MMA Betting Basics

MMA betting doesn’t have to be a shot in the dark; it can be approached with strategy and thoughtful analysis. Researching fighters’ histories, styles, and recent performances can help you identify fighters with an edge over their opponents. Considering factors like how well they perform on the ground, their striking ability, and stamina can also give you an edge. In-play betting, parlays, and over/under bets are also popular ways to wager on a fight.

Moneyline: A bet on which fighter will win the fight, either by a majority decision or by knockout. A negative value means the oddsmakers expect the favorite to win, while a positive one indicates they think the underdog will win.

Method of victory: A bet on how the fight will end, such as by a submission or a knockout. Taking this bet can make your fight an even more exciting experience as you will be betting on multiple outcomes.

Over/Under: Depending on the fighting styles and the number of rounds scheduled, oddsmakers set an Over/Under total for the number of rounds expected to be completed in a fight. The Over/Under price will include a juice or vig, which is the sportsbook’s profit. The higher the Over/Under price, the more likely the match is to go over.

Round bets: A bet on how many rounds a fight will last, from the first to the final round. This bet can be placed as a single bet or as part of a parlay. A single bet pays out if only one fighter wins the entire fight, but a parlay will pay out if all selections in it win.

Prop bets: These are fun bets that can be placed on anything related to a fight. Some of the most common prop bets are who will score the first knockdown, the first submission maneuver, and whether or not the fighters will touch gloves. Prop bets are often offered at lower odds than standard bets, making them a great way to add some excitement to your fight watching.

Mma futures: These are wagers on events that will take place in the near or long-term future, such as a champion’s reign. For example, will Francis Ngannou continue to be the heavyweight champion until the end of the year? Futures bets typically have much higher payouts than other MMA betting markets.

In-play: In-play MMA betting is an exciting and convenient way to bet on the next fight, without having to wait for the results to be released. In-play MMA betting is available at some of the best sportsbooks, including Caesars and BetRivers, and offers a variety of betting options, from individual bets to parlays.

As with all types of gambling, it’s important to be disciplined and recognise when you’re at risk of losing too much. Decide in advance how much you’re willing to bet, and never bet more than you can afford to lose. It’s also a good idea to keep a record of your bets so that you can track your losses and profits over time. Finally, remember that MMA betting should be an engaging way to enjoy the fights, and not a path to financial worry.