MMA betting has grown from a niche market to one of the most popular types of sports wagering. UFC pay-per-views sell for millions of dollars and draw crowds that rival those of major boxing fights. UFC fights are broadcast across the world and offer a wide variety of betting options. The most common MMA bet is a money line, but prop bets, parlays (accumulators), over/under, round bets and method of victory are also available.
Performing research on the fighters involved in a bout is essential for placing successful bets. This research can include analyzing statistical data such as significant strikes landed, takedowns and strike absorbed, as well as studying fighters’ stances and preferred striking style. It can also be beneficial to watch previous fights between the two fighters.
It is also important to note that MMA fighters are required to make certain weight classes. If a fighter is struggling to hit their weight, it can drastically impact their performance in the octagon. This is why match officials conduct weigh-ins the day before a fight. Fighters who are close to missing their weight requirements may resort to extreme measures, such as overtraining and dehydration, to reach their goal.
Aside from researching statistics, it is helpful to know how fighters earn their victories. Judges look at several different factors when determining a winner, including effective striking, grappling, dominance and aggression. For example, a fighter who lands many takedowns shows a high level of submission defense and can torture their opponents on the ground with draining shots to the head and body.
In addition to deciding how the fight will end, bettors can place wagers on how long the fight will last. Over/under rounds is a simple MMA bet, where you choose whether the fight will go for more or fewer than the number of rounds set by the oddsmakers. You can also bet on whether the fight will end by knockout, technical knockout, submission or decision.
The easiest way to place a bet on a MMA event is to visit an online MMA betting site and find the fight you want to bet on. Then, select a bet type and choose your stake. The odds will then be displayed on your screen and you can complete the bet by clicking “Place Bet.” It is also possible to bet in-play on MMA matches, which allows you to place bets as the fight is happening. In-play betting is typically offered at higher-level betting sites that are licensed to operate in the United States. The odds for each bet type are constantly changing, so be sure to check back often for new bet options. It is also recommended to set a gambling budget before starting to ensure that you don’t spend more than you can afford to lose. The UFC’s fight schedule is extremely busy, and the resulting action can be hard to keep up with. Fortunately, online UFC betting sites provide an easy and convenient way to place bets on all the best MMA events.