The MMA betting market can be quite lucrative for those who know how to handicap the fights and use tried and tested strategies. There are many factors that can go into making a successful wager and it is important to understand what goes into a fighter’s odds. In addition, bettors should understand which factors to ignore and which are crucial.
One of the most basic MMA bets is the Over/Under rounds bet. This wager is placed on how many rounds the fight will last and is based on the matchup, the styles of the fighters involved and the number of rounds scheduled. The oddsmakers will then set an Over/Under total for the fight and price each bet based on the implied probability of the fight finishing over or under that round total.
In-play MMA betting, also known as live betting, is an extremely popular form of MMA wagering. It can yield huge payouts in just minutes, especially when backing underdogs. It is also worth noting that the oddsmakers tend to miss key technical aspects of the fight which keen MMA bettors can pick up on and take advantage of.
MMA bettors can also place a variety of prop bets. These are wagers on specific events in the fight that will not affect the overall result. These include the method of victory, which fighter will score the first takedown and the round in which the fight will end. Method of victory is the most common bet and can be made by picking a KO, TKO, decision or submission win. KOs are typically caused by a blow that renders the fighter unconscious while TKOs and decisions are generally called when the referee protects a hurt fighter or the fighter’s cornerman throws in the towel.
Fight props are a great way to increase the payouts on your MMA wagers and can often be found on the sportsbook’s website. These props can include anything from the first blood to who will score the final takedown. These bets can be very lucrative if they are correctly predicted, but be sure to study the fighters’ styles carefully and consider their strengths and weaknesses when placing these wagers.
Another strategy for enhancing your MMA betting experience is to follow the fighters’ training camps closely. It is not uncommon for a fighter’s performance to be affected by factors such as fatigue, travel and altitude. For example, in his last fight Fabricio Werdum dominated a gassed-out Cain Velasquez with a takedown and submission in the second round after being forced to fly to Mexico City for his camp.