MMA betting is quite different from other sports betting and offers more complex odds. For this reason, it is recommended for beginner bettors to focus on the moneyline odds and method of victory bets, as these wagers are more dialed in than some of the more exotic MMA props. MMA betting lines are based on the plus and minus system, with favorites offering a lower payout than underdogs, but these odds can shift throughout the day as bettors make their decisions.

Moneyline MMA bets are the most basic form of a wager and involve choosing which fighter you think will win the fight. This type of bet rewards a high amount of risk, but it is also possible to lose the entire bet if you are wrong. The odds are displayed with a minus symbol in front of the favorite and a plus symbol in front of the underdog, which reflect how much you must bet to win $100.

An Over/Under MMA bet involves placing a wager on whether the fight will last longer or shorter than a set number of rounds. The Over/Under odds are usually set by sportsbooks based on the matchup, fighting styles, and expected length of each round. Oddsmakers will often include a “vig” or juice in the Over/Under odds, which is a small percentage of the total bet that is taken by the sportsbook.

The Method of Victory MMA bet is similar to the KO/T bet in boxing and rewards a great deal of risk by accepting a wide range of methods of victory, including knockout, submission, and unanimous decision. The Method of Victory bet is one of the most challenging MMA props to place because it requires a deeper understanding of each fighter’s style and strengths.

While MMA is a relatively new sport, it is becoming increasingly popular among the betting public. This has led to many bettors taking a quick tip from a friend or talking head and betting on the favorite, big-name fighter, or feel-good story. This type of action can overwhelm a sportsbook’s lines, so it is important to study the fights and research each fighter.

Aside from studying the fights, MMA bettors should follow a fighter’s training camp. Observing their weight cuts and seeing how they perform in sparring can give valuable insights into a fighter’s abilities and tendencies. Pay attention to the way a fighter is eating, sleeping, and drinking and if they appear to be losing or gaining weight. Fighters who struggle to make weight are more likely to be drained at the end of the bout and may be vulnerable to a late knockout. This information is not always available to the general public, but bettors can research these things for themselves. Lastly, bettors should set a budget and stick to it. This will help keep bettors from getting out of control and prevent them from chasing their losses. It is also a good idea to line shop, which means looking for the best prices at multiple sportsbooks.