MMA betting is a fast-growing and exciting niche of sports handicapping. It adds an extra layer of complexity and risk to the usual picks on who will win a fight, but also allows bettors to find profitable odds that they can’t get from traditional money lines. To make the most of MMA betting, it’s important to understand the different types of bets and how each impacts the overall betting line.
Method of victory bets are the most lucrative MMA wagers, as bettors can place their stakes on whether a fight will end by knockout, submission, or a judge’s decision. The best MMA betting sites offer a variety of these bets, and the bets themselves can carry more significant payouts than a simple moneyline bet. However, these bets often require some risk-taking and knowledge of fighter tendencies, so it’s essential to take the time to research each fighter before placing a bet.
Round betting is another popular MMA bet type, and it’s an excellent way to maximize profitability during live UFC fights. The over/under market reflects the average number of rounds that a fight lasts, and bettors can make predictions on how long the fight will last by adding up the total number of seconds per round. For example, a 2.5-round line equates to the halfway point of a fight at 2 minutes and 30 seconds. A quick finish might skew the over/under toward the under, while a long battle with multiple stoppages will skew the over/under in favor of the over.
Much like boxing, MMA fights have several different styles that should be considered when handicapping the outcome of a bout. Fighters’ stances, for example, can give them advantages or disadvantages against certain opponents. An orthodox fighter, for instance, might struggle to defend against a southpaw opponent.
While it’s important to study a fighter’s previous record, don’t be too attached to their numbers. In many cases, those statistics are inflated due to fights against inferior competition. Additionally, many factors influence the outcome of a fight that don’t show up in the numbers, such as personal vendettas, rivalries, and rematches.
The best MMA betting sites offer a diverse selection of bets, including props and futures. DraftKings is one of these top sites, and it offers a great welcome bonus of up to $1000 for new customers. Its MMA betting options include round and method of victory bets, as well as a variety of futures markets and props. It’s a good idea to research each fight in detail before making any bets, but there are some general trends that can help break the tie when it comes to picking winners. For instance, the more experienced a fighter is, the more likely they are to win a fight. This doesn’t always hold true, though, and it can be helpful to look at the overall record of each fighter rather than just their wins and losses. This will provide a more accurate picture of their abilities.