Mma is an adrenaline-fueled sport that seamlessly blends striking and grappling techniques from a variety of martial arts. Its popularity has surged along with the interest in betting on MMA fights, but wagering on this sport is not without risks. It is essential to understand the odds, study fighters, and manage your bankroll when betting on MMA fights.

Betting on a single fighter to win a bout is the most common mma betting type. Typically, the fighter who wins by knockout or submission will receive the highest payout. However, if no one wins the fight within the allotted time, judges will determine the winner based on their scorecards. The odds for a bet on a specific fighter vary depending on how the betting patterns change, but they are always available at most online sportsbooks.

Aside from picking a single fighter to win, MMA bettors also place bets on the total number of rounds in a fight and the method of victory. These bets are easy to place and can be a great way to enhance the experience of a fight. They’re especially popular when betting on the underdog, as they offer higher risk/reward ratios than bets on favorites.

Using the plus and minus system to read MMA betting odds is easy once you get the hang of it. Favorites have a minus moneyline, while underdogs have a plus moneyline. However, the system can be confusing when it comes to betting on a round-by-round wager, as the odds will fluctuate based on how many people are placing their bets on a particular fighter or round.

While the MMA odds are fairly straightforward, understanding how to handicap a fight is more difficult. There are many factors that go into determining the odds, such as fighters’ fighting styles and stances. For example, southpaw fighters like UFC women’s flyweight champion Zhang Weili can often take advantage of orthodox fighters who have trouble adjusting to their left-handed stance.

Another factor that goes into a fighter’s MMA odds is their record inside their weight class. It’s important to look at the overall record of both fighters, as well as their recent opponents. Often times, bettors will try to do what’s known as “MMA math,” which involves comparing fighters’ records and finding opponents that they have won and lost against. This can be misleading and distract from studying fighters’ style and analyzing fight film.

Lastly, bettors should always set a betting budget and stick to it. This will help them avoid overspending and can ensure that they don’t lose more than they can afford to win. It is also essential to recognize problem gambling signs and seek help if necessary. In the end, MMA betting should be an engaging form of entertainment and not a path to financial ruin.