Martial arts studios make up a $10 billion industry, and interest in the sport is at an all-time high. Humans have been attracted to live fights since the beginning of time, and this translates into plenty of betting opportunities.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is big business, with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Bellator, ONE Championship, and Professional Fighters League (PFL) offering events virtually every weekend and even on some weekdays.
Read below to help you out when you’re looking into MMA betting tips that can earn you some cash.
Learn the Fighters and the Sports
Before you even get into MMA betting odds, you need to make certain that you have an understanding of the fighters and where they are in their careers.
“Styles make fights” is one of the most consistent adages that has stood the test of time in boxing, MMA, and other fight sports. You will have an easier time making predictions when you’re looking at something other than raw numbers.
Consider the styles that fighters exhibit in the cage and contrast them with the fighter that they are squaring off against. These style matches are more noticeable in MMA since they incorporate so many disciplines.
For instance, you might choose a boxer to end the fight against someone who is a wrestler with a lacking standup game. Studying the fighters will let you know about their progression and how they have made improvements or taken steps back.
Study the Betting Lines
Betting on the MMA matchups this weekend requires you to study the betting lines. Find a site that is up-to-date with lines so that you can make informed selections. These betting lines let you know which fighter Vegas or sportsbooks predict to win.
The sportsbook odds will explain numerically their perceived chances of a fighter getting the victory.
For example, if Vegas favors Alexander Volkanovski over Islam Makhachev by -150, it means that you would have to wager $150 to get a return of $100. Conversely, if you bet $100 on Makhachev, you will get a return of $150 if he pulls out the victory.
This advantage or handicap lets you know how much the oddsmakers favor one over the other.
Consider Various Types of Bets
There are a variety of different sportsbook bets that you can make on an upcoming fight weekend. Some of the different bets that you can make on fights include:
- Over/Under bets
- Moneyline bets
- Round betting
- Parlay bets
- Method of victory bets
Knowing the different selections available will play a big role when learning how to bet on the MMA matchups that are coming up.
Hone in on the Method of Victory
One of the reasons that MMA cards are so exciting is because methods of victory can vary by so much. As you crunch the numbers, pull data, and run qualitative breakdowns, make sure that you have a likely method of victory in mind.
These fights end in decisions, KOs, submissions, and other methods of victory. Doing research on different MMA betting sites will help make your decision clearer, and will give you the chance to make specific bets that can pay off for you.
Pay Attention to Rematches
Rematches are one of the most intriguing aspects of MMA. This is the time that fighters have gotten some rounds in with each other and will likely make adjustments that will give them a chance of victory.
These rematches become particularly interesting when you’re dealing with a trilogy. MMA betting odds will typically fluctuate based on how the previous fights played out. Make sure that you rewatch the fights a few times so that you take away insights that will help you out.
Look Into Futures Bets
Sportsbooks today are also unique because they offer so many different betting options that you can take advantage of. Futures bets let you make predictions on something that will take place at a later date.
An example of this could be a prediction on whether Demetrius Johnson will win a ONE Championship Grand Prix in the upcoming year. These bets come with greater odds, which can also mean greater payoffs.
You can mix these bets up with fight night bets to increase your chances of turning your waters into profits.
Weigh Injuries and Time Off
The condition of the fighter is one of the most important variables to consider when betting on MMA. A good fighter can have a bad fight if they’re dealing with injuries, a bad weight cut, surgery, time out of the cage, and a variety of other factors.
A fighter might have also switched camps recently or added another element to their game. Things like mentally recovering from a knockout can also play a role in the number of chances a fighter takes for the next several fights.
You will also need to pay attention to their weigh-ins, and whether they seemed to easily make weight or if they struggled on the scale. Consider whether they look dried out or if it was a healthy weight cut.
All of these factors play a huge role in the outcome of the fights all the time, so make sure that you’re always doing your prep work before betting on the matchup.
Taking Advantage of MMA Betting Tips
These tips are helpful when you’re looking into MMA betting tips. You’ll be able to make your cash work for you when you’re an informed better.
Start here and stay tuned when you’re looking into more information that will assist you with your sports bets.