When betting on MMA, there are a variety of bet types that can be placed. The most common are moneyline bets on who will win a fight, Over/Under bets on the number of rounds a fight will last, and parlays. The basics of these bets are easy to understand if you’re familiar with sports betting in general, as they are similar to placing a bet on a football or basketball game.

The most important part of MMA betting is understanding how the odds are set and what factors affect them. It’s also important to know the difference between American, Fractional and Decimal odds expressions as they can all influence how much you bet on a given fight. Odds will often change from the time they open until the night of the fight, so it’s crucial to stay updated on any news that could affect them.

Another thing to consider is the fighters’ styles and techniques. Considering how well they match up with their opponents can help you find some value in the odds. For example, southpaw fighters can sometimes have an advantage over orthodox fighters due to their natural stance. Also, if you see a fighter taking a step up in class then this might be an opportunity to bet on the underdog.

Lastly, it’s important to look at the fighters’ health and preparation for a fight. This includes their weigh-ins, which can impact how they perform in the fight. Fighters that struggle to make weight may be forced to take drastic measures such as starving and dehydrating themselves, which can leave them drained before the fight even starts. This can affect their performance and lead to them losing the fight.

In addition to the standard bets, MMA betting offers several exotic wagers. These can be fun to place and can give you an edge over the bookmakers. One of these bets is the method-of-victory bet, which allows you to choose whether a fighter will win by knockout, submission, or decision. This bet type can be difficult to handicap, as it depends on the fighter’s strengths and weaknesses.

You can also bet on upcoming rounds of a fight, with some sportsbooks offering live round betting. This allows you to bet on upcoming rounds in the middle of the fight, and can be a great way to add some excitement to your MMA betting experience. Some of these wagers can be complicated, but they can be very profitable if you do your research and follow the action.