Mixed martial arts is a high-octane sport that seamlessly blends striking and grappling techniques from a range of disciplines. With a burgeoning global popularity, the sport is also attracting betting interest. However, for those not well-versed in the intricacies of a spinning back fist or a triangle choke, wagering on MMA can be a bit confusing. This guide is designed to bridge the adrenaline-filled world of the octagon with the strategic arena of sports betting.

The most common types of mma bets are moneyline or match bets on who will win the fight, over/under bets on the number of rounds a fight will last and parlays. Those familiar with wagering on team sports will find the concept of these bets relatively easy.

As a general rule, bettors should study the records of fighters before placing a bet. Those that have won the most fights will usually offer better odds than those who have lost the most. It is also important to stay up to date on a fighter’s training and fight camps. If a fighter has started their fight camp late or have suffered injuries in training, this may impact their performance in the fight and may affect their odds of winning.

Betting on a full card of MMA fights can be a fun and exciting way to engage with the sport, but it is essential for punters to be selective with their wagers and to focus on the fights that they feel they have done the most research on. It is also a good idea to set a betting budget and to recognise when chasing losses becomes a problem.

In addition to the main event, a number of other MMA betting markets are available for punters to place bets on. These include Method of Victory bets (whether a fighter will win by submission or KO/TKO), Total Rounds bets and a number of other prop bets. Those looking to bet on the full card of fights should be aware that a draw is not an option as it doesn’t happen very often.

As with other sports, the odds of a particular bet will change as the betting market adjusts to the changing opinion of punters. Odds are usually presented in either American, Fractional or Decimal format and punters should familiarise themselves with these odds before placing any bets. Those unfamiliar with the different formats should use a calculator to see how much they can profit from each bet they place, as this will help them make informed decisions on their bets. It is also important for punters to be aware that their winnings are taxed, so be sure to check with your local laws before placing any bets. Also, be sure to look for a bookmaker that offers the type of betting you prefer. This will ensure that your winnings are maximised. Also, remember that your winnings can only be withdrawn once you have met the minimum withdrawal requirements of your chosen bookmaker.