MMA has long been one of the more progressive sports in embracing sports betting, and it’s rare that any MMA content will analyze a matchup without reference to the odds. That’s a good thing, because betting on MMA matches can be a very profitable form of wagering.
Mma betting odds are set by a number of factors, including the fighters’ fighting styles, the number of rounds scheduled for the fight, and other relevant factors. Betting lines also take into account the varying degrees of risk and reward that are associated with betting on Over/Under totals. The over/under price on a particular fight is calculated using an algorithm, and the amount that you would win if the Over or Under was hit is determined by your betting site’s margin (or vig).
As with any other sports bet, it’s important to understand the MMA betting odds before placing your bets. MMA is relatively newer than other sports, so oddsmakers haven’t had as much time to fine-tune their betting lines as they have for traditional sports like football and baseball. That’s not to say that MMA betting can’t be highly profitable, but you should always do your research before placing any bets.
In addition to moneyline bets, MMA betting offers a variety of prop bets and future bets that can be fun and profitable. For example, some sportsbooks offer a method-of-victory bet that allows you to place a wager on whether a particular fighter will win by KO, TKO, submission, or decision. These bets tend to have higher odds than straight bets, as the sportsbooks are trying to reflect how likely they believe a fighter will win via each method of victory.
The fighting styles of the two combatants can play a big role in how a fight goes, and it’s important to study both fighters’ records, past performances, and current form when making your bets. The stance of the fighters can also be important, with southpaw fighters having an edge against orthodox fighters.
When handicapping an MMA fight, it’s important to remember that experience is valuable in any sport. This is especially true in MMA, where fighters with more experience tend to win over those with less. That’s why many MMA fans like to do what’s known as “MMA math” when handicapping a fight, looking at the record of a fighter and which foes they have won or lost against. However, this kind of analysis can be misleading and can take away from studying fighters’ styles and analyzing fight film. This is why it’s best to stick with analyzing the numbers and not the names.