MMA is an exciting sport that allows bettors to wager on a mix of martial arts styles in a single event. It combines Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Greco-Roman wrestling, and freestyle striking in a dazzling blend of athleticism, discipline, and raw power. It has quickly become a popular form of entertainment and is attracting big money at the betting windows. It is important to understand how to read MMA odds when placing bets.

The most common MMA bets are based on the fighters’ moneyline odds and over/under rounds totals. The moneyline odds are based on the percentage chance that a given fighter will win a match against another. This type of MMA betting is easy to understand and offers the same odds as other sports betting markets. Favorites are listed with a plus (+) sign while underdogs have a minus (-) sign. The larger the number for a favorite, the more likely it is that the bookmaker believes that they will win the fight.

There are also a variety of other MMA betting options available, including method of victory, round props, and futures bets. In addition, bettors can place live bets during the fight, which are wagers placed as the action is taking place. These bets are updated based on the real-time results of the fight and can result in large payouts.

To make a mma bet, you first need to know the rules of the game. Typically, you will find that a match is between two fighters of similar size and fighting style. The matchups are grouped into different weight classes. Each class has a specific set of rules that govern how a fighter may win the fight. For example, the heavyweights in the UFC are usually allowed to use heavier strikes than their lighter counterparts.

If a fighter is favored to win the fight, you can place a bet on them at the betting window or online. However, you should remember that it is illegal in some states to bet on MMA. It is also wise to check the legality of a betting site before making a deposit.

You can also make parlay bets, which are bets on multiple fight outcomes and require all of them to occur for the bet to win. Parlays can be risky but offer much higher payouts than individual bets.

In MMA, it is important to have technical insight into a fighter’s true abilities. This can help you avoid being swept up by the hype surrounding a match and instead place smarter bets. In particular, a solid understanding of a fighter’s striking stats is essential. This can include the number of strikes landed per minute, the amount of strikes absorbed per minute, and their overall striking accuracy. In addition, be sure to consider the range of a fighter’s attacks as well as their speed and power. A good MMA bettor will also analyze the fighting styles of their opponents. This way, they will be able to anticipate their strengths and weaknesses.