MMA betting is a fun and exciting way to enjoy the sport while potentially earning payouts. The key to success lies in understanding the different bet types, doing thorough research and practicing sound money management. While this applies to any type of sports wager, there are specific pitfalls that combat athletes can fall into that can derail their bankrolls quickly.

The most common MMA betting option is the moneyline bet, which offers odds on which fighter will win the fight. These odds are based on the expected winning percentage of each fighter and are reflected by the positive and negative values that appear on the lines. A fighter considered a favorite will have a minus sign in front of their moneyline odds, while an underdog will have a plus sign in front of theirs.

In addition to the standard bet types, MMA also features several prop bets that offer unique opportunities for wagering. Some of these include Round Bets and Method of Victory Bets, which are based on how the fight will end. MMA prop bets are not as reliable as traditional bet types, but can still provide solid payouts.

Another popular MMA betting option is the Over/Under for rounds, which are bets on how many total rounds the fight will last. This bet type offers a higher potential payout than bets on individual rounds and is usually easier to predict than predicting which fighter will win the fight. However, it is important to remember that a draw rarely occurs in MMA and can drastically affect the payouts on Over/Under bets.

When placing a bet, be sure to check the odds on a particular fighter at different sportsbooks. This is called line shopping and it’s an integral part of any sharp bettor’s strategy. It’s important to do this as soon as possible after the odds are posted, as sportsbooks will often change their lines based on player action and other factors. For example, if a sportsbook undervalues one fighter, sharp bettors will jump on that line quickly before it changes.

It’s also important to keep an eye on how a fighter makes weight leading up to the fight. A fighter who struggles to make weight can suffer a number of setbacks in the octagon. If they miss weight, it can drastically affect their fighting style and cause them to lose their advantage over a smaller opponent.

Lastly, be sure to follow a fighter’s training camp in the lead up to their fight. This can give you a better idea of how they will perform in their next fight. For instance, a fighter coming off a knockout loss may be more cautious in their approach or may have suffered an injury in training that could impact their performance.