MMA betting is a relatively new sport that has seen explosive growth and is now available at most sportsbooks. It is not only exciting, but can be profitable if a bettor knows what to look for.

There are a number of different types of MMA betting, and each type has its own rules and odds. Some are simple to understand, while others may require some advanced knowledge of the sport and betting in general.

Over/Under Round Totals

The Over/Under is a popular type of MMA betting that is similar to an over/under bet on a football or basketball game. In this case, you’re wagering on whether or not a fight will go over or under 2.5 rounds in length.

Generally, an over/under bet is favored by the oddsmaker. It’s a good idea to check out the moneyline and over/under odds for each fight before you place your bets.

Aside from the basic bets, there are a number of prop bets that can also be placed on MMA fights. These bets offer extra value and can help you hedge your bets if things don’t go your way in a given fight.

Late Replacement Fighters

A lot of MMA fights go through late changes, including fighters who have to pull out due to injury or lack of preparation. This is not something to be taken lightly, and it can be a major risk when it comes to your MMA betting.

Experience & Wisdom

In many sports, the winning team is the one with more experience and wisdom. This is not always the case in MMA, where younger fighters have won 62% of UFC fights over the past eight years.

This can make backing a younger fighter worthwhile. However, it is important to keep in mind that the younger a fighter is, the more difficult it is to predict his future success.

Despite the fact that younger fighters are more likely to win, it’s still important to pay attention to form and other factors that could affect their ability to win a fight. You should also be sure to read about the history of a fighter and study his performance and style in previous fights.

Line shopping

With the growth of regulated sports betting in the United States, there are more legal sportsbooks than ever before. This is why it’s crucial to shop around for the best MMA betting odds.

You’ll want to find a sportsbook that accepts US residents and has a large customer base. These operators must adhere to state regulations governing information security, payout speeds, and fair gambling.

In addition, a licensed sportsbook will have to be able to verify the identity of its customers and ensure that they’re not using fake IDs or stolen credit cards. This will ensure that your money is safe and your winnings are paid out promptly.

MMA betting can be fun and exciting, but it is also extremely volatile. This is why it’s important to research the opponent and understand their strengths and weaknesses before placing a bet. This will help you make more informed decisions and increase your chances of winning.