MMA betting is becoming increasingly popular, with a number of sportsbooks offering a wide range of markets for the combat sport. Many of these bets are dynamic, and the odds for a particular wager will change throughout the fight, reflecting real action in the ring. This allows bettors to back underdogs who might otherwise go unnoticed, with the potential to earn much higher profits than standard single-fight wagers.
The first step in MMA betting is to research fighters and their opponents before making any bets. Bettors should consider both the fighters’ overall records as well as their recent performances. They should also look at the type of competition that a fighter has faced in their wins and losses, as well as their strength and weaknesses.
It is important to note that MMA rules require fighters to engage with their opponents, so even a fighter who has a lot of experience in the sport may not always win fights by knockout. Some fighters prefer to evade conflict and instead focus on submissions, which can make them more difficult to score KOs on.
In addition to a fighter’s record and fighting style, bettors should also take into account their ability to make weight before a fight. Some fighters will struggle to meet the weigh-in limit, and late weight cuts can lead to exhaustion before the fight even starts. This can make it difficult for fighters to perform at their best, especially against smaller opponents.
Another important factor in MMA betting is the age gap between fighters. Younger fighters are often more successful, and bettors should keep this in mind when placing bets.
Lastly, bettors should pay close attention to the over/under for round totals in a given fight. Because MMA matches tend to last longer than other sports, taking the over can be a good strategy. In addition, over/under bets can also be placed on specific rounds, including a certain round in which a fighter is expected to win.
As with boxing, a key component of MMA betting is the use of prop bets. Some of these bets are traditional, such as moneylines, while others are more exotic, like a fighter winning by KO or submission in a specific round. These types of bets can be placed on any MMA event, with most sportsbooks offering a full list of prop bets. They are organized into categories such as “Round Betting,” “Method of Victory,” and “Fighter/Total Doubles.” Some prop bets can even be paired together to create a parlay.