MMA betting is a growing sport in which bettors can wager on the winner of a specific fight. Many sportsbooks have a dedicated MMA betting section, with a range of bet types and up-to-date odds. MMA betting is not to be taken lightly and it’s important that bettors know their limits before placing any wagers. Bettors should also be aware that gambling is a form of entertainment and not a means of financial gain. It is important to set a budget for your bets and stick to it, no matter how much you win or lose.
The most common bet in MMA is the money line, where you bet on a fighter to win a particular fight. The odds are based on the expected payout of your bet and are typically displayed in moneyline format, with favorites marked by a minus sign (-) and underdogs by a plus sign (+). This method of odds calculation is similar to that used for traditional boxing betting.
Another popular MMA betting option is the over/under total. This is a bet on the number of rounds a match will last, with the over/under set by the sportsbook. Depending on the fighters’ styles and the number of rounds scheduled, bettors can predict whether the fight will last longer than or shorter than the over/under total.
Over/Under bets are a great way to increase your winnings and can be found on most online MMA betting sites. However, it is important to remember that the over/under totals are not necessarily a reflection of how long the fight will last, but rather an indication of how many rounds the fight will be won by each team.
Prop bets, parlays, round and method of victory betting are also common MMA betting options. These bets are a more nuanced way to place bets on MMA fights and require a deeper understanding of fighters’ strengths and weaknesses. For example, bets on a specific method of victory such as knockout, submission or points decision require a thorough understanding of fighters’ style and past performances.
A good rule of thumb when placing MMA bets is to always bet against the favorite. The popularity of a fighter often leads to over-betting, making the favorite’s odds short and their payout minuscule. Additionally, fighters that struggle to make weight can go through drastic measures to avoid missing the cut, which can leave them drained and less effective against smaller opponents.