The sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) is a complex and violent sport, so betting on it can be risky. Understanding the odds of each fight and knowing the different types of bets is key to making informed wagers. MMA betting is a popular pastime that can lead to significant profits if you know what you’re doing. Here are some tips to help you win more often:

Understand the money line: The most basic MMA bet is on which fighter will win the fight. The money line is based on the odds assigned to each fighter. The higher the odds, the more likely it is that the fighter will win. If the money line is even, it means that the two fighters are matched evenly and the bet will pay out equally if either fighter wins.

Prop bets: These are bets on specific events within a fight, such as which round it will end or how the fight will end (submission, knockout, or decision). MMA prop bets can have a wide variety of outcomes, and they can offer much higher payouts than traditional moneyline bets. However, a single misstep can ruin your entire parlay.

Research the fighters: Learning about a fighter’s strengths, weaknesses, and recent performance is crucial to making smart bets. A good MMA bettor will also look into a fighter’s training camp to see if he or she is having problems or has any injuries that could affect performance. In addition, a fighter’s age and weight class can greatly influence the outcome of a fight. For example, a younger fighter can adapt quicker throughout the fight than an older fighter who has fought at a higher level for longer periods of time.

Study the fighters’ fighting styles: The style of a fighter plays a major role in his or her success. A fighter with a more aggressive style will be better equipped to deal with a more defensive opponent, while a grappler is more likely to get taken down by a more powerful striker. Keeping updated with any last-minute changes to a fighter’s training camp can also make a big difference in the outcome of a match.

Shop around: The odds of a fight will vary between sportsbooks, so it’s important to shop around for the best prices. This practice is called line shopping and it’s an integral part of any sharp bettor’s strategy. The best time to find a flawed line is as soon as it’s posted, so be sure to check the lines at several different sportsbooks and place your bets as early as possible.