Successful MMA betting requires knowledge of fighters, divisions, promotions, strengths and weaknesses, and fighting styles. Betting on underdogs is a popular strategy, but one that should be embraced with careful research and understanding of the risks involved. Keeping up to date with fighter news, injuries and training camps can help you make consistent decisions that will maximize your profit potential. Betting on a fight without researching the fighters or their styles can be dangerous, especially for newcomers to the sport. The risk of losing your entire bankroll can be high, and you should always have a backup plan in place to mitigate any losses.
There are many types of mma betting, from the straightforward money line to prop bets. The most common wager is on who will win the fight, and each fighter is assigned odds that determine your potential payout. The Over/Under, or total, is another simple wagering option that allows you to bet on the number of rounds a fight will go or other elements of the match. The Over/Under is determined by the sportsbook’s oddsmakers, who will select a number and set prices for the Over and Under based on their analysis of the matchup.
Oddsmakers will also offer bets on the type of decision a fight will result in, with three judges scoring the fight and determining its outcome. The decisions can be unanimous, split (two judges score for each of the opposing fighters, with the third scoring it a draw), or a majority decision. The odds for these bets will reflect the likelihood of a particular type of decision, and they can pay out much higher than the traditional moneyline bets.
MMA matches are as much about styles as they are about skill, and this is why bettors should pay close attention to the way a fighter’s style matches up with their opponent’s. The stance of each fighter, for instance, can give one fighter an advantage or disadvantage. Similarly, the size and strength of a fighter’s opponent can have a significant impact on the outcome of the fight.
The odds for a fight are influenced by the amount of public and sharp action on each side, but there are some differences in how these factors affect the lines in MMA. Unlike the NFL and NBA, where a wave of public money can move a line, there is often less liquidity in the MMA market. This means that small bets can have a big effect on the odds and can make fading the public a profitable strategy. This can be particularly effective when betting on MMA futures or live bets, which are placed during the fight and update as the action unfolds.
