When betting on MMA fights, there are many factors to consider including the fighters’ past performance, recent injuries, weight and reach differences, and methods of victory (inside the distance, submission, or knockout). It is important to know the rules of each sport, and the nuances of each individual style. In addition, be sure to stay abreast of the latest news and analysis concerning the fighters you are interested in placing a wager on.
The most basic MMA bet is the moneyline, which involves choosing a winner of a particular fight. The odds for a moneyline bet are displayed in a table with the favorite indicated by a minus sign and the underdog indicated by a plus sign. These odds reflect the payout associated with each bet. The higher the payout, the more likely a bet is to win.
Another way to bet on a MMA fight is through the use of points spreads, which are determined by comparing a fighter’s overall record against an opponent’s. However, beware of using personal biases to influence your decision-making. Modern-day MMA fighters are genuine characters and it can be difficult not to cheer for your favorites; however, you must be able to separate their personal qualities from the technical aspects of the game in order to make sound bets.
In-play MMA betting, also known as live betting, is one of the most exciting ways to place bets on a fight. This form of betting offers advantages that pre-fight bets simply cannot provide. It is possible to follow a fighter’s social media accounts, giving you insight into their training and preparation as well as their diet and nutrition. This information can be a major advantage when making a live bet, especially if you notice that a fighter is working on a specific body part in the lead up to a finisher such as a knockout or submission.
Understand the impact of public perception on MMA betting lines
Mma betting is more popular than other sports, and this popularity can have an effect on betting lines. When an overwhelming amount of money is placed on a certain side of a bet, sportsbooks may move the lines in favor of the other side to balance the action. This is called balancing the action, and understanding how it works can help you find profitable MMA betting opportunities.
It is also important to be aware of how the weather can affect a fight, particularly when placing a bet on an outdoor venue. The high altitudes of some locations can wreak havoc on a fighter, whereas others are accustomed to the conditions and can take advantage of them. For example, Fabricio Werdum was able to tap out a gassed Cain Velasquez at UFC 188 in Mexico City because he had trained at the same altitude for several weeks and had acclimatized to the climate. Mma bettors should also consider the effects of a knockout loss, as fighters may become more cautious following such a defeat and therefore lose their edge inside the octagon.