Betting on MMA fights can be a great way to make some extra cash. But just like any other type of betting, it requires some knowledge and strategy.
When betting on MMA, you can bet on how long the fight will last, how many rounds, whether the fighters will win by knockout or submission, and more. There are also a number of different ways to place bets, including futures and prop bets.
The best way to make money from MMA betting is to follow a winning strategy. This means making informed decisions and choosing the right sportsbook to place your wagers.
It is crucial to study the history and skill level of the fighters you are placing bets on. This information can be gleaned from their past performances, fight film and the MMA news surrounding them.
In MMA, there are often a lot of crossovers in opposition between different weight classes, so it is important to take this into account when handicapping a fight. For instance, a fighter may have won one fight against a previous foe who is currently ranked in the same weight class.
This can lead to a lot of inefficiencies in the price of a fighter, and it is vital to avoid blindly backing them unless you have an expert understanding of the sport and the fighter’s fighting style.
When looking at the odds, a good rule of thumb is to always bet on the underdog. The underdog is usually the most undervalued fighter in the match and therefore represents a greater opportunity to make a profit.
Another thing to remember is that MMA matches are generally very volatile. A fighter can come out with a bad performance in the first round and then surprise the opponent by landing a lucky strike in the second. This can be a huge advantage in the fight and can result in an upset.
Unlike soccer or basketball, MMA does not have the same amount of historical data. The fighters only compete twice or three times per year, so it is difficult for bookmakers to build up the data necessary to establish an accurate pricing model.
However, if you are an avid MMA fan and can spot a gap in the market, then it could be worth taking a risk on the underdog. The MMA betting odds on underdogs can be much higher than the favorites and this could give you a significant advantage over the majority of punters.
You can also make a parlay bet, where you can bet on multiple fight outcomes and require all to come true for you to win the bet. This can be a very risky method of betting, but it can pay out a large amount of money if you are successful.
A fighter’s performance in a particular round is based on a 10 point scoring system, where 10 points are awarded to the winner and 9 or less to the loser. A (10-9) round is scored when the fight is close and a (10-8) round is scored when the fighter overwhelms their opponent by combining strikes and grappling.