The octagon is where the finest martial artists in the world show off their dazzling mixture of athleticism, discipline and raw power. And with each event a new generation of fans is drawn to this sport that is fast becoming one of the biggest in combat sports. As the UFC has grown so has the popularity of wagering on the action inside that fearsome structure, with some of the biggest pay-per-views rivaling boxing’s all-time mega events.
With a wide range of betting markets available, there are plenty of different ways to bet on MMA. The most basic wager is on who will win the fight, and a typical odds board will display the two combatants and their moneyline odds. But for more complex bets, bettors can look at other market segments such as a fighter/round combo or method of victory props.
Aside from predicting who will win the fight, MMA bettors can also place wagers on how long a contest will last. Non-championship fights typically last three rounds, while championship or main event fights can go up to five. There are also a number of other types of MMA bets, such as over/under and round bets. These bets can carry higher risks and payouts than traditional moneyline wagers, but are based on specific events rather than the outcome of a particular fight.
Some of these MMA prop bets are similar to those found on other sports, such as basketball. For example, a sportsbook may offer an over/under on the number of points scored during a game, while other MMA prop bets are unique to the sport. These bets are generally based on the combatants’ fighting styles and any advantages or disadvantages that may exist between them. For example, a southpaw fighter will often have an edge over an orthodox fighter because they are not used to facing left-handed opponents.
Many MMA bettors like to do what is known as “MMA math,” which involves comparing a combatant’s record against their opponent’s record. But this type of reasoning can mislead bettors and take away from studying fight film and handicapping fighters’ styles. This type of logic can lead to a bettors overestimating a fighter’s abilities because they have won past fights against similar foes.
One of the best things about betting on MMA is that it offers an incredible amount of flexibility when it comes to how you can bet. Unlike most mainstream sports, where the majority of betting handle goes on wagers on who will win a match, mixed martial arts has numerous other bets that can be placed during a fight. From predicting the method of victory to a specific round, MMA bets are diverse and can be placed at any sportsbook online. Just remember to keep your wagering limits in mind and avoid getting swept up in the excitement of an exciting fight card!