MMA betting has become an increasingly popular sport, and with a little know-how it can also be a profitable one. The main types of bets available are moneyline/match bets on who will win a fight, over/under bets on the number of rounds a fight will last and parlays (accumulators). In-play betting (also known as live betting) is the most exciting way to bet on an MMA fight as it provides an opportunity for a potentially large payout. However, it’s important to understand that live odds are often determined by algorithms and/or live traders who are focused on what is immediately happening in a fight and can fail to see technical aspects of the matchup.
The first step in becoming a more successful MMA bettor is to gain as much technical insight into fighting styles as possible. This will help you see past the hype and be more confident in your selections. It’s also important to understand the rules and history of a given league as well as the skills, fighting style, and overall experience of each fighter.
A common mistake that MMA bettors make is to place their bets on the winner of a fight based solely on their previous performance. While past performances are an important factor in evaluating a fighter, it’s equally important to take into account their level of competition. For example, if a fighter is making a move up in weight class, it’s essential to look at the quality of their opponents.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that fighters can lose a fight by a variety of methods, not just by submission or knockout. For this reason, it’s important to bet on a wide range of outcomes in an MMA fight.
As with any sports betting market, the MMA odds on a particular fight are determined by supply and demand. When the public places overwhelming action on one side of a bet, sportsbooks will adjust the odds to reflect this. This is called line moving, and it’s a key strategy for any sharp bettor.
When a fighter is coming off of a big loss, their confidence can take a hit. This can cause them to be more cautious in the octagon and limit their offensive opportunities. A fighter who is coming off a knockout loss may be even more cautious, as they may not be able to recover from such a devastating defeat.
When placing a bet on an MMA fight, you should always check the MMA betting lines at multiple sportsbooks to find the best prices. This practice is called line shopping, and it’s an essential skill for any MMA bettor. The best time to shop for a good price is early in the day when the lines are posted. This gives you the most chance to spot a flawed line. If the line is too low on a certain fighter, this is a sign that they are undervalued by the bookmakers.