The first step to mma betting is finding a trusted online sportsbook. These sites offer odds on MMA fights that are better than what you can find in Vegas and many of them will even give you free bets just for signing up. These bonuses can be used to make your wagers and can greatly increase your winnings on a single bout. You should also research the fighters and their past performances to make an informed decision. In addition to this, you should check out the promotions that the MMA fighters fight for as they can have an impact on the fight and the odds.
Once you’ve signed up, you can then start placing your bets. There are several different types of bets that you can make, but the most popular is the moneyline bet. This bet simply asks you to select which fighter you think will win the fight, and is the easiest type of bet for beginners to place. This bet uses the plus and minus system to determine the payout, with favorites offering lower risk but a smaller payout, while underdogs offer higher risks and larger payouts. It’s important to remember that the odds will shift from the moment they open to the night of the fight, and any fighter news can significantly change them.
Another way to improve your MMA betting is by following the fighters’ training camps. Pay attention to how they train and if any injuries are apparent. Also, consider the location of the fight as travel can wreak havoc on fighters. For example, Fabricio Werdum tapped out a gassed Cain Velasquez at UFC 188 after Velasquez traveled to Mexico City from Denver, Colorado and didn’t have time to acclimate.
It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the style of each fighter. A fighter’s stance is important, and southpaw fighters may have an advantage over orthodox fighters. In addition, a fighter’s submission skills should be considered as well. For instance, a fighter with an impressive ground game is more likely to win than a fighter who hasn’t submitted anyone in their career.
While MMA is relatively new, there are a number of tried and tested strategies that can help you bet on the next big MMA fight. MMA betting is unlike other sports because it isn’t regulated and there are no fixed rules for each event. Each fight is negotiated and scheduled one at a time by the promotions (like the UFC) and the fighters. As a result, the MMA betting odds can be incredibly volatile, which makes them difficult to predict. For this reason, you should bet smartly and only use reputable betting sites. Also, be sure to read the fine print before making a deposit. This will prevent you from getting ripped off by unscrupulous betting sites. If you do this, you’ll be able to have more fun when betting on MMA fights.