MMA betting is an exciting and potentially lucrative form of sports gambling. But it is important to understand the odds and research fighters before placing bets. It is also essential to know how to manage your bankroll and set a realistic budget. In addition, it is important to have a clear understanding of the rules and regulations.
The most basic MMA wager is the moneyline bet. This involves predicting which fighter will win a particular match. The odds for a favorite are indicated by a minus sign, while the underdog is marked by a plus sign. These signs indicate the payout you can expect if you place a bet on that fighter. In some cases, a fight may be considered a pick’em, meaning that the odds on both sides are equal.
In addition to the standard moneyline bet, MMA sportsbooks offer many other wager types. One popular option is the over/under bet, which allows you to bet on how many rounds a fight will last. A fight’s total number of rounds is set by the sportsbook, and you can bet on whether it will go over or under that number. Some MMA sportsbooks also offer bets on the exact round a fight will end, which can increase your payout potential even more.
When making a bet, it is important to consider the style of both fighters. Some fighters have a more well-rounded approach to the sport, while others specialize in specific tactics. For example, a striker might be better suited to an early-round knockout, while a grappler might be more effective in a long standup battle. This is why researching fighters’ past performances is so important – you can find out their strengths and weaknesses, and make more informed predictions.
If you want to increase your winnings, it’s a good idea to place a bet on an underdog. This is because the underdog is often priced much higher than a favourite and can yield big payouts. In addition, a bet on an underdog can give you a sense of excitement during the fight.
While hedging your bets isn’t as easy as it is with football or tennis, you can use this strategy during live MMA fights. The odds for a live MMA bet will change quickly, so you’ll need to be quick to take advantage of opportunities. Moreover, you’ll need to have a thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations to place a successful bet.
Besides researching fighters’ past performance, it’s also important to consider the location of the event. Travel can be a significant factor in the way a fighter performs, especially if they’re fighting in a different climate. For instance, Cain Velasquez lost to Fabricio Werdum at UFC 188 because he arrived in Mexico City with a gassed body and wasn’t able to acclimate to the altitude. The same can be said for other factors, such as temperature or humidity.