MMA betting has grown in popularity in recent years as fans flock to this sport for its entertaining personalities, different fighting styles and amount of fights held each year. Betting on MMA can be a great way to enjoy the action and win some extra cash, but there are many things to consider when placing wagers. Having a firm grasp of the sport’s rules, understanding how odds work and doing proper research into fighters and their past performances are all crucial steps to successful MMA wagering.

Odds are a vital tool for MMA bettors, as they showcase how much a bettor can win or lose for each $100 bet. They are typically displayed as a negative number (such as -270) for the favorite and a positive number (+210) for the underdog. The higher the number, the more money a bettor can expect to win.

Mma betting odds can also help bettors make smarter decisions by showing them the likelihood of a specific outcome. For example, a fighter with a lower win percentage in the octagon may be less likely to score a knockout or submit their opponent. On the other hand, a more experienced competitor might be more likely to achieve these outcomes. Bettors can use these statistics to determine which fighters are more likely to win and by how much.

Another important factor to consider when placing MMA bets is the fighters’ weight and reach. Many athletes struggle to meet their designated weight class and can be dehydrated before the fight even begins. This can negatively impact their performance as they will be physically drained and may have difficulty striking or wrestling with their opponents.

It is also important to note how a fighter has performed against other fighters in the same weight class. Some bettors will attempt to do what is known as “MMA math,” where they compare the records of two fighters and look for similarities in the opponents they’ve defeated. This can lead to misguided wagers as bettors fail to consider the quality of opposition and the differences in style.

Aside from examining fighters’ records, it’s also essential to study their styles, fighting patterns and injuries. Some fighters have a tendency to be aggressive and can cause damage by throwing many strikes, while others are more technical and prefer to grapple with their opponents. In addition, bettors should pay close attention to how their chosen fighters perform in their previous MMA matches, as these will give them a good idea of how they will perform in the current one.

MMA bettors can also place prop bets, or proposition wagers, on various aspects of a fight including the method of victory and total rounds. These bets allow bettors to choose a specific outcome, such as a knockout, submission or disqualification, and often carry larger payouts than traditional moneyline wagers. Many sportsbooks also offer parlay bets, which combine multiple bets for a chance at a greater payout. However, it’s important to remember that every selection in a parlay must be correct for the wager to be a winner.