Mixed martial arts is one of the most exhilarating sports to watch, and its increasing popularity has brought on more betting action. However, many bettors get tripped up when placing their wagers on this combat sport because there are more factors to consider than just which fighter will win a fight. Aside from the combatants themselves, there are also exterior elements that may influence the outcome of a fight such as how much travel is required (MMA bouts take place all over the world), the fighters’ record in their division, and their injury records.
Moneyline bets are a popular option for MMA betting, with odds showing how much a bettor can win for every $100 they wager. The higher the odds, the more likely a bettor is to win their bet. A favorite will usually be shown with a minus symbol, while an underdog will be shown with a plus sign. In addition to the moneyline, bettors can also make wagers on the method of victory and round props.
The main methods of victory in MMA are KO/TKO, submission, and technical decision. A fight can also end in a draw, although this is rarely the case. In order to predict the winner of a fight, bettors should study both fighters’ fight film and handicap their style against the other.
Some sportsbooks offer a three-way line on fight odds, with a DRAW match as a possible bet. This bet type is less common and carries a lower potential payout than betting on which fighter will win. Nevertheless, it is still an excellent way to hedge your bets and improve your chances of winning.
In addition to method of victory and over/under round totals, bettors can also make wagers that predict how many rounds a fight will last. This is done by estimating the number of rounds a fight will be completed in or by making a YES or NO bet on whether a particular round will end with a knockout, disqualification, or other form of stoppage.
A great way to make this type of MMA bet is by using a sportsbook that offers live betting, which allows bettors to place their wagers in the middle of the fight as it’s occurring. Live bets are determined by real-time betting data and can often provide better value than pre-fight odds.
A lot of fight fans like to do what’s known as MMA math, comparing fighters’ records in their division and which opponents they have won and lost against. Unfortunately, this strategy can be misleading because it takes away from the more important tasks of studying fight film and handicapping styles. Moreover, some bettors can fall into the trap of thinking that because a fighter’s opponent defeated their rival, they should beat their current foe. While this logic is valid, it can also misguide bettors and distract them from studying the fight film and assessing the combatants’ tactics. Furthermore, it may overlook the fact that a fighter’s recent defeats may have had an impact on their current mental state.