Mma betting has grown in popularity in recent years and highly publicized fights can draw as much attention as any major league sports event. The sport has many entertaining personalities and different fighting styles that make it a fun and engaging watch. It is similar to betting on boxing in terms of the bet types offered, but there are some differences that bettors should understand when placing wagers.
The first step in MMA betting is understanding how to read MMA odds. These show how much a bettor can win for each $100 bet they place, with positive numbers representing profits and negative numbers representing losses. Bets placed on underdogs will usually have lower odds than those placed on favorites, as the bookmaker is attempting to balance the action between sides and avoid a large loss.
Another important part of mma betting is studying the fighters and their performance histories. This includes looking at a fighter’s overall record, their wins/losses, and the competition they have faced. It is also a good idea to consider a fighter’s style and any advantages they may have over their opponents. For example, southpaw fighters often have an advantage against orthodox fighters, and bettors should look at this when handicapping a fight.
Fighters can be affected by the environment in which they fight as well. For example, traveling to a new city can cause fatigue and some fighters can struggle to adjust to high altitudes. This can affect a fighter’s abilities inside the octagon, especially when they are facing a tougher opponent.
It is important to be aware of a fighter’s injury history and how that might impact their performance. For example, a fighter suffering from an injury to their knee could have a serious impact on their ability to jump, kick, and throw, which can affect the outcome of a fight.
Similarly, a fighter who has suffered from a knockout loss in the past may become more cautious and overly defensive as they attempt to protect themselves. This can limit their effectiveness in the octagon and cause them to lose steam later in the fight.
When betting on a fight, bettors should always remember that upsets are not uncommon in the UFC. This is why it is important to bet with your head and not your heart and never bet big on a heavy favorite. If you are a fan of the sport, it is best to bet small bets on multiple underdogs, which will give you the highest chances of winning. It is also a good idea to take the Over/Under on round totals, which allow bettors to bet on how many rounds the fight will last. This type of bet is popular amongst casual fans and can result in a large payout if your selection hits. Enhanced MMA parlays are also a great way to boost your payouts and can be found at reputable sites like BetMGM. These bets offer higher profit boosts than individual bets and are generally paid out instantly.