If you’re a fan of MMA, wagering on fights can be a great way to increase the excitement of a match. But be careful not to make any wagers based on emotion because, in this sport, a single mistake could lead to major losses. Instead, follow a few simple tips that will help you win more often.

The first step is to know the betting odds on a specific match. The odds showcase how much a bettor can win for their bet, per $100. They are also used to determine the vig or juice that is charged by sportsbooks. MMA betting odds are usually published close to the fight, and can change during the course of the match. So, a bettor’s best bet is to look at the odds early on in order to find the most lucrative lines.

Unlike team sports, where bettors must analyze the performance of an entire team, MMA betting is easier because only two athletes are involved in a match. This makes MMA betting much more efficient, as it is easier to formulate a strategy based on the two fighters’ abilities and tendencies. In addition, MMA matches are usually shorter than their counterparts in other sports, so bettors can place more wagers in less time.

Once you’ve mastered the basics of mma betting, you can move on to placing live bets during a match. These bets are available once the pregame markets close, and can include a variety of bet types including method of victory, round props, and more. These bets can be highly lucrative, especially if you’re able to identify underdog opportunities. For example, if you notice that a particular underdog has been working a certain body part, a quick bet on them to win in the second round may result in a huge payout.

Another popular MMA betting market is the Over/Under total, which is a bet on the number of rounds that a fight will last. This bet type is a great option for fans who enjoy watching the action, but aren’t as interested in researching individual fighters. However, the Over/Under total isn’t foolproof, as it can be affected by a wide variety of factors, including fighting style and how many points each fighter earns.

Prop bets on MMA are becoming more and more popular, and can be extremely lucrative if placed correctly. The key to success with these bets is research, and knowing which fighters are likely to win by submission or KO. In general, grapplers that use wrestling techniques are more likely to win by submission, while strikers will usually be more successful with a knockout. This is why it’s important to study a fighter’s fighting style and betting history before placing your bets. In addition, a good strategy is to shop the odds at various sportsbooks in order to find a flawed line. This practice is known as “line shopping,” and is an essential element of any MMA betting strategy.