MMA betting is one of the fastest growing markets at sportsbooks worldwide. As the sport has grown to a level where highly popularized fights can attract as much wagering action as major league sports, it is essential for bettors to understand how the sport works and what bet types are available. The key to winning MMA bets is understanding how fighter styles differ. The best way to do this is through studying fighter biographies, which are usually accompanied by detailed statistics and information about their fighting backgrounds.
The most common bets in MMA are on which fighter will win the fight, and oddsmakers set these using head-to-head moneylines that factor in each fighter’s implied probability of winning. In MMA, there are many ways to win a fight, including via knockout, submission, or judges’ decision. While the majority of MMA wagering handle tends to go on these simple bets, there are a variety of other bet types that can add excitement and depth to any fight.
Method of victory bets are another popular MMA wagering market. These bets don’t predict who will win the fight, but rather how the fight will end. The most common methods of victory in MMA are via knockout (KO), technical knockout (TKO), or submission. KO bets pay out whenever a fighter is knocked unconscious, even if only briefly. Submission bets pay out if a fighter has an opponent in a position where they can’t defend themselves and the referee calls the fight off.
In addition to the traditional betting market, MMA betting also offers futures bets on which fighter will win certain weight class title belts. These bets can be made on a weekly basis and have a significant impact on the total amount of wagering handled for a particular fight.
Aside from individual match bets, MMA wagering often involves making over/under bets on the number of rounds a fight will last. These bets are based on the relative fighting styles of the two fighters and can offer great value if done correctly. Generally, over/under bets are a good bet when fighters have similar ring experience and fighting styles. However, if a defensive fighter is facing an aggressive opponent, over bets could prove to be costly.
Aside from the traditional betting market, MMA has also become an excellent venue for daily fantasy sports. These games are a fantastic alternative to standard sports betting and can be equally as profitable for fans who study their fighters’ styles and statistics. Those who have the most knowledge of the sport are the likeliest to be successful in both placing UFC bets and building a fantasy team. As a result, it is essential for any fan of the sport to know their fighters. Detailed biographies and statistics on each fighter are readily available, and should be studied before placing any bets or entering a UFC fantasy contest.