A wager placed on a fighter or a specific outcome in a mixed martial arts bout. MMA betting involves more than simply choosing the favorite or the underdog; it requires an examination of each fighter’s history and recent performance, as well as a thorough understanding of judging methods, and how those factors can influence a fight’s result. The most basic MMA bet is the moneyline, which allows you to choose which fighter you believe will win a given fight. A fighter considered more likely to win will carry a minus symbol in front of their moneyline odds, while an underdog will carry a plus sign. This reflects the notion that the favorite is expected to win and offers a lower payout, while the underdog poses more risk and offers a higher potential return.
MMA odds are based on the input of sports statisticians and mathematicians. They take into account previous fights, form, weather forecasts and a host of other factors. The resulting odds aren’t necessarily accurate percentages, but they represent the overall probability that a given event will occur. Using this information, you can place a variety of MMA bets, from the more general to the more complex.
For example, a bet on the method of victory allows you to select between a knockout, a technical knockout, submission, or a decision. Another popular bet is on the round in which a fight will end, and you can also choose whether the decision will be unanimous (all three judges score the same winner), split, or majority. For those interested in more complicated bets, you can place a wager on the round in which a fight will last or not, and even the number of rounds fought.
While stats are an important part of a fighter’s profile, they can be misleading when used to make MMA bets. Some figures may be inflated due to fights against lesser talent, or they might reflect the fact that a fighter has been fighting in a style that’s different from their upcoming opponent. Personal vendettas, rematches and other factors can also play a role in a fight’s outcome that aren’t reflected in the numbers.
Lastly, it’s worth considering a fighter’s weight class and how they handle cuts. Sometimes fighters struggle to make the weight limit and can suffer from fatigue and ring rust in their subsequent bouts. It’s also helpful to note how a fighter performs in the days leading up to a fight, especially during weigh-ins. Many fighters go through extreme measures to avoid missing the mark at the weigh-in, which can leave them drained and in less-than-ideal shape for their upcoming fight. This can negatively impact their fighting style and lead to an unfavorable decision. Taking these factors into consideration can help you make better bets. Parlays, which combine multiple bets into a single wager with a higher potential payout, can also increase your winnings. However, it’s important to remember that all selections in a parlay must win for you to be paid.