MMA betting has become one of the most popular types of wagers at sportsbooks and online casinos. It has a large fan base and a huge amount of cash is wagered on each event. While MMA betting can be quite volatile, it is possible to make money from this sport by using some key strategies.
Betting on MMA is similar to betting on boxing and other combat sports. There is a favorite and underdog in each match, and bettors can choose which fighter will win a particular match. Depending on the sportsbook, bettors can also wager on how long the fight will last or whether it will be stopped by a referee.
The odds for MMA bouts are generally set by the oddsmakers, who use an implied probability to calculate moneyline prices. They then take this number and divide it by the expected number of bets. These numbers are then paired with a specific weight class to create an MMA betting line for each bout.
Some MMA fighters have better wins/losses than others, which can make them easier to back in the moneyline. However, it is important to remember that MMA is a combat sport and that different fighters have different strengths and weaknesses. A strong opponent can overwhelm an underdog and give them a tough time.
Similarly, an underdog can beat a favorite if they are trained well and have the right approach to the match. For example, a seasoned UFC star may be able to counter an opponent who is relying on their speed and agility to gain an advantage.
It is a good idea to read up on a fighter’s past performance and their history of success in MMA before placing any bets. It is also a good idea to know their physical attributes and their strike and grappling statistics to help you decide if they have a chance of winning the match.
In addition to these factors, it is a good idea to consider the outside factors that can affect a fight’s outcome. For example, if a fighter has a poor weight cut leading up to their match, they can be drained and will struggle to perform their best in the ring.
For this reason, it is a good idea to be aware of both the fighter’s fitness and the fighter’s weight before placing any bets. Moreover, it is a good idea to check their injury records and training history before making any bets.
Aside from these factors, it is also a good idea to look at the odds for the round of the fight. The round is a key part of MMA fights, and it usually lasts between two and three rounds.
The winner of the round is awarded 10 points, while the loser gets 9 or less. The round is judged by three judges cage-side.
There are many other factors that can impact a fighter’s chances of winning their next fight, and a good MMA better will take these factors into account when placing their bets. For example, it is a good idea to bet on a fighter who has an excellent record of finishing their opponents by knockout (KO). It is also a good idea to bet on MMA fighters that have a strong striking ability and are well-rounded.