MMA betting is one of the fastest-growing sports markets on the internet. Thousands of people bet on UFC events and other mixed martial arts (MMA) matches every day, and the sport is becoming more popular with each passing year.
There are many different types of MMA bets available, from moneyline/match bets to over/under bets on the number of rounds that a fight will last and parlays. These bets are similar to those in football and basketball, but a little more complicated.
The first step is to familiarize yourself with the MMA betting odds for the matchup you are interested in betting on. These can be found on most sportsbooks, including those that offer live betting. These odds are updated as the fight progresses and can be used to hedge your bets.
A few factors to consider before placing a bet on a fighter are their past results and how they have performed in MMA competition. They might have defeated top-level opponents or challenged lesser-known foes, and it’s worth taking a closer look at each of those wins and losses.
It’s also important to consider the type of opponent a fighter will face in their next fight. For example, a fighter with multiple knockout losses might have suffered psychological trauma from these defeats and have lost their edge inside the octagon. This may cause them to change their approach in future fights, making it more difficult for them to win.
Another factor to consider is a fighter’s current weight class. Like boxing, MMA has multiple weight classes and fighters often shift up and down these categories as they progress in their careers. This can make a difference in a fighter’s ability to cut weight and maintain a consistent level of fitness.
This is an important factor to consider when handicapping a fight, as it will affect how much juice or “vig” you should expect to place on the fight. A fight that’s fought in a lower weight division will often have a higher KO rate than a fight fought in an upper-weight division, so the vig or juice you would expect to put on this matchup is likely to be lower.
Once you’ve analyzed these aspects of the fight, it’s time to place your bets. The best MMA betting sites will allow you to place bets on a fighter’s upcoming fight, and they should have an extensive selection of wagering options and bonuses for their customers.
When choosing a site for MMA betting, it’s important to choose an online sportsbook that has a solid reputation. This will protect you from scams and fraud, as well as ensure that your winnings are paid promptly. Licensed operators that adhere to state regulations are the safest choice, but offshore sportsbooks can be a good option as well.
The first thing you should do when placing an MMA bet is to make sure that the sportsbook you’re betting with is a legitimate, US-based bookmaker. Only licensed operators are legally allowed to accept MMA bets in the United States. Those that aren’t licensed will have to rely on illegal offshore operators, which can offer lower payouts and less security.