MMA betting combines the adrenaline-fueled action of mixed martial arts with the strategic arena of sports handicapping. But it’s not for beginners, as the complexities of this form of wagering add an extra layer of risk that isn’t present in traditional sports bets. This guide is designed to bridge the gap between the two, so you can be confident in making smart and profitable MMA betting decisions.
Mma Odds
Mma odds showcase how much a bettor can win for every $100 wagered. The odds are displayed in American, decimal and fractional formats, and learning how to read them is an important step for a new bettors. A negative number (example: -200) signifies that the book thinks a fighter is expected to win, while a positive number (example: +200) means that the book thinks the fighter is the underdog.
Odds will shift as the fight draws closer, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on them as you place your bets. Another key piece of information to look at is how many rounds the match is scheduled for. Oddsmakers set Over/Under totals based on the fighting styles and previous performances of each fighter, as well as their relative experience level in the sport. A high Over/Under total usually indicates that the fight is likely to go the distance and will be a long affair.
It’s also crucial to study each fighter’s record and past performance in the sport, as this will provide valuable insight into how they may perform against their opponent. This information can help bettors decide whether they should place a bet on the underdog or the favorite. Aside from a fighter’s overall records, bettors should pay special attention to their last fights and how they won those matches. This will help bettors make more informed bets on Mma prop markets such as Method of Victory and Round Bets.
A fighter’s ability to cut weight will also play a role in how they perform in a fight. Those that have to make drastic cuts in order to reach their desired weight class may end up dehydrated and exhausted before the bell rings, which can leave them vulnerable to a quick KO or submission by their opponent.
Similarly, some fighters who come off a KO loss will change their style and approach inside the octagon to avoid being hurt again in the future. This can lead to a lack of intensity in their fights, and they might not be as effective against their opponents as they were before their knockout loss.
In addition to studying the MMA Fighting odds, bettors should always shop around at different sportsbooks. This practice is known as line shopping and it’s an integral part of a sharp bettor’s strategy. If a sportsbook posts a line that significantly undervalues one fighter, then savvy bettors will jump on it as quickly as possible. It is also essential to set a betting budget and stick to it, not to chase losses or bet more to try and recoup losses.