doing what’s called “MMA math.” This is when a fighter is judged against another by their record against foes they’ve both fought. This is a flawed process that can distract bettors from handicapping style and studying fight film.

MMA betting is different from traditional sports wagering in that the odds are expressed on the money line. This means that the more money bet on one side of a bet, the lower the odds will be. This is because the sport is still relatively new and sports books are looking to balance action on both sides of the bet. This can lead to some interesting betting opportunities, especially when you understand how public perception impacts the odds on a fight.

Another way to increase your MMA betting chances is by parlaying your bets. Parlays are a series of individual bets that are tied together into a single bet slip to increase the payout on each bet. They’re not as profitable as individual bets, but they can provide a nice boost to your bankroll.

One of the most popular MMA prop bets is on method of victory, which allows bettors to place a wager on how a fighter will win a particular fight. There are several ways to win a fight in MMA, including inside the distance (ITD), submission, and a judge’s decision. Bettors can also bet on a draw, which is rare and typically has much higher payouts than a standard win or loss bet.

Prop bets on a fight can also include over/under betting on the number of rounds a match will last. These bets can be fun to place, but it’s crucial to remember that the fighters will need to go the full three rounds in order for the over/under to pay out. This is because MMA fights are much more aggressive than boxing matches. In addition, the fighters’ styles can change as they gain experience. This can make the over/under less accurate. Nevertheless, this type of bet can be fun and lucrative when placed correctly.