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Mixed martial arts (MMA) has come a long way since John McCain famously called it “human cockfighting.” Today, the sport has developed into a polished, professional sport with recognizable stars and a formal rulebook. As a result, UFC fights are more popular than ever and betting on the action is possible at reputable online sportsbooks. In addition to standard wagers like moneyline and over/under bets, MMA betting offers a variety of other prop bets that are specific to the combative sports. These props often have a higher risk-to-reward ratio than standard bets, as they require a more precise outcome. However, when placed correctly, a round bet or other prop bet can lead to substantial payouts.
The MMA over/under total is a bet that wagers on the number of rounds a fight is expected to last. The oddsmakers set the over/under based on their analysis of the fighters’ styles and the matchup as a whole. The over/under can be tricky to pick, as a defensive fighter will tend to keep the fight closer than an aggressive fighter.
A common mistake among MMA bettors is to compare the records of two fighters in the same weight class. This is a flawed strategy that can mislead bettors, distracting them from handicapping fighter styles and studying fight film. Additionally, many fighters face late changes due to injury or ring rust, and their record against new opponents may not be as impressive as they were against previous foes.
Unlike other sports, MMA matchups are rarely decided in just one round. The striking-based fights are a long-term endeavor and require the fighters to develop both their physical and mental skills over time. As a result, the winner of a fight in MMA is usually the first to incapacitate their opponent and cause a submission or knockout. While this can be difficult to predict, examining the fighting styles of each fighter and their past performance against opponents in the same weight class can help you decide which fighter to back.
Round bets are a unique type of MMA betting that requires a more precise selection than the moneyline or over/under. A bet on a particular round in a fight can yield a much larger payout, as it requires picking the exact round that a knockout or submission will occur. This bet type is most rewarding when it is placed on a fighter with an established track record of finishing fights in a certain round.
Parlays are a riskier form of MMA betting, as they combine multiple bets into a single wager with a higher payout. In order to win a parlay, all bets must be correct. As a result, it is important to properly research each bet before placing it, as even one incorrect outcome will destroy the entire payoff. As a result, be sure to carefully weigh the risks and rewards before making a parlay bet.
