MMA betting is a popular way to wager on the outcome of an upcoming fight. However, the sport is still relatively new and many bettors do not fully understand how odds are set or how to properly analyze a fighter’s record. This can lead to poor betting decisions and costly losses. To avoid these pitfalls, be sure to research the sport and fighters before placing any bets. This will help you make smarter bets and increase your chances of winning.

Unlike point spreads in football, MMA betting odds are set based on the expected win rate of each fighter. This is determined by looking at the fighters’ overall records, current streaks, past opponents and other relevant information. It is also important to consider how well each fighter performs in certain disciplines. For example, a fighter with great submission skills may be able to exploit an opponent’s weaknesses in other areas of the game. This is why it is crucial to study fight film and make bets based on a fighter’s strengths and weaknesses.

The most common type of MMA betting is the moneyline bet, which involves simply choosing the fighter you believe will win the fight. The payout for this bet will depend on the odds, with favorites indicated by a minus sign (-) and underdogs shown by a plus sign (+). The higher the discrepancy in the odds, the more likely you are to win your bet.

Another popular MMA betting option is the Over/Under round totals. This bet is based on the number of rounds expected to be fought in a fight and can be made either pre-fight or in-game. Depending on the amount of action, the odds can shift between the Over and Under, so it is important to check these regularly throughout the day.

Lastly, there are a variety of prop bets and parlays to choose from in MMA. These bets are generally made in between rounds of a fight and can be very profitable. Some of these bets include predicting the method of victory (by knockout, submission or decision) and a variety of other specific wagers.

While MMA betting is very fun and exciting, it can also be dangerous. To prevent any unnecessary risks, be sure to set a budget before betting and never place a bet you cannot afford to lose. Moreover, always bet based on analysis and not emotion. This will ensure that your bets are logical and not based on blind faith or personal bias. It is also a good idea to always conduct research on a fighter’s history, including their overall record, recent wins and losses, fighting style and other factors. This will help you decide how much to bet and when. It will also ensure that you are not chasing your losses. In addition, it is important to understand that gambling is not a pathway to financial success and should only be done for entertainment purposes. MMA betting can be lucrative, but it requires a lot of research and discipline.