The popularity of MMA has resulted in more betting options and opportunities than ever before. But wagering on the sport can be intimidating to newcomers. Fortunately, there are some tips that can help them get started. Managing a bankroll, studying fight film, and researching fighters are some of the most important elements to success in mma betting.
Unlike betting on team sports, MMA wagers center on two athletes at any given time. This makes it easier for bettors to formulate a strategy, and can result in more profitable wagers. But it also means that a single mistake can have a devastating effect on a bettors bankroll. One such mistake is placing bets based on emotion or gut instinct. This is a common mistake that leads to a losing wager, and can be avoided by sticking to solid research and understanding the odds.
Betting on a single fighter is another mistake that often lands bettors in trouble. Too many bettors want to compare the records of two opponents and try to do what’s known as “MMA math.” They’ll see that one fighter has more decision wins than the other, so they’ll assume that this will continue. The problem with this logic is that it takes attention away from studying fight films and handicapping styles, which are more likely to lead to a winning wager.
Another important mistake to avoid when betting on MMA is neglecting to stay up-to-date with fight news. MMA media is quick to report any major developments, and this information can be instrumental in making the right bets. For example, if a fighter suffers an injury during training camp, that can skew the odds for a matchup. It’s also important to consider the fighters’ age, reach, and stance when analyzing fight film.
In addition to placing bets on individual fights, MMA bettors can place prop bets. These bets can vary in scope, from predicting the method of victory to the number of rounds a fight will last. Props can be combined into parlays to increase the potential payout, but all selections in a parlay must win in order to collect.
MMA bets can also involve futures betting, which allows you to make bets on what might happen in a fight in the future. This type of betting is similar to that in horse racing, with the exception that bettors are able to place a bet on just about any aspect of a fight, from how long it will last to which fighter will land the first punch.