A successful MMA betting strategy requires more than just picking a favorite based on their popularity or record. The best bettors understand the sport, its nuances and fighters’ styles. They also use research to interpret fight statistics and predict fighters’ performance based on their past performances. This kind of analysis can be a challenge for beginner bettors, but it is necessary to win fighting bets.

Mma is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and is one of the most popular betting markets at online sportsbooks. Despite this, making winning wagers in MMA can be difficult. Unlike other sports, MMA is a very violent sport and a single blow can send a champion plummeting to the bottom of the rankings. That’s why bettors should consider betting on underdogs when possible. However, it’s important to know how to place a bet with proper money management and avoid betting too much.

Betting on a fight’s winner is a popular way to place bets in MMA, but you should always be careful about the odds and take into account any last-minute news that may affect the outcome. For example, a fighter might be competing in a new weight class and may need time to adjust. Also, fighters can pick up injuries in their training camps that could significantly impact their performance.

In addition to betting on the winner of a fight, you can make other bets, including round betting and method of victory props. Round betting offers a variety of options for bettors, including predicting how many rounds the fight will last and if it will go the distance. Round betting odds are dynamic and updated based on how the fight unfolds.

Method of victory props allow bettors to choose a specific way a fight will end, including submissions and knockouts. These types of bets require a lot of research into each fighter’s style and history, so be sure to study the stats thoroughly. For example, you should look at a fighter’s overall career record as well as their records against fighters with similar styles.

Another popular type of MMA bet is the over/under rounds, which is a prediction on how long the fight will last. The odds are set based on the fighters’ fighting styles and the matchup between them. For example, aggressive fighters known for quick finishes will usually lead to lower over/under lines, while matchups between grapplers may result in higher ones.

Finally, parlays are a great way to increase your payout when placing MMA bets. These bets combine multiple selections into a single wager and are typically paid out only if all of your picks win. This can be a great way to increase your profits and improve your chances of success in MMA betting. Just be sure to research each fighter’s strengths and weaknesses and stay up-to-date on any last-minute news that could affect the outcome of the fight. In addition, be sure to set a realistic budget and stick to it. This will help you avoid making dangerous bets that can quickly drain your bankroll.