MMA betting is a form of gambling that involves wagering on fighters in mixed martial arts (MMA). This sport has quickly become one of the most popular combat sports worldwide, as fans of a variety of styles and disciplines are drawn to its action-packed matches. The betting odds on MMA fights are set by oddsmakers who calculate an implied probability of the outcome.

Betting on MMA can be a great way to win money, but it’s important to understand the sport before you start placing wagers. Fortunately, there are several different strategies that can help you maximize your MMA betting experience. Here are a few of them:

The Oddsmakers Aren’t Always Right

While betting oddsmakers are usually right about their picks, they do have a tendency to set lines that benefit their employers. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the odds and keep an eye out for flaws.

The MMA Rounds System

Each MMA bout is scored by three judges, who judge each round based on a 10-point system. The winner of a round receives 10 points, while the loser receives 9 points. The judges take into account a combination of factors including effective striking, grappling, dominance and aggressiveness.

The Rounds Are Often Inconclusive

Because of the unique way that MMA is fought, it can be difficult to determine which fighter will win in a given match. Typically, a fight is scored a draw when two fighters finish the same number of rounds or when a third fighter wins by submission.

In a typical MMA match, there are four rounds and each round lasts five minutes. This makes predicting the duration of a fight challenging for a gambler. That’s why oddsmakers set an over-under total on the expected length of a match.

The Over/Under is a popular option for MMA bettors who are looking to make a wager on the expected length of a fight. This betting type is typically placed on a UFC or Bellator match that is scheduled for a certain number of rounds.

If the Over/Under is placed on a championship match, it can be a good bet because the fight should last more than five rounds. This is especially true for high-stakes fights, as the oddsmakers are more likely to reward high winning percentages for matches that go the distance.

Another MMA betting strategy that can help you increase your winnings is to bet on moderate underdogs. Moderate underdogs are generally fighters who haven’t been as widely recognized as they could be. They might not be the next big star, but they have a strong chance of bringing in some valuable pay-per-view action.

Younger Fighters Are Winning More MMA Fights

Many sports bettors are attracted to younger fighters, and the younger ones are showing their stuff in the UFC. In fact, over the past eight years, younger fighters have won 62% of MMA fights when they were matched up against opponents who were five or more years apart.