MMA betting has seen big growth in recent years as more people take interest in the sport. The fights are entertaining to watch and there are a variety of different styles that fighters can use. When placing a bet on an MMA fight, it is important to understand the odds and how they are determined. This will help you find value in your bets and maximize the return on your investment. The most common bets on MMA are the money lines and over/under bets. Prop bets, parlays (accumulators) and round bets are also available. It is also possible to place bets on the Method of Victory and FOTN (Fight of the Night).
The first thing that should be done when handicapping a MMA match is looking at the fighters’ styles. It is common for a left-handed fighter to have an advantage over an orthodox fighter. Similarly, a fighter who is very skilled in submissions may have an edge over someone who has better striking abilities. It is also important to look at the stance of each fighter, as some are more comfortable with fighting in either an orthodox or southpaw position.
Another aspect to consider is how much a fighter has improved since their last performance. This is especially true if the fighter is making a move up or down in weight class. Fighters who are used to fighting a lighter weight can have trouble cutting and maintaining their weight when they move up or down in class. This can lead to them being tired or gassed in a fight. This can make them less effective inside the octagon and should be taken into consideration when betting on an MMA fight.
In MMA betting, it is also important to keep up with the fighters’ training and conditioning. This will give you an idea of how well they can perform in a particular environment or against a specific opponent. For example, if a fighter has been forced to travel for their fight and it is in a different climate than where they train, this could affect their ability to perform well in the octagon. This is why it is important to follow the fighters’ social media and stay up to date with news about their preparations for a fight.
It is also a good idea to check in with the sportsbook that you are betting on frequently. This will allow you to see the odds when they first open and adjust your bets accordingly. In addition, if you are placing a bet on a live event, the odds will change as the fight progresses. This is because the oddsmakers are trying to encourage certain types of bets. It is also a good idea to study the rules of the sport before placing bets so you do not make any mistakes that could cost you your money. For instance, it is against the rules for a fighter to continue kicking their opponent while they are down, which could result in them being disqualified.