MMA betting is a popular pastime that can be profitable. The sport is relatively new to the sports scene, and oddsmakers have less experience setting lines than they do with other traditional sporting events like football or basketball. This can lead to unfavorable odds for certain fights, but there are still ways to beat these odds.
The most common MMA betting wagers are moneyline bets on who will win the fight, over/under bets on the number of rounds a fight will last, and parlays. Moneyline bets are based on the relative skill level of two fighters and are generally easier to handicap than over/under bets. They are also often offered at better payout odds than other types of MMA bets.
One of the best strategies for winning MMA betting is to bet on fighters with a proven track record. While many bettors try to do what is known as “MMA math” (FIGHTER A lost to FIGHTER B, so FIGHTER A should beat FIGHTER C) this can often be a mistake. Instead, it is important to pay attention to the fighting styles of each fighter and study their recent opponents.
Several online MMA sportsbooks offer round betting, allowing gamblers to place bets on which round they think the fight will end in. The most popular bet is on which fighter will win in the upcoming round, but some sportsbooks allow you to bet on specific methods of victory including inside the distance (ITD), submission, and knockouts (KO).
Some MMA sportsbooks offer a three-way line on their fight odds with a DRAW option. This is a rare occurrence in the sport and offers much higher potential payouts than bets on which fighter will win the match. Other MMA wagers include over/under bets on the number rounds a fight will last and parlays, which combine multiple bets into one larger wager with increased odds of winning.
Another MMA betting strategy involves studying the history of fighters. Some sportsbooks will give a slight edge to older fighters, but this is not always the case. Older fighters have more experience in the sport and are able to make smarter decisions. In addition, many MMA matches feature late replacement fighters who have less time to prepare for the fight. These fighters are likely to lose 61% of the time.
When placing MMA wagers, it is also important to consider the stylistic matchup of the fighters. A fighter’s stance is an important factor as well, with Southpaw fighters often having an advantage over orthodox fighters. Also, the physical condition of a fighter is important, with a fighter who is in peak performance more likely to win than a fighter who is not at his or her best. Lastly, be sure to take into account the number of KOs and DQs in previous matches between the fighters. These bets can add up quickly.