Betting on MMA events has become a big business with this sport quickly gaining in popularity around the world. While MMA is still relatively new to mainstream betting, it offers unique opportunities for sharp bettors who understand how the game works and how to make smart picks. Here are some MMA betting tips to help you increase your profits:
Steer clear of heavy favorites
While it’s tempting to place a large amount of money on the favorite in a mma fight, this is usually not a wise move. Mma is a very unpredictable sport, and one mistake by the fighter can cost you a lot of money for a small return. This is why it’s important to always study the matchup, and try to find some value in the underdog.
Don’t forget about the prop bets
MMA betting lines are often overlooked by bettors, but they can be very profitable if you know how to read them. Many of these bets revolve around a fighter’s strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to research the matchup and understand the styles of each fighter. For example, if a fighter is known for their grappling skills, you might want to bet on them winning by submission. Another way to evaluate a fight is by looking at the record of each fighter and which opponents they have won and lost against. However, this type of analysis can sometimes be misleading and can take the attention away from handicapping a fight based on fighting style and studying fight film.
Use a top-tier sportsbook
A quality MMA betting site will have an extensive selection of MMA betting markets, with multiple different ways to wager on each event. The most basic bets include fighter moneylines, method of victory odds and round betting, but there are also a number of other prop bets available. These can include betting on how long the fight will last, how many total rounds it will go and even specific occurrences during the fight such as significant strikes landed.
Check out the early lines
Depending on the time of year and how much action there is on an upcoming fight, some online sportsbooks may post their MMA odds before others. This allows you to shop around and find the best price on your bets, which can result in a bigger profit margin.
MMA line shopping is especially crucial if you’re placing an MMA/UFC parlay bet. The odds on a parlay are usually higher than individual bets, and the more legs in your bet, the better your chances of making a profit. The best online MMA betting sites offer a free parlay calculator to assist you with this process. Using this tool, you can calculate the likelihood of each leg of your parlay winning before you make your bet. This can save you a lot of frustration and money in the long run.