Mixed martial arts is a high-octane sport that seamlessly blends striking and grappling techniques from a variety of disciplines. Its popularity has exploded in recent years, and betting on MMA fights is a fun and profitable way to enjoy the action. However, winning money betting on MMA matches requires careful research and thoughtful analysis. This article bridges the adrenaline-fueled world of MMA with the strategic arena of sports betting by walking you through the various types of mma bets and how to make them profitable.
To begin, you need to understand the MMA odds system and how they change throughout the week leading up to each event. The odds are posted at each MMA sportsbook and will shift as the date of the fight draws nearer. To get the most accurate odds, be sure to visit the MMA section of each sportsbook daily and check-in regularly to see what the current odds are for each fight. After a few months, you will learn the cadence of each sportsbook’s odds and will be able to predict when they will shift.
When it comes to MMA betting, the key is to find value and identify underdogs with a chance to upset the favorite. It’s important to study fighters’ records and analyze their style, but it is equally important to look at how they have performed against opponents of similar skill level and experience. Many fighters’ wins have come from overpowering their opponents or putting together impressive submission finishes. However, the rigors of MMA competition and a tendency for fighters to fade over time can create an opening for underdogs with a point to prove.
Another popular bet is the method of victory, which allows punters to place wagers on whether a specific fighter will win via KO/TKO, submission, or decision. In addition to the standard bets, some sportsbooks offer grouped rounds or even a chance to select the exact round in which a fighter will win (e.g., Sterling to win in Rounds 4-5). Parlays are also available, which combine several bets into one accumulator and increase the payout. However, all bets in a parlay must win in order to pay out.
Another thing to consider is the fighters’ physical and mental state, especially in the weeks leading up to a fight. A knockout loss can devastate a fighter, and even though they may not have sustained a serious injury, they can lose their edge inside the octagon. In addition, travel can be tough on a fighter and sometimes lead to them being drained before the fight begins. For example, Cain Velasquez struggled to make weight at UFC 188 in Mexico City before losing to Fabricio Werdum who had set up camp at the high altitude and was well-acclimatized.