MMA betting is a relatively new type of wagering, but it’s gaining momentum. The sport has seen huge growth recently, and highly-promoted fights can draw as much attention as other major sports events. As with all types of wagering, conducting proper research before placing a bet is key to winning big. This can include researching fighters’ statistics, analyzing their style and looking at their physical differences.
In-play betting (also known as live betting) is one of the best ways to bet on MMA fights. It allows you to place your bets as the action unfolds, and it’s also more convenient than going to a brick and mortar sportsbook. Moreover, online sportsbooks offer better odds than those offered in Las Vegas and have great sign up bonuses for new players.
When placing bets on MMA fights, it’s important to understand the fighters and how their styles match up against each other. This will help you determine how well a fighter is likely to perform in the ring, which can significantly increase your chances of winning. For example, if a fighter is an orthodox fighter but his opponent is a southpaw, the stance can play a large role in how the fight unfolds. Likewise, a fighter’s height and reach can affect how effective their strikes will be.
Another thing to consider when making MMA bets is the fighter’s record and current form. In general, it’s best to support younger fighters against veteran opponents. This is because the older fighters may have lost their edge in terms of fighting ability. On the other hand, the younger fighters have more energy and are more likely to hit their opponents with powerful strikes.
Depending on the matchup and the fighting styles of the combatants, sportsbooks will set an Over/Under total for the number of rounds expected to be completed in a fight. This can be an excellent opportunity for MMA fans to make bets on the method of victory, round count and the total number of rounds in a fight.
It’s important to remember that MMA fighters are athletes and they often compete in several different weight classes throughout their careers. Depending on their performance, some fighters will move up or down in weight classes as they climb the rankings. This can have a significant impact on how well a fighter performs in the ring because some fighters struggle to maintain or make weight while others are able to cut and fight at higher weights.
A common mistake that MMA bettors can make is taking the easy way out and placing bets on the underdog. While this is a good strategy for casual gamblers, it’s not the best bet for experienced bettors. This is because underdog bets can lose money due to the added juice or vig of sportsbooks. To avoid this, bettors should always set a realistic budget and stick to it. This will allow them to make more consistent bets without losing money.