MMA betting is becoming a popular way for fans to add a little excitement and fun to their favorite combat sports. Mixed martial arts (MMA) combines the best aspects of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Greco-Roman wrestling, and other styles to produce an exhilarating and intense battle of skills and raw power.

Those interested in MMA betting can place bets on a number of different events including moneyline wagers, total rounds wagers, and more. There are also prop bets where you can make bets on specific events within the fight such as a KO/TKO or submission victory.

When deciding on a bet, you should consider all the relevant factors including a fighter’s skill set, history, and style of fighting. You can use these to guide your selections and increase your chances of winning.

Betting Odds: MMA Favorites and Underdogs

A good place to start your MMA betting journey is by checking out the odds posted by different sportsbooks. You can find them in the promotions section of the sportsbook’s website. You’ll want to choose a sportsbook that offers competitive odds and allows you to place your bets through your credit card. You can often receive a signup bonus when you open an account with them.

Be careful of underdogs that are heavily favored by the oddsmaker. These fighters can come out of nowhere and win the fight against an opponent that has a more established record. This is why it’s important to consider a moderate underdog, a fighter who may not have been seen yet but is still considered worthy of wagering on.

Weight Classes: The UFC is broken down into 8 weight classes, each of which is broken down into smaller divisions. Each weight class has its own strengths and weaknesses, which you’ll want to take into consideration when placing a bet on a particular fighter.

Knockout Losses: A knockout loss can be devastating for a fighter and they may feel damaged mentally. They could become hesitant to put their heart and soul into a fight and change their strategy in the octagon. This can give them an advantage over a fighter who is able to stay physically strong and resilient in the face of a brutal KO loss.

Strikes & Grappling: This factor is very crucial to MMA betting. It’s the one thing that judges pay attention to the most, so it’s important to be aware of a fighter’s striking skills and their style of grappling. Those who are able to throw heavy shots with ease can put more pressure on their opponents, making them more likely to get hurt.

Those who are able to lock in a takedown early on can make a huge difference in the score. A dominant takedown can often lead to a submission or a decision win.

The most popular MMA betting option is a moneyline bet, where you bet on who you think will win the fight outright. This is an excellent option for those who are new to MMA betting and is usually the most profitable type of bet.