How to Get Started in MMA Betting

mma betting

MMA is an exciting and fast-paced sport that draws huge crowds. As a result, the betting window can produce some big payouts for sports bettors that know what they’re doing. Here are a few tips to help you get started with mma betting.

Moneyline bets: These are the simplest form of MMA betting and can yield big returns. The odds on a fighter are set by the betting public, so you can expect the lines to be pretty close to accurate. However, if you want to maximize your profits, look for underdogs who have a chance of beating the favorite. Parlay bets are also available, allowing you to combine multiple legs into one large bet at increased odds.

Method of victory bets: These bets are on how a particular fighter will win the fight, such as via knockout, submission, or a judge’s decision. Oftentimes, these bets are offered at a lower amount than the moneyline, and they can yield much bigger payouts if you can predict a specific outcome. For example, if you bet $100 on Karl Williams to win by submission, you would receive $450 if he won the fight that way.

Fight props: These bets are a great way to add a little extra excitement to your MMA betting experience. They usually include wagers on first blood, who will win the fight by submission or knockout, and which round the fight will end in. They’re a bit harder to predict than moneylines or over/under bets, but they can pay out huge returns if you’re lucky enough to make a winning prediction.

Keep up with the news: MMA betting is constantly changing and the line movement leading up to a fight can be a good indicator of what you should bet on. For instance, in August 2022, MMA coach James Krause boasted about making more money betting on MMA than coaching, which prompted New Jersey officials to stop accepting wagers on UFC events, as well as two Canadian provinces to suspend betting.

Keeping up with MMA news will also keep you in the loop regarding any controversies that may affect the odds on a certain fighter. For instance, an injured fighter can sometimes cause the lines to shift significantly, as they are unable to train as hard while recovering from an injury.

In addition to keeping up with the news, it’s important to understand a fighter’s history and record in the sport. Especially if you’re planning on placing a bet on an underdog, it’s crucial to know their winning streaks, and how long they’ve been fighting in the ring. It’s also important to consider their stance, as a southpaw fighter can have an advantage over an orthodox fighter. Also, a knockout loss can change a fighter’s approach to the octagon, as they might become more cautious in future matches. This can also lead to a skewed betting market.