MMA Betting Guide
MMA and UFC have seen explosive growth recently and highly popularized fights can get as much attention as any major league sport event. The format of MMA works well for betting, with a variety of outcomes and bet types often available on multiple fights a night. It’s also similar to betting on boxing, except MMA throws a few more variables into the ring. Learning about those differences can make the difference between an exciting win and a loss on your first time betting on an MMA fight on any sportsbooks.
MMA BETTING TYPES
Moneylines
Just like in other sports, betting on the moneyline is betting on who will win the fight. For example, if the moneyline has McGregor at +150 and Nurmagomedov at -170, Nurmagomedov is favored to win and you would need to bet $170 just to win $100. If you place a $100 bet on McGregor and he wins the fight, you would win $150. Determining which fighter to bet on in a MMA moneyline bet comes down to a number of factors.
Betting on an underdog can provide significant winnings if they manage to win a fight. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of their fighting style, any injuries they might be dealing with, the conditions where the fight is taking place, and any fight prep like efforts they had to take to meet their weight class for the fight.
Total Rounds
Total rounds are over/under bets that are based on the number of rounds the fight will last before a winner is declared. If the bookmaker sets the number of rounds at 2.5 and -140 and the fight lasts 3 rounds, you’d win $100 if you bet $140 on over.
Given the small number of rounds in MMA and the different fighting styles of fighters, it’s usually not as easy to pick over/under. If two defensive fighters are fighting, fights will usually last longer and taking over might be a wise pick. If the matchup is two aggressive fighters, betting under could lead to a win.
Winning Method
One bet type unique to MMA fights are bets on how the victor will win the fight. In MMA, there are three victory conditions: knockout, submission, and judge decision (score). For this type of bet, you don’t need to predict which fighter will win, just how the fight will be won. If the odds for a knockout victory are +120 and you bet $100 on knockout, you’d win $120 if Demetrious Johnson knocks out Tyron Woodley in the last round.
If the two fighters have a history of lasting the full three or five rounds, it could pay off to bet on a decision victory. If both fighters are strong strikers, a knockout victory could be a wise choice.
Parlays
A parlay bet is placing a bet on multiple fight outcomes to occur and requires all outcomes to be selected correctly to win. For example, if you parlay $100 on Dillashaw and Tate both winning their fights, you’ll need both fighters to be victorious to win the parlay bet. Given that you need to be correct on each outcome in the entire bet, parlays are a riskier MMA betting type, but offer greater rewards.
Futures
Think McGregor is going to retain the world title in 2019? You can place a futures bet on it! If the odds are +200 right now and you bet $100, you could win $200 if McGregor continues to reign. Futures are offered well in advance of the decision and are continually adjusted as it unfolds.
Prop Bets
Prop bets are additional bets that can be related to specific outcomes in a fight in addition to total rounds and method of victory bets. Will a fight last under 25 minutes? You can bet on that. Widely considered to be fun bets, prop bets are typically available for just about anything related to a fight.
Live/In-Game Betting
The ability to bet on a fight as it is happening. The odds are dynamic and will update over the course of the fight, based on the real action taking place. If you think Cormier is going to knock out his opponent to end the fight, put your money on it to win and reap the rewards.
MMA BETTING MISTAKES
Not Knowing Enough About the Fighters
Knowing the fighters is vital in determining who will win and how. Research their past performance versus similar fighters, get to know the strengths and weaknesses of their fighting styles, and factor in elements like the fight location and their condition.
Betting on Favorites Too Often
Betting on a favorite in a fight usually offers very little upside in terms of winnings. If you know the fighters well and can see opportunities, you stand to win a lot more if an underdog manages an upset win.
Mismanaging your Bankroll
Before placing your first bet, set aside a sum of money to be used as your bankroll. The fastest way to losing that bankroll is mismanaging it. Don’t chase losses (bet more than you normally would) to make up for one loss. Don’t get greedy if you go on a winning streak.
Choosing the Wrong Sportsbook
Winning is all about getting paid and choosing to bet with an unreliable sportsbook could make that difficult. Make sure you choose a reputable sportsbook with a safe and secure betting platform.