The most basic form of mma betting is placing a moneyline bet on a fighter to win a fight. The oddsmakers determine the likelihood of a given fighter winning by looking at their matchup with their opponent. This is reflected in the odds, with favorites carrying a minus symbol in front of their moneyline odds and underdogs receiving plus symbols in front of their odds. Generally, betting on underdogs nets more lucrative returns than wagering solely on the favorite.
A bet on the method of victory is another popular MMA wager. This allows you to predict how a fight will end and is split into three categories: KO/TKO, Submission, and Decision. Depending on how a fighter wins, the payout can be significantly higher than just wagering on a winner.
Another popular MMA wager is on the Over/Under for round totals. This market covers all rounds that are scheduled for a given fight. The oddsmakers will then set an Over/Under price, which includes the vig (or juice) and reflects the implied probability that the fight will reach that number of rounds.
You can also bet on the KO/SOTN or Fighter of the Night props to determine which fighter will receive this accolade following a given fight. These bets are based on a combination of factors, including performance, in-fight stats, and other intangibles that may have an impact on a judge’s scoring.
It’s important to research both fighters when making MMA bets. It’s essential to look at both their fighting style and in-ring performances, as well as their overall career histories. A great place to start is by reviewing the statistics, such as strikes landed and strikes absorbed.
UFC events take place all over the world, meaning that some bettors prefer to watch the action in-person at a sportsbook. However, this can often be a two-hour drive from home and is not an ideal option for all bettors. Thankfully, many reputable MMA sportsbooks offer mobile betting, making it much more convenient for fans to bet on UFC fights.
In-play betting is one of the most exciting ways to bet on MMA fights, as it provides an opportunity to bet on the outcome of a specific fight without having to travel to the sportsbook or wait in line at the betting window. Mobile betting apps allow bettors to access odds in real time and place their bets in seconds. This is especially useful when a fight has been shortened or canceled due to injury or weather.
While it’s important to consider the intangibles when making MMA wagers, you should still stick to your core strategy. Keeping a realistic budget, not playing beyond your means, and not trying to chase losses are just as important in MMA betting as they are in other types of gambling. Also, it’s always a good idea to double-check your tickets for accuracy both before and after you place them. This will help you avoid any costly mistakes that could ruin your chances of making a profit.