MMA betting is one of the most popular forms of wagering on combat sports. This type of betting is available online, at land-based sportsbooks and through mobile devices. Betting on MMA is not without its risks, though, and you should always consider your personal bankroll before placing any bets. The best MMA betting strategy involves careful research, smart money management and a deep understanding of the sport and its fighters.
Besides studying a fighter’s record and skills, it is also important to follow their training camps. This will help you spot any potential issues that could affect their performance in the upcoming fight. For example, if a fighter is moving up in weight class, their training camp might be more intense than usual to make sure they can cut weight in time for the fight. This can make them tired and prone to injuries. Alternatively, if a fighter has been dealing with an injury, they may be focusing on a specific body part and not working as hard on the other areas of their game.
Another important aspect to consider when deciding on a bet is the fighter’s ability to win by submission or knockout. This bet type focuses on the method of victory, rather than who will win the fight. This type of bet is more lucrative than simply betting on which fighter will win, as you don’t need to predict who will win the fight in order to profit from this wager.
When placing a bet, you should note a fighter’s weight history and their opponents’ records. Often, fighters will bulk up or starve themselves before a fight to ensure they make the weight limit in time for their match. This can cause them to lose some of their striking power, and it’s important to note their true fighting weight and the size of their opponent.
You should also look into a fighter’s takedowns and defense. These statistics are very important to consider, as judges score based on their perceived effectiveness and dominance of an opponent. This includes significant legal strikes landed and illegal strikes, as well as how quickly they can get their opponents on the ground and hold them there for extended periods of time. For example, Khabib Nurmagomedov scored 21 takedowns on Abel Trujillo in his last UFC fight and was able to torture his opponent with draining attacks to the head and limbs.
A unique MMA betting option is live betting, which allows you to place bets during the fight itself. This form of betting allows you to see the odds fluctuate during the fight, and you can place bets up until the referee pauses the action. However, live betting is only available at certain sportsbooks that have signed a partnership with the UFC, such as DraftKings.
While betting on MMA matches is legal in most states and countries, you should always check your local laws before placing a bet. In addition to this, you should only place a bet on an MMA fight with a reputable, reliable and secure sportsbook.