MMA Betting Basics

MMA Betting Basics

The MMA betting world is rife with wagering opportunities, offering fans an exciting way to engage with the high-octane sport. While this growing phenomenon transforms fight nights into dynamic spectacles, it’s important to remember that gambling is inherently risky and should be treated as such. As such, be sure to set limits for yourself before placing any wagers. It’s also important to research the matchups you’re considering, looking at factors like fighters’ styles and stances, which may affect their chances of winning.

Moneyline bets are the most basic form of MMA betting, with the bettor choosing which fighter they believe will win the fight. These bets use the standard plus and minus system, with the higher odds denoting a favorite and lower ones indicating an underdog. They’re a great starting point for newcomers, and offer a clear-cut wagering experience. Other options include over/under rounds, which are bets on how many total rounds the fight will last. These bets are often based on the fighter’s style, and taking into account their natural pace as well as any advantages such as being a southpaw or having a dominant hand can add to their value.

A KO or TKO bet is another popular MMA bet type, with the bettor predicting whether a particular fighter will win by knockout or submission. These bets tend to be less volatile than other types of MMA betting, but the unpredictability of the sport can often lead to upsets that can sway the line. For example, Holly Holm’s head-kick knockout of Ronda Rousey in UFC 193 is one such legendary upset that left bettors jubilant.

Lastly, bettors can place Method of Victory bets, which are based on a fighter’s predicted method of victory. These bets can be placed on KO/TKO, Submission or Decision and come with their own set of odds based on how likely a fighter is to win by that particular method.

In addition to the aforementioned bets, MMA offers a variety of prop bets, or proposition bets, that are bets on occurrences or non-occurrences that do not directly impact the fight’s outcome. Typically, these bets are offered at the sportsbook and are listed with their odds. Prop bets are a great way to get in on the action without spending much, and they’re an excellent way to spice up the action in an MMA fight.