MMA, or mixed martial arts, is a full-contact combat sport that blends techniques from karate, boxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, and jiu jitsu. It is a fast-paced and exciting sport to watch and has become one of the most popular sports betting events in recent years. While purists may decry MMA as bloodthirsty and lacking in boxing’s grace, the sport has exploded in popularity over the past decade and offers lucrative payouts at the betting window.
The MMA betting odds are similar to those of other sports betting markets and feature a favorite and underdog in each fight. In addition, there are also several MMA prop bets that offer more specific predictions about the fight, including the method of victory and round count. The odds for these bets are set by the bookmakers and based on their analysis of fighters’ performances and the matchups they face.
It is important to understand the different MMA weight classes and divisions before placing your bets. The higher the class, the more experienced a fighter is and the more likely they are to win. As a result, underdogs in the higher classes are usually given much lower odds than their counterparts in the lighter classes. In addition, bettors should conduct research into fighters’ performance in previous fights before making their wagers. This can include analyzing statistics such as strikes landed, punches absorbed, and takedown defense.
Another common MMA betting option is the over/under bet, which is a bet on the total number of rounds that will be fought in a match. This is a fun bet to make, but it can be risky because the outcome of each round is not always clear-cut. Moreover, bettors who place over/under bets on multiple matches in the same event must pay a fee to the sportsbook called the vig or juice, which decreases their chances of winning.
Aside from the standard bets, MMA betting offers a wide variety of prop and futures bets. Prop bets are essentially wagers on events that will happen during the fight, such as which fighter will score a knockdown or attempt the first submission maneuver. They are a fun and exciting way to bet on MMA fights, but it is essential to study each fight and the fighters involved before making these types of wagers.
The best MMA bets are made by studying the fighting styles of each fighter and knowing their strengths and weaknesses. It is easy to fall into the trap of doing what is known as MMA math, which involves comparing the records of two fighters and assuming that a winner will be a lock. This is a flawed thinking pattern that can divert attention from analyzing fight film and handicapping styles. In addition, it can lead to bettors making decisions based on emotion rather than fact. This can be a costly mistake. Instead, MMA bettors should have a solid strategy and stick with it to maximize their profits.