Mma betting is similar to boxing betting, with a variety of different bet types available on multiple fights on any given night. However, MMA adds a few additional variables that can make the difference between an exciting win and a disappointing loss. It’s important to understand how these differences work in order to place a wager that will increase your chances of winning.
MMA odds are often set by oddsmakers based on the fighters’ fighting styles, records, and current form. During this process, they analyze the fighters’ abilities and weaknesses to determine their chance of success in a particular matchup. Using this information, it is possible to accurately handicap a fight and increase your odds of making a successful bet.
Aside from analyzing fighters’ records and skills, it is also important to pay attention to the weight cut process leading up to a fight. Fighters who struggle to make the weight can be hampered by extreme dehydration, which can reduce the cerebrospinal fluid in their brain. This can leave them drained by the time they hit the ring and susceptible to a knockout loss.
Another key consideration when placing MMA bets is the number of rounds that a fight will last. This will be determined by a combination of factors, including the amount of significant legal strikes that a fighter lands as well as their ability to grapple and dominate their opponent on the ground. For example, a fighter with a takedown strategy will have a much higher chance of earning a decision victory in the judges’ eyes than someone who relies heavily on striking.
Depending on the fighters’ matchup, fighting style, and number of rounds scheduled, oddsmakers will set an Over/Under round total for the fight. This total will be a price on the Over and an additional margin or juice (instead of moneyline) on the Under, which is how the sportsbook makes its profit.
When making an MMA round total bet, it is crucial to understand how the judges’ scorecards work. They consider a mix of factors, including effective striking, grappling, dominance, and aggressiveness. It’s also important to note that a fighter can be penalized for illegal strikes and submission attempts. For instance, Khabib Nurmagomedov landed 21 takedowns on Abel Trujillo in UFC 160 and was awarded a unanimous decision win.
A MMA parlay bet is a type of bet where you combine two or more separate bets for a larger payout. These bets are riskier than individual bets and require all the individual parts of the parlay to come true in order to earn a return on your investment. A reputable online sportsbook will allow you to choose your individual MMA parlays and display the odds and payouts for each one.
Betting on MMA fights can be a profitable hobby when done properly. Betting on a favorite does not always guarantee a win, and blindly betting on a favourite is a sure way to drain your bankroll quickly. Instead, use research and analysis to decide which fighter or outcome to bet on, and don’t be afraid to place a few parlays if the odds are favorable.