MMA betting is a fast-growing sport that’s becoming increasingly popular. It’s a more polished version of fighting that’s been around for a while and features a regulated rulebook, professional athletes, and mainstream media coverage. It’s also a sport that allows for many different wagering options. Here are a few things to keep in mind when placing your next MMA bet.
Method of victory: This is a bet type that’s specific to combat sports and involves choosing exactly how a match will end, such as by submission or KO. This type of bet is more precise than a standard moneyline or over/under, which means you can expect bigger payouts. You can place this bet by looking at a fighter’s match history and assessing their style. For example, if a fighter has a solid grappling resume, they will probably win via submission more often than a fighter with an impressive striking record.
Over/Under round totals: This is a bet on how many rounds a fight will last, and it’s easy to place online. Depending on the fighters’ styles and the number of rounds scheduled, oddsmakers will set an Over/Under round total and price it based on how likely it is to reach that mark.
Fighters making weight: A key thing to keep in mind when betting on MMA matches is that fighters who struggle to make weight may be at an advantage. This is because a fighter who is close to missing the weight limit will have to go through drastic measures to avoid failing the weigh-in, such as starving themselves or drinking gallons of water. This can leave them drained of energy and potentially give them a significant advantage against smaller opponents.
Unbeaten prospects: Many MMA fans are drawn to unbeaten prospects because they think they will be the next GSP, Khabib, or Usman. However, it’s important to remember that most unbeaten fighters will eventually lose at some point. This is especially true when they move up to a new division and face fighters with much more experience.
Round props: These bets involve picking the exact round a fighter will win. This is a more precise bet than the moneyline or over/under, and you can get higher payouts if you choose your rounds correctly. Round props are a great option when placing a bet on a particular method of victory, such as by submission or KO.
Despite UFC president Dana White’s assertion that betting is banned within the organization, it’s still a common practice for fighters to make wagers on upcoming fights. In fact, ESPN recently spoke to a handful of coaches, managers and fighters who admitted to placing bets on MMA matches. And while they may not be putting hundreds of thousands of dollars on each fight, these professionals are consistently winning small bets every week. Those who are aware of these facts can take advantage of them and place profitable bets on MMA matches. The sport’s explosive growth is a perfect opportunity to get involved in this unique form of betting.