MMA offers fans of all skill levels the opportunity to enjoy a dazzling mixture of martial arts styles in a single event. It requires a combination of athleticism, discipline, and raw power to be successful. Unlike sports betting where one lucky play can make or break a wager, MMA betting is more of an art than a science. However, there are a few key principles that can help bettors make more informed decisions.
Understanding fighter styles is vital to predicting the outcome of MMA fights. A fighter’s style is a combination of his or her striking techniques, grappling prowess, and defensive capabilities. Understanding these differences in fighter styles can give bettors a better understanding of how a particular matchup may unfold.
Another important factor to consider is a fighter’s stance. Typically, fighters are classified as orthodox or southpaw. A fighter with a southpaw stance can often have an advantage over his or her orthodox counterpart because of the natural reach advantage that comes with it. In addition, bettors should also note a fighter’s weight class and their progress leading up to a fight. Fighters that struggle to meet their weight class may have a tougher time making weight and might be drained by the time the fight starts.
When determining the winner of an MMA fight, there are three different ways a fighter can win: knockout, submission, or judge decision. If a fighter is a strong striker, it might pay off to place a bet on them to win by knockout. On the other hand, if a fighter is known to last longer in fights, placing a bet on them to win by submission might be more lucrative.
A bet on the number of rounds in an MMA fight is another popular type of bet. Often, a predetermined Over/Under line is offered for this prop and bettors try to predict if the fight will go over or under the amount of rounds specified on the board. This type of bet can be tricky to make because fighters’ fighting styles can influence how long a fight will last. For example, if two defensive fighters are competing, the fight might last longer and taking the Over might be a good bet.
Unlike boxing, where fighters can make or lose by a few pounds, MMA contests are often held at a range of weight classes. This means that fighters must undergo a rigorous training regimen to prepare for their next match and keep their weight under control. The process can involve starvation and dehydration, which can leave fighters feeling drained before the first bell rings. This could impact the way they fight and lead to unintentional mistakes. In some cases, a fighter might be over the limit at the weigh-in, leading to disciplinary action from the UFC. For this reason, it’s important to take weight loss into account when placing bets on MMA fights.
