MMA Betting Tips
MMA, or mixed martial arts, is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and millions of people around the globe are betting on MMA fights. The most popular MMA league is the UFC, which stages a number of events throughout the year. However, there are many other MMA promotions that stage fights and make them available to bet on as well.
Whether you are new to MMA betting or an experienced veteran, there are several things that you should know before placing your first wager. These tips will help you to avoid making costly mistakes and increase your chances of winning money by placing smart bets.
Be Patient & Do Your Research
Regardless of how much you bet on MMA, there are a lot of things that can go wrong and cause you to lose your money. There are a variety of reasons why fighters might get injured or withdraw from a fight, so be sure to check out the odds carefully and read up on the fighters before you place your bet.
The Styles of Fighters Account for Everything
A fighter’s style is something that must be considered when betting on MMA bouts. This is especially true if you’re wagering on a match between two submission specialists. If a fighter has a great record but he doesn’t have the ability to submit his opponent, he’s likely not going to win a fight.
It’s also a good idea to look at the opponent’s recent wins and losses when determining the likelihood of a win. If a fighter has been winning their last few fights, it’s not unusual for them to take the first round lightly against a weaker opponent.
Early Lines & Fight Odds
The best MMA betting sites will often post the odds for future fights as early as a few weeks before the event. This is helpful for MMA bettors who like to lock in their wagers as soon as possible before the fight begins.
Late Weight Cuts & Changing Weight Classes
Another factor to consider when betting on MMA is a fighter’s weight cut. Like boxing, MMA has multiple weight classes and fighters can move up or down depending on their success and competition. Some fighters are able to lose weight quickly and bulk back up before the weigh-in, while others may struggle to make the necessary cuts in time.
These situations can leave the fighters drained before the fight even starts, which could lead to a poor performance or a bad decision. This is why it’s important to understand the true weight class of both fighters before putting your money on them.
Getting the Early Lines Right: It’s not uncommon for some MMA betting sites to post their lines on fights a few days before they’re scheduled to happen. This is a good way to get a jump on your MMA bets and secure a better price.
It’s also a smart idea to check with your favorite bookmaker about their odds on MMA fights and how they are calculated. Most will use a formula that combines each fighter’s previous wins and losses to determine their odds, which is known as a Points Handicap.