The popularity of MMA has grown dramatically in recent years, eclipsing boxing and filling some of the largest sports stadiums in North America and Europe. The UFC leads the way with a roster of stars that attract fans and entice bettors, but it’s far from the only organization hosting MMA events.

Betting on MMA is not as simple as picking winners and losers, as a variety of factors come into play when placing wagers. Understanding these elements can help bettors increase their chances of success and avoid making mistakes that could lead to costly losses.

Prop bets offer a chance for savvy bettors to win big by betting on specific actions that may occur during a fight. They can include bets on the first knockdown, submission attempt, or even whether the fighters will touch gloves. These bets are usually available at online and mobile betting sites. However, if you’re serious about winning big bets, you should choose an online betting site that offers the best odds and promotions.

MMMA has a unique judging system where three judges score each match. The fighter with the highest total wins. This is different from boxing where a clear winner is declared at the end of a round. If a fighter cannot finish their opponent in the allotted time, the decision will be determined by the judges’ scores. In order to win a decision, a fighter must receive 10 points or more on each judge’s scorecard. A tie is possible when two judges award the same amount of points to both fighters, while a split draw is a result when one judge awards points to each fighter.

It is important to research a fighter’s past results before betting on a match. A deeper dive into a fighter’s wins and losses can reveal interesting information about their ability to compete at the elite level against the opposing fighter. For example, a fighter who has only won by knockout might have struggled with the durability of top-level competition while their opponent’s victories were a result of superior skill.

Another popular MMA betting option is the Over/Under round total. These bets are based on the number of rounds scheduled for a fight, as well as a number of other variables. These can include physical traits like reach, which is a major factor in determining the effectiveness of a fighter’s reach in a fight, as well as the overall fighting style of each athlete.

When placing a bet on the Over/Under, it is also essential to take into account any potential vig, which is charged by the bookmakers to cover their costs. This varies from place to place, but can be as high as 10% of the total bet amount.

Another MMA betting option is live bets, which allow bettors to place wagers on the outcome of a fight as it unfolds. These bets are updated constantly as the fight progresses, and the payouts can be very lucrative. They can be a fun and exciting way to wager on a fight, but are more risky than standard bets.