MMA betting offers an exciting way to engage with the sport, while potentially earning lucrative payouts. But MMA betting is not without its risks, so it’s important to know the various types of bets and practice responsible money management. By understanding the odds, establishing winning strategies, and following the fights closely, you can enjoy this thrilling wagering experience with confidence.

The most basic MMA bet is the moneyline, which involves placing a wager on a fighter to win the fight. A fighter’s expected win probability is reflected in their odds, with favorites carrying a minus symbol and underdogs carrying a plus symbol. Betting lines are based on a fighter’s past performance against other opponents, as well as their current opponent’s record in that same weight class.

Another popular MMA wager is the over/under rounds bet, which is a bet on how many total rounds the fight will last. Sportsbooks set a round total and bettors can choose to place bets on whether the fight will last longer (over) or shorter than that number (under).

When making over/under wagers, it’s important to consider how many rounds the fight is scheduled for, as the length of a single MMA match can vary from three to five rounds. The length of a bout also depends on the fighting styles of the competitors, as some fighters tend to be more aggressive than others.

It’s also a good idea to study the fighters’ past fight records and evaluate their style before placing bets on rounds. Some bettors use what is called “MMA math” to make their decisions, but this method can often mislead bettors and divert attention away from studying fight film and handicapping styles. For example, it’s common for bettors to compare the record of a fighter against their current opponent, and assume that if a fighter defeated a previous foe, they should beat their current opponent as well.

One of the best ways to increase your chances of winning is by placing a bet on an underdog. Underdog bets have a lower payout than moneyline bets, but they can result in substantial profits if you pick the winner correctly. Moreover, underdog bets are less expensive than betting on the favorite, and you can often find good value prices at online sportsbooks.

Method of victory bets are another popular MMA wager, and they require a deeper understanding of a fighter’s skills and abilities. These bets are based on the prediction of how a fight will end, including via submission or knockout. This type of MMA bet can be very profitable, but it requires a thorough analysis of both fighters’ strengths and weaknesses.

MMA betting is becoming more and more popular, with the UFC now hosting events on a weekly basis and other organizations promoting fights regularly. As a result, it’s becoming more and more convenient to bet on MMA fights, thanks to the growing availability of online sportsbooks. These online sportsbooks offer an extensive range of MMA betting options, and some even offer bonuses to new bettors.