The MMA betting market is booming. With the UFC holding events on a weekly basis and other promotions holding fights on a monthly basis, there are plenty of opportunities to place a bet. But there’s a difference between placing any old MMA wager and putting down a smart bet. Getting to know the sport, understanding the odds and doing your research are all critical factors in successful MMA betting.

Unlike many sports where the majority of bettors back a winner, in MMA the opposite is often true. This is because a single lucky punch can ruin the most carefully analyzed bet. For this reason, bettors should consider taking the underdog in a fight when possible. This will help to limit the risk of a bad beat and give you the opportunity to win some money.

Another popular MMA bet type is the over/under rounds total. This wager is based on the expected number of rounds in the match and is set by the sportsbook. This is a good bet to make if you have a strong feeling about how long the fight will last and whether the fighters will finish the fight within or over the total rounds.

Some sportsbooks also offer a variety of MMA prop bets. These are exotic bets on occurrences or non-occurrences that don’t have a direct impact on the fight’s outcome. These bets often have much higher payout potential than standard moneyline MMA bets. They’re also a great way to add some variety to your MMA betting experience.

Moneyline MMA bets are a good option for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time researching fighters and their fighting styles. In MMA, odds for moneyline bets are usually displayed in a table format, with a favorite indicated by a minus symbol and an underdog with a plus symbol. The odds indicate the payout for a $100 bet on either fighter.

When betting on a moneyline, be sure to shop around at several different sportsbooks for the best lines. This practice is called line shopping and is a must for any serious MMA bettor. Many sportsbooks will post slightly different odds for the same fight, and savvy bettors can take advantage of these differences to maximize their profits.

The other MMA betting market that you should be familiar with is the method of victory and round betting props. Both of these bets allow you to predict which fighter will win in an exact round and can result in very lucrative payouts. This is especially true when betting on a heavy favorite.

Lastly, MMA fans should be mindful of the rules and regulations that govern MMA betting. For instance, they should always place a bet with a sportsbook that has a good reputation for safe and secure betting. It is also important to set a budget and never gamble beyond what you can afford to lose. Disciplined gambling is the key to success in any form of betting, and MMA betting is no exception.