MMA betting is one of the most exhilarating forms of online sports gambling. In this brutal sport, two highly skilled athletes battle each other inside a cage, with no teammates and no timeouts. One destructive punch to the head or a tight rear-naked choke can end the fight in an instant. These unpredictable outcomes make MMA betting more exciting and lucrative than traditional sports betting. However, it is important to understand the different factors that can affect a fighter’s performance before placing a bet.
First, sign up with a reputable MMA betting site. The best sites offer a variety of fair MMA betting lines. Some of them are also the official betting partners of the UFC. In addition, they feature a state-of-the-art Fight Clock that allows bettors to place bets up to the second before a fight starts.
Once you’ve signed up, navigate to the MMA betting section on your chosen sportsbook website. This page will display a list of upcoming events and their respective odds. The odds displayed are a reflection of how much a bettor can profit on their wagers, per $100 stake. Positive odds mean that a bettor can win, while negative odds reflect how much a bet is required to return a profit of $100.
In addition to the basic moneyline bets, MMA betting websites also offer a wide variety of prop bets. These bets can be placed on the method of victory, total rounds, or other unique options. While these bets may seem confusing at first, they are quite simple once you understand the rules of the game.
Another popular MMA betting option is the Over/Under round bets. These bets are based on the anticipated number of rounds the fight will last, and they carry a higher risk than the standard way of betting. In some cases, the Over/Under bets are offered with a DRAW option as well, which can significantly increase your potential payout.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced punter, it’s crucial to know how to read the MMA betting odds and how they change during a fight. These odds are an indicator of how much a fighter is expected to win, and they can be found in the betting section on each event. The odds are calculated by comparing the fighter’s performance and their opponent’s, with the favorite typically having higher odds than the underdog.
Before making a bet, it’s important to consider the fighter’s physical condition and their training regimen. For example, fighters often struggle to make weight and will go through drastic measures to avoid missing the mark at the weigh-in. This can lead to them being drained before the bell rings, which can negatively impact their performance. In other cases, a fighter might have to travel to a new city for their fight, which can have a significant impact on their fitness level. For instance, a gassed-out Cain Velasquez was easily tapped out by Fabricio Werdum at UFC 188 in Mexico City.