Mma betting is an area of sports betting that can often offer better odds than the moneyline prices on who will win a fight. That is because MMA is relatively newer to the sport and oddsmakers have not had as much time to fine-tune their betting lines as they do in traditional sports such as football, basketball, and baseball. However, that doesn’t mean MMA betting can’t be profitable for bettors who understand how to spot the best opportunities.
In addition to basic bets on which fighter will win a particular round, there are also MMA wagers available on the Over/Under for rounds. These wagers allow bettors to place a bet on whether or not a particular fight will last longer or shorter than a specified number of rounds, which are typically set at 2.5 rounds for a typical MMA match.
Using a bit of research on the background of each fighter is critical for placing a winning MMA wager. The history of a fighter is important to note because it can provide insight into their style and ability to fight against certain types of opponents. For example, a fighter who has built their wins against elite-level opposition may be better equipped to handle a back-and-forth war against a submission expert or striker who can hurt them with quick strikes and a variety of kicks.
It is also important for MMA bettors to know if a fighter is coming off a knockout loss or other recent defeats because these losses can have psychological effects. For example, a fighter who has suffered two straight knockout losses may become more cautious in the octagon and change their fighting strategy. That could make it easier for an opponent to take advantage of the fighter’s mistake and score a big knockout victory.
Lastly, it is worth noting how close a fighter comes to making weight before the fight takes place. If a fighter is a few pounds over their designated weight class, it can be a disadvantage because they might be drained before the fight even starts. In fact, a UFC study found that fighters who miss the weight cut lose 61% of their fights.
Finally, MMA bettors should also pay attention to the number of years apart a fighter’s opponents are. Having fighters that are five or more years apart has been shown to have a negative impact on a fight’s outcome. That’s because younger fighters tend to be faster and have more natural stamina than their older counterparts. That makes it more likely for a younger fighter to be able to win a fight through a knockout or submission.