MMA betting has reshaped fight nights into dynamic and engaging spectacles that allow fans to become an active part of the action through wagering. This form of fan engagement has made betting more accessible to a wider audience, making it possible for casual and expert bettors alike to make money betting on UFC matches. However, it is important to remember that you should always set a budget for how much you’re willing to gamble and never bet beyond your means.

Before placing a bet, it’s important to conduct research and analyze the fight card. This will help you decide which bets to place and can help you win more money in the long run. There are many factors that go into a fighter’s performance, including how many strikes they land and absorb, the number of takedowns they achieve, and more. It is also important to look at the fighting styles of both fighters. Typically, fighters with a more direct fighting style are more likely to win via KO or TKO, while grapplers will try to force submissions. In addition, the stance of each fighter should be taken into account. Generally, southpaw fighters are at an advantage over their orthodox counterparts.

Another popular bet is the round total, which predicts how many rounds the fight will last. Depending on the matchup, fighters’ styles, and the number of rounds scheduled, oddsmakers will set an Over/Under total for the fight. The price for the Over/Under will depend on the probability of the fight reaching that number of rounds, as well as the vig or juice.

Some bookmakers offer live betting on MMA matches, with the odds fluctuating during the course of the fight. This type of betting is very risky, but it can yield giant returns if you’re lucky. It’s also essential to know the rules of live betting before making a bet. Some books require that you place bets within a certain time period, while others will allow you to bet as the fight goes on.

Fight props are another type of MMA betting. These bets often include first blood, which fighter will score the first takedown, and how the fight will end (by KO, TKO, submission, or disqualification). These bets are not available everywhere, but they can be a great way to make some extra cash on a MMA bout.

It’s also a good idea to compare the records of the fighters when analyzing their chances of winning a fight. Many bettors like to do what’s known as “MMA math.” For instance, they will look at how many losses a fighter has and compare them to the number of wins and losses of their current opponent. If the fighters have similar records, they’re probably a good matchup and should beat each other. If the fighters have different records, it’s likely that they will struggle in a fight and will lose. In these cases, it’s wise to bet on the underdog.