Betting on mixed martial arts (MMA) has become an increasingly popular sport. The fast-paced format of MMA matches offers bettors a plethora of options to bet on fighters and fights. MMA betting can be lucrative for sports betting enthusiasts and has quickly grown to account for a significant percentage of wagering handle at online and land based sportsbooks.
A wide variety of wagering types exist for MMA matches, including a number of complimentary bets that depend on a single event happening. These include parlays, futures and prop bets. These bets allow bettors to place multiple wagers based on various outcomes, which can provide additional winning opportunities for bettors who are confident in their predictions.
Choosing an MMA betting strategy
The first step in making a successful MMA bet is to understand the odds for each fighter. Oddsmakers publish their lines for each match and bettors can compare them to other sportsbooks. The best MMA bettors will use the information provided by the oddsmakers to make the most informed decisions when placing bets on MMA matches.
In-Play MMA Bets
Live betting is a great way to increase the excitement of MMA matches by offering more options for bettors. This also gives them the opportunity to take advantage of changes in odds as the fight progresses, which can offer greater betting variety and potentially better value.
Unlike boxing, the variance in MMA matches can be quite high, so bettors must be aware of this when placing bets on MMA. It’s especially important to consider the potential weaknesses of a fighter as they prepare for a fight.
In MMA, fighters can change their styles and approach during the course of a fight, particularly if they experience a knockout loss. This can lead to an unorthodox approach inside the octagon, which could be a problem for MMA bettors.
Another factor to consider when handicapping a fighter is the style of their opponents. Generally, orthodox fighters tend to have more success against southpaw foes and vice versa. This can be especially true of younger MMA fighters who are more aggressive and may be more accustomed to competing in an explosive, adrenaline-fueled environment.
Younger fighters have won 62% of UFC fights since January 2020 compared to 54% for older fighters, but this can vary depending on the matchup and how long ago their opponent was last fighting. The younger fighter’s recent victories might be in closely contested bouts against elite-level competition while the younger opponent may have faced lesser opposition.
These factors can make a big difference in an MMA match. If a younger fighter has won all their professional bouts against superior foes, they can often be viewed as an underdog by most sportsbooks.
Despite the higher level of variance, MMA betting can be very profitable for those with the right strategy and knowledge. By taking the time to research a fighter’s history and their past opponents, bettors can build an effective betting strategy for each matchup.