Mixed martial arts is one of the fastest-growing sports betting markets at online sportsbooks and in live events. It is a full-contact combat sport that requires both striking and grappling skills to defeat an opponent. It has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, and is now surpassing boxing as the most popular of all combat sports. Its growth has led to a massive increase in fight cards hosted by the UFC and other major promotions. MMA betting is available on the outcome of each fight, as well as various prop bets. There are several factors to consider when placing a bet, including the fighters’ records, fighting styles and strengths and weaknesses, as well as their injuries and recent performance history.
MMA betting offers different wagering options, such as moneyline bets and point spreads. In a moneyline bet, the payout is determined by the number of points scored by either fighter. Other types of MMA bets include method of victory bets and Over/Under rounds bets. In the former, bettors can place a bet on which fighter will win the fight by KO, TKO or submission. In addition, there are also bets on which MMA fighter will win by decision or tie.
In MMA betting, pay-per-view (PPV) events are common, and the odds for each fight are posted on the website of the promoting organization. While these odds can be useful for assessing a fight’s value, they should only be used as a general guide. MMA fighters’ records are typically updated on a regular basis, and the odds for a particular fighter can change at any time. In the event of a sudden change in a fighter’s status, bettors should always consult their preferred bookmakers for the latest information.
Betting on MMA events can be extremely profitable, but it is important to study the rules of each league and be familiar with the fighters competing. This can be done by researching the league’s website as well as the fighters’ records, fighting style and skill sets. In addition, it is important to take into account any physical comparisons between the fighters, such as their height and reach.
Lastly, it is important to watch the weigh-ins to see how the fighters look and feel before their fights. A fighter who has suffered from extreme dehydration during the weight cut may struggle to perform on the night of the fight. This is because extreme dehydration can reduce the amount of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which can lead to a knockout. It is also important to note whether a fighter is orthodox or southpaw, as this can make a difference in the way they fight. For example, a southpaw fighter can use their longer reach to get an early knockout against their orthodox opponent. In addition, the stance can help determine how much the fighter will rely on their kicking skills. Ultimately, the most successful bettors are those who can accurately handicap each fight and recognize which critical factors to take into account when making their selections.