Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a fighting sport that combines wrestling, boxing, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and other styles to create a fast-paced, physical competition. The sport has become a popular global phenomenon, with millions tuning in to watch the latest fights. In addition to live broadcasts, the MMA betting market offers many ways for fans to place wagers on their favorite fighters. However, betting on MMA is not as simple as betting on any other sport and there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration.
The first thing a bettor needs to do is research the two fighters. This will involve analyzing the past performances of both fighters, their strengths and weaknesses, and their style of fighting. The bettor will also want to pay attention to the fighters weight and performance at the weigh-ins, as this can be a good indicator of how they will perform in the fight.
Once a bettor has researched both fighters, they can then look at the odds of each bet type. These odds will be displayed as either plus or minus signs. The fighter with the plus sign is considered the underdog while the one with the minus sign is the favorite. Oftentimes, the MMA betting line will fluctuate from the moment it opens up until the fight night. This can be due to a number of factors, including fighter news and fan support for each fighter.
Another type of MMA betting is on the method of victory. This includes KO/TKO, submission, and judges decision. This bet type is unique to MMA because it doesn’t require the bettor to predict which fighter will win, but rather how they will win. For example, if a fighter has a history of finishing the fight early by KO, it may be wise to place a bet on them winning the fight by KO.
In a similar vein, a bettor can also bet on how many rounds the fight will last. A non-championship fight will typically last three rounds, while championship or main event fights will be contested over five rounds. This is a very easy bet to make and can be profitable if you choose the right round to bet on.
In-play MMA betting is also an option, but this type of bet can be risky and should only be used by those who are familiar with the sport and its subtleties. It is important to understand that this form of betting can be influenced by the crowd and other unforeseen factors, so it is best done between rounds. Also, it is recommended that bettors join subreddits and online forums dedicated to the sport of MMA in order to expand their knowledge of the sport and attempt to understand the small details that can make or break a bet. In doing so, they can try to take advantage of the volatility in the betting markets and catch some great prices. This is one of the best ways to increase their chances of making a profit.