Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a high-octane sport that seamlessly blends striking and grappling techniques from a wide range of martial arts disciplines. Its growing popularity has increased the interest in betting on MMA matches. However, mma betting is not as simple as picking the winner; it requires careful analysis and strategic decisions. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help you make the most out of your MMA betting experience.
Moneyline MMA bets are the most basic type of bet and involve wagering on which fighter will win a fight. Oddsmakers calculate a fighter’s odds using several factors, including their overall record, recent performance, and the relative strengths of their opponent. A fighter’s style also influences their chances of winning, as a striker will have a different advantage over a grappler.
In addition to moneyline bets, MMA sportsbooks offer Over/Under round totals for each match. These bets are based on the expected number of rounds in a fight and include the vig or juice that is added by the sportsbook to its odds. These bets can be lucrative if you’re right, but they can also be risky if you’re wrong.
MMA betting offers many other types of bets, including parlays and prop bets. In general, prop bets are harder to win than regular straight bets. They can be influenced by last-minute news, so be sure to stay informed and keep up with any changes in the fighters’ training camps.
Odds for MMA bouts are typically calculated by a team of sports statisticians and mathematicians. They consider a variety of factors, including previous fight results, current form, weather forecasts, and other MMA news. They also take into account a fighter’s history and recent performances, as well as their style and stamina.
Aside from the obvious physical effects of fighting, a fighter’s mental state can affect their performance. For instance, a fighter coming off a KO loss may be more cautious in the octagon and less likely to try aggressive tactics. Similarly, a fighter moving up or down in weight class can have a significant impact on their ability to cut and maintain weight.
Another consideration is the fighters’ travel plans. A fighter who has to fly across the country or world for a fight may be tired, which can affect their performance. In addition, traveling to high altitudes can cause a fighter to gas out quickly.
Another factor to consider is how the judges will score the fight. There are three possible types of decisions: unanimous, split, and majority. Unanimous decisions are rare, so odds on split and majority decision bets have higher payouts than those on a single-judgment outcome.