When it comes to betting on MMA, bettors have a variety of options available to them. In addition to the basics, such as Method of Victory and Round Bets, bettors can also place a variety of prop bets, parlays (accumulators) and Over/Under bets.
When placing a bet on MMA fights, it is important to take into account the fighters’ styles and how they match up with one another. Taking into account a fighter’s stance (orthodox vs southpaw), strike and grappling statistics, as well as any injury records and training camp locations is helpful in handicapping the fight.
MMA is a full-contact sport incorporating techniques from boxing, karate, Muay Thai, wrestling, judo and jiu-jitsu. It is fast-paced and oftentimes results in a quick finish. It is for this reason that it has become a popular sport to wager on, with bets being placed both prematch and in-play.
The most common MMA wager is the Money Line, which bettors can place on any of the three possible outcomes for a given fight: Decision, Submission or KO/TKO. These wagers are typically accompanied by odds that showcase how much a bettors can win per $100 wagered, with higher numbers indicating larger payouts and lower ones indicating smaller returns. Odds that include a plus sign (for example +230 for Ferguson) are indicative of the underdog’s chances of winning and can result in higher payouts when bettors back underdogs to upset those odds.
It is important to consider the fighters’ weight classes when analyzing their record, as many MMA fighters have trouble making weight for their respective bouts. This can have a significant impact on their performances, as the pressure to make weight can cause them to cut too much water and calories from their diets, resulting in drained energy levels come fight time. Keeping this in mind can help bettors avoid placing bad bets on fighters who may have difficulty making weight.
A fighter’s record is an important factor to consider, but bettors should also take into consideration the quality of their opponents and how they lost those fights. Often times, a fighter will lose to an opponent that they should beat, simply because the opponent is of a higher caliber than the fighter himself.
Another aspect to consider is the fight’s location and weather conditions. These factors can have a significant effect on the way a fighter performs, particularly in high altitude areas. For example, Fabricio Werdum tapped out a gassed-out Cain Velasquez in the first round at UFC 188 due to the rigors of travel and the lack of proper acclimatization to Mexico City’s oxygen levels. Bettors should always check the fight site for a fighter’s history in that environment.