Mixed martial arts has grown into a massive global sports phenomenon and is an increasingly popular wagering option at online and land based sportsbooks. While MMA betting is a relatively new product at most sportsbooks, it already accounts for a significant portion of the overall wagering handle. The sport has a huge following both among casual fans and those who follow the fights closely, and a bet on a fighter can yield some big payouts.

Unlike many other sports, MMA matches don’t typically go the distance and instead are decided by a technical knockout, submission, or disqualification. The lack of a definitive ending can make the sport more unpredictable and lead to an increased variance in MMA odds. This can make MMA betting more lucrative than other types of sports betting but it is important to be aware of the risks involved.

One way to mitigate the risk of a bet on an MMA match is to parlay bets. This is an option offered by most top MMA sportsbooks and allows customers to combine the odds on multiple legs of a fight to create a single larger bet at higher odds. This method can reduce the amount of money that a customer has to risk on a particular bet and can lead to a much higher payout than placing individual bets on each leg of a fight.

In addition to parlaying bets, MMA betting enthusiasts should look at the round bets that are available for each fight. These are wagers that predict which round a specific fight will end, and offer better payouts than a traditional moneyline or Over/Under bet. Usually, these bets will include a round that is expected to end by a knockout or submission, and the customer can choose which one they would like to back.

Another important factor in MMA betting is understanding how a fighter’s past performances can impact future ones. For example, a fighter who is coming off a KO loss may change their fighting style dramatically for their next fight in an effort to avoid another devastating finish. This can make them overly cautious inside the octagon and prevent them from putting on their best performance.

It is also essential to take a closer look at how a fighter performs in different weight classes. Fighters may move up or down in class depending on their success and the level of competition they face. This can make a difference in how they perform as well as their ability to cut weight and maintain it.

In MMA betting, a moneyline bet is the simplest type of wager and simply involves selecting a winner of a specific fight. In a non-championship fight, this can be as simple as choosing a fighter with a lower odds number than their opponent. However, championship or main event fights often last more than three rounds and it is important to know the duration of these types of matches before making a moneyline bet.