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For those not familiar with MMA betting, wagering on a fight’s outcome can be a daunting endeavor. Although the sport shares some common pitfalls with other sports, there are strategies and tactics that can be employed to increase a gambler’s chances of success. Some of these techniques go well beyond the basic research required for all successful sports bettors, but they can make a significant impact on the final results of a wager.
While a moneyline bet is the most straightforward option, bettors should also consider placing Over/Under bets on round totals. These bets are made on the expected number of rounds a fight will last, and can offer a much higher payout than betting on which fighter will win. Depending on the matchup, style of fighters, and round-schedule, oddsmakers will set the Over/Under prices for the fight and add vig or juice to cover the cost of taking the action down to the betting window.
MMA is a brutal sport, and while some fighters can stay at the top of their game for years, others have shorter career arcs. If a favorite has been showing signs of decline in recent fights – less decisive wins, and trouble against styles he used to dominate – then it may be time to find value by betting against him.
As a bonus, bettors can also place bets on the exact round a fight will end in. Several MMA sportsbooks will allow bettors to place these bets, and the potential payouts can be substantial. This is an especially good option if you are betting on two very aggressive fighters, as the bet can help balance out the risk/reward factor.
As with all bets, a disciplined approach is essential to MMA betting success. Bettors should be mindful of the limits of their bankroll and never wager more than they can afford to lose. Additionally, it is important to avoid emotional betting and to make decisions based on factual analysis rather than personal bias or sentiment. Finally, bettors should always remember that MMA is a risky form of gambling and is not a pathway to financial prosperity.
