MMA Betting
MMA betting is an emerging sport that has attracted big money in the sports betting market. While some of the sharps in the industry are trying to capture some of this revenue, most MMA bettors simply place wagers as a form of entertainment.
The most common MMA bets involve moneyline and Over/Under bets on the total rounds of a fight. These are similar to betting on football, basketball or baseball.
A moneyline bet is a straight bet on one fighter to win against the other, with odds set by the bookmaker. You can also bet on a fighter to win by knockout (KO), submission, or judge decision.
There are many factors that influence the outcome of a mixed martial arts (MMA) fight, including both fighters’ physical traits and the surrounding elements. Taking note of these can help you develop a successful betting strategy for each matchup.
Physical Traits
A fighter’s reach and weight are two important physical traits to look for when placing a bet on an MMA match. A fighter with a strong reach will be able to keep an opponent at bay with their long arms and punches. A fighter who weighs over a certain amount will often have more power and speed than those of lower weight.
These traits can be especially useful in predicting a fighter’s ability to defend themselves and score early knockouts. Similarly, a fighter’s age and training history can help predict how well they will fare against their opponent on the night.
MMA is a high-pressure sport, and bettors should be wary of those who struggle to make weight or have missed a cut due to poor conditioning or training methods. These fighters can become dehydrated and drained before the bell even rings, which will severely limit their performance inside the octagon.
Another important factor is a fighter’s history of KO losses. A KO loss can have a psychological effect on a fighter, causing them to change their approach and strategy in the octagon. This can be particularly dangerous for a fighter who is coming off a big upset win, as they can become overly cautious and lose their edge.
It is also important to be aware of a fighter’s recent injury record. A fight with a high level of media attention may have a higher than normal injury risk, as fighters are under increased pressure to perform at their highest level.
Other factors that can impact the outcome of a MMA matchup include a fighter’s strength and weakness, their previous losses, and their opponent’s injury record. Having all of this information at your disposal can help you determine which fighter is most likely to take a big punch or throw a devastating blow.
Over/Under Rounds
Unlike other sports where the number of points scored in a game is used to calculate an over/under bet, in MMA the length of the fight is used as a measurement for determining this type of bet. The over/under number can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the oddsmaker and the implied probability of the fight reaching that figure.