MMA betting is an exciting form of wagering that can be extremely profitable. It’s a sport that is growing in popularity, and sportsbooks across the globe are taking action on major MMA events.
Whether you’re new to MMA or you’re a longtime fan, MMA betting can be a great way to win money by placing wagers on a variety of different outcomes and bet types for any event. In order to get the most out of your MMA wagers, it’s important to understand how these bets work and what kinds of options you have for making them.
Understanding the MMA Odds
One of the most popular ways to place a bet on an MMA fight is by betting on the moneyline. This is similar to boxing betting, with a favorite and underdog in each match. The oddsmakers at the sportsbooks will publish a list of each fighter’s odds, which can be found in the wagering section. The higher the number, the better the odds for a winner.
Bettors who want to increase their potential payouts can also consider parlaying bets, which involve betting multiple winners in a single bet. This can be a great way to make more money if the fights you choose are matched up correctly. However, it’s important to be careful not to lose too much money in the process.
Be sure to check with the sportsbook you’re placing your bets on, as each offers unique betting lines and bonuses. These will vary by venue and by the time of the fight, so make sure to shop around for the best rates.
MMA betting odds are available on every major UFC event and are published by the oddsmakers prior to the event. The oddsmakers will take into account several factors such as the size of each fighter, their previous wins and losses, and the strength of their opponent.
Aside from traditional moneyline and totals bets, MMA betting also features many prop bets. These bets are designed to generate a large amount of interest in specific situations, such as when a fight is closely matched or when a high-profile opponent is expected to win.
Prop bets often offer higher payouts than straight bets, but they can also come with a high risk, as they require the fighter to win a precise outcome. These bets are particularly popular during high-profile promotions, like Bellator or ONE Championship.
Early Weight Cuts and Fatigue
Weigh-ins are scheduled the day before a fight and fighters can often find themselves weighing significantly heavier than their designated weight class. They may then go through extreme measures to ensure that they don’t miss the cut, including overtraining or dehydrating themselves.
These weight cuts can leave the fighters drained before the fight even begins, so bettors should always note a fighter’s true weight class and their opponent’s.
Athlete Gambling in the MMA Community
In recent years, MMA has experienced some controversy regarding betting. The issue has been highlighted by a controversial incident in which an MMA coach named James Krause was accused of bribing sportsbooks to boost his profits.