The popularity of MMA has grown exponentially in recent years. While once a fringe sport, the Ultimate Fighting Championship and other MMA organizations now span the globe and host events almost every week of the year. As a result, MMA betting is an increasingly popular activity among fight fans and bettors alike. However, a number of factors can influence how successful a bettor is in making their wagers. One of the most important is understanding fighter styles and how they match up in specific matches. This can be achieved by analyzing fight film and studying the records of each fighter against opponents who have similar styles to their upcoming foes.
The first step in making informed MMA bets is to understand how the fight odds are calculated. The oddsmakers set a number for the over/under total for each match, and this is based on the expected amount of rounds a fighter will win by. A bet on the Over will return more money than a bet on the Under, because a greater amount of money needs to be wagered to win a bet on the Over.
In addition to a bet on the winner of a fight, MMA bettors can also place a bet on the number of rounds a fight will last. Depending on the type of fight and the fighting style of the two combatants, some rounds are expected to last longer than others. The most common rounds are the first and last round, and bettors can place a bet on whether a fight will end in a KO/TKO, submission, or judge decision.
When making a bet on a particular fighter, be sure to study their past performances. Look at how well they have performed against their opponents and pay attention to the stance they use in their fighting style. For example, a fighter who uses an orthodox stance can have problems defending against a southpaw, which could give them a distinct advantage over their opponent.
Another factor to consider when placing MMA bets is the age difference between the two fighters. This is a big factor because younger fighters tend to win more often than older fighters. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the public money that is being placed on a fight. If a favorite gets off to a slow start, it may be an excellent time for the intelligent bettor to make a parlay bet with the underdog at improved odds.
Another option for MMA betting is a round bet, which can be placed on the exact round in which a fight will end. These bets are more precise than a moneyline or over/under, and offer higher payouts. For instance, a bet on Nurmagomedov to win in the fourth round would yield a larger payout than a bet on Cormier to win in the second round. Round bets are especially popular for UFC fights, which typically feature a number of different stoppage methods.