If you’re not accustomed to betting on sports, wagering on MMA can seem like a foreign concept. However, by understanding the various bet types and practicing responsible money management, you can turn each fight night into a dynamic and engaging spectacle that offers you the opportunity to earn payouts.

Moneyline bets (also known as match bets) involve placing a bet on the winner of a particular fight. The odds for each fighter are assigned based on their relative strengths and weaknesses, as well as their recent performance. You can also place a bet on the method of victory, which involves predicting whether a fight will end via a knockout, submission, or judges’ decision. Over/under bets (on the number of rounds a fight will last) and parlays are also common MMA betting types.

In order to make the most informed MMA betting decisions, be sure to research the history and current record of both fighters. You can also check out their style, as factors such as a striker’s ability to take down a grappler can have a significant impact on the outcome of a fight. Also, consider the stance of each fighter; southpaws (fighters who are left-handed) can often gain an edge over orthodox fighters, a fact that is often reflected in the odds.

Betting on MMA matches can be profitable, but the sport is also very unpredictable. A single lucky punch by an underdog can completely change the course of a fight and leave you with a much smaller payout than expected. As such, many bettors find it more lucrative to place MMA prop bets instead of traditional match bets. Prop bets offer more flexibility and reward riskier decisions, such as putting money on an underdog.

One of the biggest mistakes that bettors make is attempting to do “MMA math,” a process where they compare the records of two fighters to determine which one will win. This can lead to erroneous conclusions, since it fails to take into account the different styles and fighting experience of each fighter. It can also distract from studying fighter film and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each combatant.

MMA is an incredibly popular sport, which has led to increased interest in betting on the sport. This has in turn led to more MMA events and betting options. While you can bet on most of the major MMA promotions, there are still some specialized bets that you should keep in mind. In addition to the standard moneyline, over/under, and parlay bets, you can also make bets on round betting, method of victory, and a variety of other special events that occur during a fight. In addition, MMA fans can bet in-play on the action as it happens with online MMA betting sites.