Mixed martial arts is an adrenaline-fueled sport that seamlessly blends striking and grappling techniques from a range of disciplines. While betting on MMA is a popular activity, it’s important to take into account the various bet types, research fighters and events, and practice responsible gambling practices. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of MMA betting, including how to read MMA odds and common bet types like money lines, over/unders, round bets, and methods of victory.
When it comes to mma betting, the most straightforward bet is the money line, which is a single bet on which fighter will win a particular fight. MMA betting odds are displayed in a plus and minus format, with favorites indicated by a minus sign (-) and underdogs indicated by a plus sign (+). The odds showcase how much a bettor can expect to win for each $100 wager placed on the bet. Generally, higher odds indicate a lower payout, while lower odds indicate a higher payout.
Another common MMA betting bet is on the method of victory, which can be either a technical knockout or a submission. The MMA oddsmaker sets these odds by looking at the styles of the combatants and any advantages or disadvantages that might be present. For example, a fighter’s stance, such as orthodox or southpaw, can have an impact on the outcome of a fight, with left-handed fighters often having an advantage over orthodox fighters.
In addition to placing bets on the winner of a fight, MMA fans can also place wagers on what kind of decision will be rendered by the judges. The three most common judges’ decisions are unanimous (all three judges score the fight for one fighter), split, and majority (two judges in favor of a fighter, and the third scoring it a draw). Odds on these bets tend to be longer than those on the winner, but can offer larger potential payouts if you’re correct.
MMA bettor should also consider the weigh-in results before making any bets on a fight. A fighter who misses their weight class may face a disqualification or be forced to forfeit up to 30% of their purse, which can have an impact on the outcome of whichever fight they’re involved in.
Lastly, MMA bettor should keep in mind that a fight can be ruled a no-contest if the referee determines that one of the combatants broke any of the rules of the sport’s code of conduct. This is often determined at the weigh-in, with fighters who are struggling to make weight going to extreme measures to try and lose weight before the fight starts. In these cases, the fight is usually halted and the bets are voided. A fight can also be called off if the fighters can’t agree on a catchweight.