MMA betting involves wagering on a variety of different aspects of a fight. This includes predicting the winner of the fight, determining how many rounds a fight will last and assessing methods of victory. To maximize the chances of winning, a bettor must understand the odds, conduct thorough research and manage their bankroll.
Unlike sports betting, which often utilizes decimal or fractional odds, MMA betting uses American odds. These odds showcase how much a bettor can win for every $100 they wager on a specific outcome. The odds for a particular fighter are displayed on the right side of the screen and are updated as the fight progresses. A fighter’s odds are either listed as positive or negative depending on how much of a favorite they are to win the fight.
To be successful in MMA betting, it’s important to consider the fighter’s history and style. Some fighters build impressive records by defeating high-quality opponents, while others are more likely to win a fight against inferior competition. To avoid making erroneous calculations, bettors should consult a reliable source like Wikipedia and consider the fighters’ MMA experience when evaluating their records.
One of the most popular types of MMA wagers is the Over/Under round total. This wager focuses on the duration of a fight and requires a deep understanding of fighting styles. To place this bet, simply choose whether you think a fight will end earlier (over) or later (under) than the number of rounds set by a sportsbook. A bettor can also wager on the method of victory, choosing whether a fighter will win by knockout, submission or decision.
Another type of MMA betting is the ‘draw’ prop, which predicts whether or not a fight will result in a tie via judges’ scorecards. Judges use a 10-point must system to determine the winner of each round, with nine points awarded to the loser. A split draw is determined when two judges score a fight in favor of opposing fighters and the third scores a fight as a tie.
In addition to considering a fighter’s past record, bettors should keep an eye on the weigh-ins for the fight they’re betting on. Some fighters struggle to make weight and are forced to undergo drastic measures, such as starvation and dehydration, to maintain their fighting weight. This can leave them drained and less able to perform in the octagon.