Since the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event debuted in 1993, mixed martial arts has come a long way from a spectacle billed as “uncensored and unedited” with no gloves or weight classes to a polished sport complete with professional athletes, mainstream media coverage, and a formal rulebook. As the UFC has grown into a global phenomenon, its matches have become a staple on sports betting menus and have attracted an increasing amount of money to the betting windows. This has created an interest from both casual fans and serious bettors, who are looking to put their MMA knowledge to work and make some cash.
The majority of MMA betting handle tends to go on simple wagers that predict who will win the fight, but a lot of other markets are available for fans who want to place bets on things like how many rounds a match will last or when a specific type of finish will occur. These types of bets can be a little riskier than betting on who will win, but they offer the chance to earn larger payouts if the bets are correct. For example, a parlay bet that combines several different outcomes of a single fight will require all of them to be correct in order for the bettors to collect their winnings.
One of the best ways to improve a bettors’ odds of winning is by learning to read MMA betting lines in the same way that one would read boxing betting odds. A fighter’s record and past opponents are a good place to start, but it is important to gain technical insight into a fighter’s fighting style and how it differs from their opponent’s. This will help bettors see past the hype and make smarter MMA bets.
Another popular way to bet on a UFC match is by placing Method of Victory wagers. These bets allow you to place a bet on how a fight will end, and the payouts are based on the corresponding moneyline odds. There are typically three methods of victory to choose from, including KO/TKO, judges’ points/decision, and submission.
A MMA match’s round totals are another popular wager type and can be placed on both sides of the ring. These bets are similar to Over/Under bets in baseball and football, but the rules of MMA prevent the possibility of a tie.
A UFC match’s prop bets are a great way to enhance the action and add excitement to any MMA bout. These bets are based on in-depth research and can include a variety of topics, such as how many rounds a fight will last or whether the winner will win by submission or KO. Prop bets are a fun and easy way to increase the amount of money you can win during a fight, but they should always be placed with caution. Getting caught up in the action and placing a bet on something you don’t know much about can quickly lead to a big loss.