MMA betting can seem like a foreign concept for those used to wagering on team sports. However, once a bettors understand the different types of bets available and how to read them, making money becomes much easier.

The first thing bettors should know about mma betting is that odds are based on several factors, including past performance, current form, and injury status. They also take into account a fighter’s reach and weight class, which are often used to determine how effective a particular strike will be. In addition, the history of a fighter’s opponent can influence a bettors decision. This is because many fights in the UFC are contested at similar heights and weigh classes, and bettors can often use this knowledge to their advantage.

One of the most common ways to bet on a mma fight is by placing a moneyline bet. Unlike other forms of sports betting, MMA odds reflect both the favorite and underdog. Favorites are considered more likely to win and will carry a minus symbol in front of their odds, while underdogs are less likely to win and will have a plus symbol in front of their odds.

When making a moneyline bet, it is important to note that the odds are always changing as the fight draws closer. In fact, it is a good idea to check the odds daily at your favorite sportsbook as they will shift with each new update. This is especially true for upcoming fights, as bettors will want to get their money in before the odds change.

Another popular type of MMA betting is on Over/Under fight totals. This is a wager on how long the fight will last, with the Over being higher than the Under. Some sportsbooks will even allow bettors to place a bet on the exact round in which the fight will end, which can lead to a much larger payout than simply placing a wager on which fighter will win.

Bettors can also place a bet on the Method of Victory. This bet essentially involves predicting whether the winner will win by knockout, submission, or points decision. While these bets are not as popular as those on the winner and round, they still offer a great way to bet on a fight and can add a new dimension to the betting experience.

Lastly, bettors can also place bets on the FOTN (Fight of the Night), which is a prediction for the most exciting or interesting fight of the evening. These bets typically come with much lower odds than the other bets and can be very lucrative if placed correctly. In addition, some sportsbooks will offer bonus bets for a certain amount of money that can be used on these special bets. In order to qualify for these bonuses, bettors must deposit money and make a qualifying real-money bet. This is a great way to test out MMA sports betting and find out what type of bets you enjoy the most.