A bettor’s success in MMA betting depends on his or her ability to understand the sport’s unique rules and how they impact the outcome of each fight. This is especially important for a wager on a parlay, which can pay out a massive sum if all of its individual bets win. Fortunately, there are several strategies that help bettors make smart MMA betting choices.

It’s important for bettors to consider the record of both fighters when placing wagers on a fight. Many bettors use a process known as “MMA math,” which compares a fighter’s past wins and losses to those of their opponent. However, this method can be misleading and diverts attention from studying fight film. In addition, it’s essential to keep in mind that a fighter’s record can be inflated or deflated by a variety of factors, including the quality of the opposition and the fighter’s own style.

As with any sports event, the odds on a particular fight can shift from the moment they’re posted to the time the first bell rings. This is because a number of different factors can affect the outcome of a fight, including fighter news and other betting activity. Moreover, a change in a fighter’s health status can affect the odds as well.

MMA is a full-contact sport, so a fighter’s physical condition can drastically impact his or her performance in the octagon. For example, a fighter who suffers a KO loss may become less aggressive in subsequent fights or be more susceptible to injury. In addition, some fighters struggle to make weight for their bouts. They can often go through extreme measures to maintain their fighting weight, such as starving themselves and taking diuretics, which can leave them drained by the time the fight starts.

The octagon is an unforgiving place for professional fighters. Injuries occur frequently, causing fighters to miss out on paydays and stall their careers. In some cases, the injuries are fatal. In other instances, they are more minor but still impact a fighter’s career. In either case, bettors should always weigh the potential for serious injury when placing a wager on a particular fight.

One of the most common mistakes bettors make is chasing parlays in MMA betting. They’re drawn to the potential for a high payout, but this strategy can be risky. The best way to avoid this mistake is to study the odds and history of a particular fight before making a parlay bet. Using a parlay calculator like OddsJam can help bettors determine their potential profits before placing a bet.

Another great feature of MMA betting is that bettors can make live wagers during the fight. This is made possible by DraftKings, which has a state-of-the-art Fight Clock that updates in real time. Bettors can bet on which fighter will win, how many rounds the fight will last and whether it will end in a KO/TKO, submission or judge decision.

In MMA betting, the underdog can win a fight, especially if they have an advantage in terms of style, size or experience. An underdog’s disadvantage can be overcome with an aggressive strategy, which will cause their opponent to tire or make costly mistakes in the early rounds.