Mixed martial arts has come a long way since its inception. What was once a rough-and-ready sport with no rules and amateur athletes has become a polished entertainment event that fills some of the world’s largest sports stadiums. The UFC leads the pack, hosting televised cards and monthly Pay-Per-View events. Its rise has also made it one of the most popular wagering sports in North America, with fans placing wagers on both sides of a fight. But to make winning wagers on MMA bouts, bettors must have a solid betting strategy in place.
A successful MMA betting strategy is based on careful research and understanding the sport’s rules, fighters, and matchups. Using these skills, bettors can identify and take advantage of valuable odds. This can lead to a profitable venture, and help bettors increase their winning percentage. However, it’s important to know the limits of your bankroll and avoid making reckless wagers.
The most common MMA wagers are on the moneyline, which pays out based on who wins the fight. The MMA moneyline is a bit different than in other sports, though, as it shows the odds against a particular fighter and the amount of money that needs to be wagered in order to turn a profit. A negative sign indicates that the fighter is the underdog, while a positive sign means that they are the favorite.
Handicap MMA betting is another popular wagering option and allows bettors to choose a margin of error for a fighter. This bet is placed on a particular point system that will take effect in the event of a decision. The bettor chooses whether they believe the fighter can lose within the specified number of points or win by more than that number of points. If the fighter wins by more than the amount of points specified, a winning bet will be paid out.
Besides the traditional wagers on who will win, MMA fans can also bet on methods of victory, round props, and how many rounds the fight will last. Method of Victory bets allow bettors to choose between KO/TKO, Submission, or Points if the fight goes the distance. These bets generally offer a higher payout than the moneyline.
It’s a good idea to watch the weigh-ins before placing your MMA betting bets. This can give you insight into how well a fighter is prepared for their upcoming fight, as well as any potential health concerns. For example, extreme dehydration during a weight cut can lower the cerebrospinal fluid in a fighter’s brain, leaving them more susceptible to a knockout loss.
MMA is a fast-paced sport with high-speed action, so it’s important to be aware of the risks involved in live MMA betting. While it’s tempting to get in on a great plus value, a sudden stoppage can leave you with nothing more than empty pockets. Keeping this in mind, be sure to choose a reputable sportsbook that accepts bets from the state/province where you’re located.