MMA betting can be an exciting and lucrative way to wager on fights, but understanding the odds, knowing the types of bets, conducting thorough research, and managing your bankroll are essential for success. In addition, it’s important to set a budget and recognise when to take a step back.

One of the most basic MMA bets is the moneyline, which wagers on whether a fighter will win by knockout or decision. The odds showcase how much a bet will payout for every $100 wagered; higher odds signify a favorite, while lower odds signify an underdog. A minus symbol in front of a fighter’s odds means they are the favorite, while a plus symbol indicates an underdog.

Method of victory bets, which predict how a fighter will win, are another common MMA wager. When making this type of bet, be sure to note a fighter’s size and stance, as some have an advantage over their smaller opponents. In addition, be mindful of a fighter’s weigh-in process as a late weight cut can leave them dehydrated and drained before the bell rings.

Rounds totals bets, which wager on how many rounds a fight will last, are also popular MMA bets. When making this type of bet, it’s helpful to examine a fighter’s win-loss record and the quality of their opponents. Fighters who have fought top-level foes tend to have more experience fighting for longer periods of time and are therefore more equipped to handle the long haul of an MMA fight.

Fighters’ style and stance can also have an impact on a match’s outcome. For example, southpaw fighters (those who fight left-handed) have a slight advantage over orthodox fighters, as they can land more punches and hooks from that stance. A bettor can also make a round totals bet on which fighter will win the first, second, or third rounds.

Lastly, bettors can place a parlay, which combines multiple bets into a single wager with a larger payoff. These bets, however, have a much higher risk of failure than individual bets and can disintegrate quickly if even one of the bets is lost.