MMA betting is an exciting and entertaining way to watch fighters from different martial arts disciplines compete against each other. The sport is growing in popularity, with UFC events reaching over 170 countries worldwide. It is a full-combat sport that incorporates techniques from boxing, karate, Muay Thai, wrestling, judo, and more.
Betting on MMA is similar to betting on other sports, with oddsmakers setting moneyline prices and over/under odds for each fight. The only difference is that there are a few extra factors to consider. Whether you’re a casual fan or an experienced MMA bettor, this guide can help you better understand the betting market for mixed martial arts.
The Most Popular MMA Bets
The most popular MMA bets include moneyline bets, over/under bets, and parlays. These bet types are also common in other sports like football and basketball. If you’re a new MMA bettor, it’s best to start with these options.
Moneyline bets are the most basic type of MMA bet and they work much like moneyline bets in other sports. In these bets, you choose which fighter will win the fight.
One of the most exciting MMA bets is the method-of-victory wager, which offers bettors the chance to pick how a fighter will win the fight. This is particularly useful in the case of a fight between UFC heavyweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and former UFC lightweight champ Conor McGregor.
Unlike moneyline bets, method-of-victory bets offer more precise odds and can be more rewarding, especially if you’re betting on a longshot underdog.
A MMA fight can be won in several ways, including by knockout or submission. The majority of bookmakers will not accept a method-of-victory bet on a fighter that is coming off a knockout loss.
There are many things to look for when betting on a MMA fight, such as a fighter’s history of winning/losing, the current status of the opponent, and the opponent’s overall strength and weaknesses. The most important thing to remember is that a fighter’s strengths and weaknesses will be more obvious after a loss than before a victory, so it’s worth taking the time to analyze these factors.
Another key factor in MMA betting is the age of the fighters. While experience and wisdom are key in any sport, younger fighters can be more explosive and tougher than their older counterparts.
These differences can make a difference in a fight’s outcome and can even be a reason for the underdog to come out on top. As a result, it’s possible for an underdog to outlast the favorite in a fight if they have the right strategy and can keep pace with their opponent throughout the entire fight.
If a fighter is coming off a bad knockout loss, they can become cautious inside the octagon and lose their edge. This can lead to a bad finish, making them a risky bet.
While this is a common problem in MMA, it can be difficult to overcome. It’s important to bet on a younger fighter who is still developing their game, or on a veteran who has recently lost a big fight but can rebound quickly.