MMA Betting Basics

MMA has grown in popularity, and betting action on the sport has followed suit. The sport offers a variety of betting options, from individual fights to the overall championship. Those looking to get in on the action should understand how odds work and a few basic MMA betting rules.

Betting odds showcase how much a bet will return per $100 wager. A bet on the favorite will have minus odds, while a bet on the underdog will carry plus odds. Odds can change depending on the flow of bets, so it’s important to check them regularly.

The most basic MMA bet is the moneyline, which is an outright bet on who will win a given fight. This type of MMA betting wager is easy to understand, and it’s a great place to start for beginners. A fighter’s expected win percentage is reflected in the moneyline odds, and they are displayed as positive or negative values. A negative value means the favorite is expected to win, while a positive number indicates that a bet on the underdog will return a higher payout.

When placing MMA bets, it’s important to consider the styles of both fighters and how they match up against each other. Taking a look at each fighter’s stance, for example, can help you determine which of them may have an advantage over the other. In addition, checking each fighter’s record and recent performance is essential to making informed bets.

Another popular MMA bet is the over/under rounds total, which is a wager on how many rounds a given fight will last. This MMA betting line is calculated by considering the pace of the fight and the fighting styles of the two combatants. In general, over/under rounds totals are higher when the fighters are more aggressive and lower when they are more defensive.

Some MMA fans are even willing to wager on the exact round a fight will end in. Known as exact-round bets, they are available at some sportsbooks and can pay out huge amounts of money. However, this type of MMA betting can be risky, so it’s best to stick with the over/under rounds totals when possible.

MMA is a fast-paced sport, so it’s crucial to keep up with the latest news and updates in order to make smart bets. If you’re planning to place a bet on the next big fight, then you should follow the main MMA news sites and read up on both fighters’ records and recent performances. Taking the time to do your research will improve your chances of success and give you an edge over the sportsbooks. Also, remember to check out the MMA sections of your favorite sportsbooks on a regular basis to stay up to date with the latest odds. By doing this, you’ll learn each sportsbook’s cadence and be able to predict when they will post the latest odds for upcoming MMA bouts. This will save you a lot of time and ensure that you’re always getting the most up-to-date odds.