MMA has exploded in popularity in recent years and has now overtaken boxing as the most popular of all combat sports. As a result, MMA betting has become much more common. There are several different types of MMA bets that can be placed, including moneyline bets, point spread bets, and prop bets. The key to success with MMA betting is accurately handicapping the fights, which can be achieved through extensive research and familiarity with the fighters. Those who do their homework and analyze each fighter’s skills, fighting styles, and performance history are the likeliest to win bets.
The most basic type of MMA wager is the moneyline bet, which involves placing a straightforward bet on which fighter will win a particular fight. The payout for a winning moneyline bet is determined by the odds on that fighter, with the odds reflecting the expected margin of victory. Those who place bets on underdogs are likely to find better value, as the odds will fluctuate throughout the fight and reflect real action in the octagon.
Points handicap bets are another type of MMA wager that is available at some online MMA betting sites. These bets are based on the number of points that a specific fighter is expected to win in a given round, based on the total number of points scored by both fighters and the point deductions that may be awarded by the judges. In addition, the number of takedowns a fighter makes in a given round can also affect points handicapping. For example, if a fighter lands multiple takedowns in a round, the judges will often award them more points than a fighter who lands fewer.
In a fight, there are usually three cage-side judges that will judge the contestants based on their performance in each round. They will evaluate the fighters on their ability to attack and impose their style, such as how effective the strikes were (both legal and illegal), grappling, dominance, and aggressiveness. In a typical round, the judges will award a winner 10 points and a loser 9 points or less.
MMA fans that are looking to place a bet on a UFC match should consider checking out DraftKings Sportsbook. The American online MMA sportsbook offers competitive pricing on most moneyline and totals bets, with in-play wagers taxed at just 5%. It also supports a wide range of UFC same game parlays, though the vigorish on these bets can be higher than other sites. The MMA betting site also provides a good mix of betting options, from the opening undercard of Fight Night to high-profile title matches.
