If you are a fan of fighting sports, mma betting is something that can add an exciting new element to the sport. Putting down wagers on MMA fights may seem daunting to some, but if you understand the basics, you can make smart bets and potentially win big. It’s important to understand what separates a regular MMA bet from a smart one, and it goes beyond just doing the proper research.

The first thing you should know is how to read MMA odds. The odds showcase how much a bettor can win for their wagers, per $100. A fighter that is listed with minus odds (-200, for example) will be considered the favorite in the fight. On the other hand, a fighter that has plus odds (+200) will be seen as an underdog in the fight.

Understanding the fighting styles of a fighter is another key part of successful MMA betting. Many fighters train in multiple disciplines and are well rounded, but they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. If a fighter has a weakness against a particular style, it’s important for bettors to identify that and place wagers accordingly.

Another great way to increase your earnings is by placing bets on MMA parlays. These are a group of bets that combine individual leg bets on different fighters to create a larger wager with higher odds. This type of MMA betting is popular with bettors looking to maximize their winning potential on a given fight card.

It’s also important to pay attention to the cadence of MMA betting odds and how they change. Odds for MMA fights are always shifting and can be affected by public perception, the news surrounding a fighter and more. Keeping track of the MMA section at your favorite online sportsbook will help you keep up with this and ensure that you are always getting the best odds possible.

A great way to get a head start on your MMA betting is by taking advantage of live bets, which allow you to place bets as the fight is happening. This is a great way to take advantage of any information you may have that the sportsbook doesn’t, and can often lead to an edge.

Another popular type of MMA prop is the method of victory bets, which are bets on whether or not a particular fighter will win by knockout, submission or decision. This type of MMA betting can be very profitable, especially for those who understand how the judges scorecards work.