MMA betting has become a popular form of wagering on fights, but there is a difference between placing just any old bet and making a smart one. Fortunately, the process of putting down a bet on an MMA match is easy enough for even a complete novice to do. However, there are some pitfalls that most casual gamblers fall into when betting on MMA, and learning how to avoid them can make the difference between a winning bet and a losing one.

The most basic form of MMA betting is called moneyline betting, which involves choosing which fighter will win a particular fight based on the odds. A favored fighter will usually have a plus symbol in front of their odds, while an underdog will have a minus sign in front of theirs. The odds of a particular fighter are determined by the skill, fighting style, and performance history of that fighter.

There are also a number of other types of MMA bets available. One type of bet that is a good choice for newer bettors is an Over/Under round total. Depending on the styles of two fighters and the number of rounds scheduled for the fight, oddsmakers will set an Over/Under round total. The Over/Under price is then divided by the total number of rounds in a fight to determine its payout.

Another popular MMA bet is an exact round bet, which allows bettors to select the specific round in which a fight will end. This type of bet can offer high payouts, but it is important to study a fighter’s style and performance history before placing this type of bet.

It is also important to keep up with the latest news in the MMA world before placing any bets. The MMA media is quick to report any major changes in a fighter’s status, and this can have a big impact on how a bet is placed.

Lastly, bettors should always consider the fact that MMA fighters often change up their training camps before fights. This is not uncommon, and it can have a huge impact on the outcome of a fight. Late replacement fighters have won just 61% of all UFC bouts, so it’s a good idea to stay on top of the latest news in the MMA world before making any bets. A good way to do this is by subscribing to an MMA news site and checking in on their coverage of each fight.