The sport of MMA has grown in popularity over recent years. This growth has made it possible for sportsbooks to offer a wide variety of mma betting options. From wagers on the winner of a fight to predicting the method of victory, mma betting offers an exciting and complex wagering experience. However, mmma betting also comes with unique pitfalls that can trap bettors and make them lose money. In order to avoid these pitfalls, it is important to understand how mmma betting odds work and how to properly handicap a fight.
In MMA betting, odds are presented in a moneyline format, where a favorite is indicated by a minus sign (-) and an underdog is indicated by a plus sign (+). The odds reflect the payout associated with placing a bet on each fighter. This is in contrast to other sports, where odds are displayed in decimal form. The MMA market is especially volatile, and the juice taken by the bookmaker can skew the odds significantly. As a result, it is often better to place bets on underdogs than to back the favorites.
Another popular MMA betting option is the over/under rounds total. This wager is based on the number of rounds a fight will last, with sportsbooks setting an over/under and offering odds for both sides of the bet. For example, a bout may be scheduled for five rounds, with the over/under set at 3.5 rounds. In this case, the underdog would have a much better chance of winning than the overdog, as the underdog’s chances of making it to the third round are much higher.
When making a bet on the over/under rounds total, you should take into account the fighting styles of each fighter. For instance, if one fighter is an orthodox fighter while the other is a southpaw, it can give the latter a slight advantage, as orthodox fighters are not used to defending against southpaws. In addition, a fighter’s ring IQ is a factor to consider. A fighter who is able to think on their feet and spot openings can be quite valuable, as they can capitalize on mistakes by their opponents.
Aside from the moneyline and over/under wagers, MMA betting also includes an assortment of prop bets that can provide lucrative payouts. Mma prop bets typically involve predicting the method of victory, the round in which a fight will end, and other aspects of the matchup. However, these types of bets require extensive research and analysis. It is essential to study the fighters’ fighting styles and history before placing a bet.
In addition to the standard moneyline and over/under bets, MMA betting offers live betting during fights that allows you to place bets as they unfold in real time. This is an excellent way to capitalize on juicy odds that sportsbooks may have overlooked. In addition, live betting can help you avoid losing money on bets that you shouldn’t have placed in the first place.