MMA betting is a popular way to make money online. It’s also an exciting way to bet on a sport that is fast-paced, has lots of action and offers many different types of bets.

Licensed MMA betting sites are the safest place to bet on MMA events because they’re regulated by the state. These operators adhere to the state’s strict rules regarding information security, payout speed and fair gambling. They also have established processes for settling disputes and offer the option of placing bets via credit cards, pre-paid cards and cash at the cage.

Bettors should consider the following factors when placing a bet on MMA fights: odds, payoffs and other prop bets. Taking a little bit of time to research each fighter can help you avoid making mistakes and increase your chances of winning big.

The odds are a key factor in MMA betting, especially when it comes to deciding which fighter will win. The odds are typically published by the UFC or other MMA organization. They are usually based on the weight classes and other fight statistics that are important in determining who will win a particular bout.

In addition to the odds, bettors should also consider other MMA betting statistics, such as the fighter’s age, body type and reach. In addition, they should pay attention to the opponent’s record.

A younger fighter with more experience and higher-quality skills can be a better bet than an older fighter with fewer wins. In addition, younger fighters are more likely to be able to maintain their physical form in the ring.

This can be a huge advantage in the MMA ring, particularly when it comes to avoiding injuries and knockouts. In fact, a recent study found that younger MMA fighters have a much higher winning percentage than their older counterparts.

Another thing that bettors should look for is a fighter’s recent history of fighting inside their specific weight class. This can be a significant factor when handicapping styles and studying fight film.

It’s not uncommon for fighters to have lost close-fought matches against elite-level opposition and then gone on to defeat a more mediocre foe. This is a sign that the fighter has been tested and has learned from their mistakes.

Having been out of the octagon for an extended period of time can affect a fighter’s ability to win inside the octagon, as it can take their edge away. They can become cautious and hesitant, which isn’t what you want to see when it comes to the final round of an MMA fight.

A MMA bettor should also keep an eye on how a fighter’s KO loss affected them. A KO defeat can have a significant effect on a fighter’s confidence and motivation, especially if the loss was sudden and devastating.

A MMA better should also avoid backing a fighter who has been a late replacement, which refers to a fighter who pulls out of a scheduled fight. In the past, a late replacement has lost 64% of their matches and can have a major negative impact on your wagers.