MMA betting is an exciting and dynamic way to enjoy the action of mixed martial arts while potentially earning payouts. However, it’s important to understand the different types of bets, including how odds work, before placing your first wager. This will help you make informed decisions and avoid making costly mistakes. In addition, it’s essential to set a budget and manage your money responsibly. This will ensure that you are not chasing losses and can walk away from the experience with financial security.

The most common MMA bet is the money line, which involves placing a bet on which fighter will win a particular fight. Odds for MMA fights are displayed in moneyline format and typically feature a favorite (marked by a minus sign) and an underdog. Favorites offer a lower payout, while underdogs provide a higher payout. Odds can also be displayed in fractional or decimal form. In either case, they are a useful tool to assess the likelihood of a win.

In addition to the money line, MMA sportsbooks offer a number of prop bets, or proposition bets. These bets are placed on specific outcomes within a fight, such as how the fight will end (submission, knockout or decision) and which round it will end in. Proposition bets can be placed individually or in parlays, which allow bettor to combine multiple bets for the chance of a larger payout.

Successful MMA betting requires extensive research and analysis of the combatants, including their fighting styles, records, recent performance and injuries. In addition, bettors should consider the weight and reach differences of each fighter. The combination of these factors can significantly influence the outcome of a fight. For example, a striker may struggle to take down a grappler on the ground due to their different styles.

It’s important to shop around when placing a bet on an MMA fight, as the odds on a specific match will vary from book to book. This practice is called line shopping and is an integral part of any sharp bettor’s strategy. The best time to shop for lines is immediately after they are posted, as the lines will often change based on betting patterns and fighter news.

In addition to the moneyline, MMA sportsbooks offer over/under round totals, which are bets on how many rounds a fight will last. These bets can be lucrative, as the payouts are much greater than bets on individual rounds. Depending on the sportbook, bettors can even place bets on the exact round a fight will end in, which can result in a substantial payout.