Betting on MMA is a hugely popular pastime, attracting millions of bettors to betting sites and sportsbooks across the world. The sport combines a number of combat disciplines including boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and judo into one. The most popular and recognisable mixed martial arts franchise is the UFC, which stages fights in a number of countries around the world.
There are numerous betting options on MMA bouts, and it is essential to know how each bet type works before you place any money on a fighter. Fortunately, most of the major bookmakers have an extensive MMA betting selection, making it easy to wager on the sport and claim winnings.
Match bets
The most common MMA betting option is to bet on which fighter will win the bout. This is called match betting and is a great way to introduce yourself to the sport while also backing a specific fighter.
Winning method bets
A win by knockout is a popular choice among fans of the sport. However, there are many other options to consider as well. This can be as simple as predicting a fighter will win the match by KO, or it can involve assessing their momentum before the fight begins and placing a bet on the favourite to do so.
Taking over/under for rounds is another common MMA betting option. This bet involves predicting when the fight will finish, and can pay out significantly more than a win by decision or submission.
Late changes and late replacements
MMA fights are frequently scheduled at short notice. This can mean that fighters are forced to pull out or replace themselves with younger, less experienced fighters. It is worth checking the published MMA betting rules at the sportsbook you use to find out exactly how these situations can affect your bets.
Late changes can cause some problems for bettors, especially if they are betting on an underdog. This can lead to a significant drop in the odds of winning, but it could also be worth taking the chance if you think an underdog has a strong enough record.
Outrights
Unlike boxing, where negotiations for a big fight take months to reach a conclusion, MMA is a fast-paced sport with a massive following and often features multiple events per week. This means that there are plenty of opportunities to place bets on upcoming fights, and you can usually get early odds on as-yet unconfirmed matches.
Aside from outrights, MMA betting has several other bet types, such as a moneyline and a draw. These are all very similar to the odds you would see in a boxing game, but with the addition of the Over/Under line.
For example, a win by knockout is usually a big favorite in MMA betting odds, and the Over/Under line will tell you how much you should bet on that outcome to be true. A winning bet can come in the form of a stoppage or technical decision, but it can also result in a disqualification.