The sport of MMA has become more popular than ever, which has led to a huge boom in the number of betting opportunities. Unlike football or basketball, where sportsbooks accept wagers on games that will happen months in the future, MMA bettors can place wagers on individual fights that are scheduled to take place within the next few weeks. In addition to standard moneyline bets, MMA fans can also make bets on fight props, or proposition bets, which involve placing wagers on specific things that will happen during a fight. Some of these bets are as simple as betting on whether the fight will go the distance, or end in a round, while others require more in-depth knowledge of fighters’ styles and tactics.
The first step in mma betting is understanding how to read the odds on each fighter. The betting odds showcase how much a bettor can win for a $100 wager, using a plus and minus system. Fighters who are listed as a favorite have minus odds, while underdogs have plus odds.
MMA betting odds are posted at multiple sportsbooks, and it’s important to shop around before placing a bet. This is known as line shopping, and it’s an integral part of a sharp bettor’s strategy. The best time to shop for MMA betting lines is in the days leading up to a fight, as lines can change based on how many people are placing bets on one fighter or another.
In addition to examining the odds on each fighter, bettors can also look at their opponent’s record in MMA. It’s important to note that, while a fighter may have a winning record, those wins may not be a result of superior skill or technique. Instead, it’s more likely that the fighter has simply been fighting weaker opponents and hasn’t had a chance to demonstrate their true abilities.
While it may be tempting to place large bets on the heavy favorites in MMA, this is often a mistake. Upsets in the sport are not uncommon, and a big bet on a favored fighter can lead to significant losses if they lose. It’s always better to bet small amounts on underdogs when possible, as this will increase your chances of winning.
In addition to studying the odds on each fight, bettors can also research MMA statistics and history to help them make informed betting decisions. This can include looking at statistics such as strikes landed, strikes absorbed and takedown defense. It’s also helpful to watch fight tape and make notes about both fighters’ styles and strengths. Finally, be sure to set a budget that you can afford to gamble with and stick to it. If you’re losing, stop gambling immediately and try again later. If you’re winning, be patient and don’t chase your profits. This will help you keep your money in the long run. Good luck! — by Danielle Lee, UFC Fight Pass Expert
