MMA betting has become one of the most popular types of wagering in combat sports, thanks to the rise of UFC superstars like Anderson Silva and Jon Jones. In fact, MMA is among the fastest-growing sports to date, and its fighters have gained the same cachet as iconic figures from other sports such as boxing and basketball.

In addition to the usual money lines and over/under bets, MMA betting offers prop bets that allow you to place bets on specific aspects of a fight. For example, you can bet on how many rounds a fight will last or on the method of victory. Prop bets are a great way to diversify your wagering and increase your chances of winning.

As with all forms of betting, you should study a fight’s odds carefully before placing your bets. You should also take into consideration the fighting styles of each fighter. For instance, some fighters are more aggressive and seek early knockouts, while others are more defensive and work to craft wins over the course of several rounds. Taking into account these details can make a significant difference in the odds you receive for your bets.

Mma betting is divided into a number of men’s and women’s divisions, spanning a range of weight classes. Each division lists a ranking of the best fighters, and the champion is often listed as the favorite to win. However, a fighter may not be the top-ranked in their division, especially if they have been suspended by the governing body for any reason. In these cases, a catchweight bout is sometimes held.

Besides the main event, a wide variety of other MMA fights are offered by the octagon’s many sportsbooks. In addition to the traditional money lines and over/under bets, you can also place a parlay bet, which combines multiple bets into one wager for higher payouts. However, this type of bet is more risky than a standard straight bet and should be considered carefully before making a bet.

There are a number of factors that can affect the outcome of an MMA match, including the stance of each fighter and their previous fighting experience. For example, southpaw fighters tend to have an advantage over orthodox fighters, as they are used to defending their style. Moreover, an experienced fighter is likely to score more points in the first few rounds of the fight than a newcomer.

Another factor to consider when betting on MMA matches is the quality of the referees and judges. Mma judges are ranked according to their skill and knowledge of the sport, and their decisions can have an effect on the outcome of a fight. The more experienced the judges, the better the chance of a correct decision. In addition, a fighter’s training and coaching staff can also impact the outcome of a fight. For example, a fighter with a strong wrestling background is more likely to win by submission than someone with a stronger striking game.