MMA betting is much more popular than it used to be, but many bettors still don’t have the proper knowledge and experience. Many bettors rely on quick tips from friends or talking heads, pick a popular favorite, or place their money on a feel-good story. This reliance on incorrect information can lead to poor betting decisions and costly losses. Fortunately, there are a few key tips to help bettors improve their MMA betting strategy and increase profits.
Unlike soccer and basketball, MMA is a relatively new sport when it comes to betting. This means that sportsbooks have less historical data to work with when setting odds for MMA fights, making it difficult for them to price their lines accurately. As a result, MMA odds see more movement from opening to closing than bets on more established sports. This volatility can offer valuable opportunities for bettors who know how to take advantage of it.
When betting on MMA fights, be sure to study the full card and not just a couple of the headline matches. This will allow you to make better informed wagers and avoid wasting your money on bad matchups or over-hyped favorites. In addition, be selective about the cards you bet on and don’t be afraid to parlay your bets. Favorites tend to have smaller payouts, so a winning parlay can significantly boost your profits.
Mma fights are often categorized into weight classes or divisions, and each one features its own set of fighters. Each fighter’s odds are based on their performance against other fighters within their class. The higher a fighter’s rank, the higher their chances of winning a given matchup. In addition to analyzing fighters’ history, it’s also important to look at their current training and health status to predict their performance.
While most MMA bettors understand the basics of a Money Line bet, there are a variety of other betting markets available. Method of Victory props are especially valuable as they allow bettors to select a specific way that a fight will be won, such as by knockout or submission. These bets often offer larger payouts than standard money line bets and can increase your profits exponentially.
Another great option for MMA bettors is the Round Betting market. This includes over/under bets on how many rounds a fight will last and is a good option for those who prefer to bet on the underdog. These types of bets can be placed at online sportsbooks.
The most common bet in MMA is the Over/Under. This is a wager on how many total rounds the fight will last and is based on the combined fighting style of the two fighters. Typically, the Over/Under will be set at around 2.5 rounds. This is because MMA matches are usually short, and a fighter who is younger will win more often than a fighter who is older.