The adrenaline-fueled world of MMA blends striking and grappling techniques from a wide range of martial arts. Its growing popularity has led to a proliferation of events, with the UFC now putting on shows almost weekly and other organizations like Bellator offering matches on a monthly basis. Betting on MMA offers fans a chance to bridge the gap between octagon action and strategic sports handicapping, but it’s important to understand the odds and research fighters before placing your bets.
Moneyline bets are the most basic form of MMA betting, where you choose which fighter you believe will win. The odds reflect this, with favorites offering lower payouts than underdogs, based on the simple plus and minus system. Odds makers use a variety of data and statistics to create the MMA odds you see, including betting patterns, past performance, injuries, weather forecasts, and more.
Prop bets are another popular MMA betting type, and they allow you to wager on specific occurrences during the fight. Some of the most fun bets include wagering on if a fighter will get the first knockdown, try the first submission maneuver, or touch gloves. These bets are often available at more generous odds than those on a traditional moneyline.
Futures bets on a specific outcome of an MMA match are also common, and can offer a bigger payoff if you make the right call. These are based on the expected results of an event in the near or mid-term future, such as who will become the next UFC middleweight champion or if Francis Ngannou will continue his heavyweight reign until the year ends. Futures bets can be challenging to place, as the odds are determined by a complex set of factors, including upcoming fights, previous performances, and current betting trends.
Mma betting is a fast-paced, high-risk sport and you can easily lose more than your initial bankroll. As a result, it’s important to set a budget and stick to it, don’t chase losses, and recognise when you should step back from the betting table.
Those betting on MMA matches should be aware that fighters sometimes struggle to make weight before a fight. This can lead to drastic measures to avoid missing the cut, such as starving themselves or dehydrating themselves. As a result, they can be exhausted before the fight even starts and could potentially suffer defeat before their time in the octagon is up.
Another important thing to keep in mind when betting on MMA is that the method of victory isn’t always the same as it would be in other sports, with some bettors placing bets on draw matches. This is due to the fact that a draw is less likely than either a victory by knockout or submission, and it’s a bet that’s best placed on fights where both sides have similar styles and strengths.
