Mixed martial arts has come a long way from the ragtag spectacle it was in the early days. It has now become a polished sport with professional athletes, mainstream media coverage and a formal rulebook. MMA betting has evolved alongside it, and it can be a lucrative venture for sports bettors who know what to look for.
Unlike most other sports, MMA betting is not settled on the official result announced in the ring, but rather on the result a fighter achieves. This means that bets are made on a fight ending by knockout, technical knockout (TKO), decision or submission. This is because it makes it harder to predict which fighter will win a specific round, or the total number of rounds in a fight, and bettors should keep this in mind.
Another important thing to consider is a fighter’s style. For example, a fighter with long reach can keep his opponent at bay with punches, which could be a significant advantage. In addition, a fighter with high speed can quickly get the better of an opponent who lacks that quality.
It’s also a good idea to check a fighter’s record against his opponents in the weight class in which he will fight. This will help you decide whether he has the chance to win against an opponent who is closer to his size and skill level. You should always remember that a fighter’s age can play an important role, too. Younger fighters tend to win more often than their older counterparts.
The weight cut is one of the hardest parts of preparing for a fight. Some fighters will do anything to make weight, including starving themselves and dehydrating themselves, which can leave them exhausted before the bell even rings. This is why it’s important to watch a fighter’s weigh-in. If he looks drained, he may be less likely to make the weight limit, and this can lead to a loss.
A lot of bettors like to do what is known as MMA math, which involves comparing a fighter’s record against his opponent’s. However, this type of thinking can mislead bettors, as it takes attention away from studying fight film and handicapping styles. Furthermore, it’s important to note that the UFC is a fluid sport, and there’s plenty of crossover between different weight classes.
Prop and futures bets are usually the most profitable bets in MMA, especially when they’re placed early. The best places to place these bets are the online sportsbooks that offer MMA betting, which can be found in most states where legal betting is available. In addition, you can find them at live events or through local bookmakers. Just make sure you’re dealing with a reputable and regulated bookmaker. If you’re a fan of the sport, you can also participate in daily fantasy MMA contests to test your knowledge and win real money. This is a great alternative to traditional sports betting and can be just as rewarding.