While boxing has historically held the spotlight as the most popular fight sport, MMA has made an explosive comeback in recent years and now every sportsbook accepts action on a wide variety of events. Although a lot of the same betting rules apply, mma betting can be different in a few ways and requires a little more knowledge to get started. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of MMA betting including ways to place wagers and some unique prop bets that are specific to the genre.
One of the most common MMA betting bets is the over/under. This bet is based on the expected length of the fight as set by the oddsmakers. Betting the over means that you believe that the fight will last longer than the scheduled number of rounds, while betting the under implies that it will be shorter.
When it comes to determining how long the fight will last, there are many factors that can affect the outcome. The fighters’ styles, their physical traits, and the age difference between them are important to consider when making this type of bet. For example, a fighter with a reach advantage can keep the other opponent at bay while a fighter with speed might be more effective at striking.
Another type of MMA betting is the round bet. This bet is placed on which particular round the fight will end in, such as a knockout, technical knockout, submission, or decision. This type of bet is more precise than a moneyline or over/under bet and can yield larger payouts.
In addition to knowing how the fight will end, it’s also important to understand the methods of victory for each fighter. A KO bet will win if a fighter is knocked out, even briefly, while a TKO will win if a fighter’s cornermen throw in the towel to stop the fight. Submission is another option for a bet and it can be won by having a fighter submit their opponent with any type of hold or move.
Lastly, be sure to pay attention to line movement in the days leading up to a fight. MMA lines can change quickly as sportsbooks adjust to the action they’re getting, especially from sharp bettors who are looking for edges. The video below explains what causes these changes and how to best handle them. This will help you be a better MMA bettor and maximize your profits.