MMA betting is not just about picking the winner of a fight; it can be a lucrative form of sports wagering when done correctly. By studying fighter statistics and handicapping styles, bettors can make informed decisions about the outcome of a match. There are many different types of MMA bets available, including money lines and method of victory props. Those looking to make the most profits should focus on these wagers, which can often yield larger payouts than standard straight bets.
The moneyline bet is the most basic MMA wager, and involves selecting which fighter will win the fight. Depending on the matchup and the fighting styles of the two combatants, one fighter will be considered the favorite, while the other will be considered the underdog. These odds are reflected in the moneyline odds, with favorites typically having a minus symbol in front of their odds and underdogs having a plus symbol. In some cases, a fighter will be so heavily favored that the moneyline odds are even.
A popular MMA wager is the Over/Under round total, which allows bettors to predict how many rounds a fight will last. MMA bouts are usually scheduled for three or five rounds, and each round lasts about one minute. The Over/Under round total will be set by the sportsbook, and bettors can place a bet on either side of the line.
Bettors can also bet on the winning method of a fight, which is another way to predict how a fight will end. The methods of victory for a fight tend to fall into three categories: KO/TKO/DQ, submission and decision. If a fight ends with a referee stoppage due to strikes, it is a KO/TKO/DQ; if the fighter taps out during a chokehold or joint lock, it is a submission; and if the fight goes the full distance and is decided by judges, it is a decision.
In addition to these individual wagers, bettors can also place parlay bets. Parlays involve combining multiple bets into a single wager, which can result in a higher payout but also has more risk involved. Bettors should research fighters thoroughly and study their history, styles, and recent performance. It is also important to consider how a fighter will perform when coming off a loss, particularly a knockout defeat. Knockout losses can cause fighters to become more cautious and change their style in the ring, which can lead to poor performances. The other thing to keep in mind is that some fighters are unable to cut and maintain weight when moving up or down a weight class, so their performance may suffer as a result.