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MMA betting is growing rapidly and a lot of bettors are getting into the action. Many sportsbooks now offer a full range of MMA markets including prop bets and a wide variety of bet types. It is similar to boxing betting but with a few extra variables. Using an MMA betting strategy that takes into account the fighters fighting styles, strengths and weaknesses, recent performance history, injuries and other factors can make you a more successful MMA bettor.
The UFC is the cream of the crop when it comes to MMA brands and they hold events – and massive betting slates – almost every week of the year. It’s no surprise that their fights have the highest average bet amount of any sport on the book. While the oddsmakers have a good understanding of what makes for an attractive bet, there is room for variance in the betting market and it’s important to look at a number of different factors before making any bets.
MMA Betting Lines
In the world of MMA betting, the moneyline bet is one of the most basic and offers the best returns for the bettors. The plus sign is designated for the underdog, Ferguson here, at +230 which means you need to wager $100 to win $230 if you are right about the outcome of the fight. The negative number represents the odds against victory and bettors are rewarded for backing underdogs to upset those lines by winning the fight by any method other than a knockout or submission.
One of the more unique MMA betting bets is the round-by-round bet which focuses on how a fighter will win the fight in each of the scheduled rounds. The round bet is also a great way to bet on a technical draw which will settle the bets if the fighters are unable to decide a winner on the judges’ scorecards at the end of the fight.
Another bet type that can yield decent rewards is the fight-by-fight spread which is based on the margin of points won by a fighter in a single fight. This bet is similar to the point spread in basketball and baseball and it allows the bettor to bet on a fighter to win by a specific margin over their opponent.
Betting on MMA Props
MMA prop bets are available for most fights and there is often some value to be found in the betting markets. Just like in boxing, there are often prop bets on how a fight will be won and it’s important to study the fighters’ styles as well as their strengths and weaknesses in order to pick winners. A fighter’s stance (orthodox or southpaw) should be taken into consideration when placing a bet because this can affect their style and the likelihood of landing a punch on their opponents.
A good way to find some MMA prop bets is to watch the live stream of a fight and to look at the various bet options that are listed on the left side of the screen. Some of these bets are grouped together in parlays and you need to get all the individual outcomes correct to win the entire bet.
