The Most Suitable MMA Bet Types for Beginners
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has become one of the most exciting sports for both fans and bettors around the world.
Its fierce rivalries, explosive action, and adrenaline-fuelled moments make it a true spectacle to watch — and an increasingly popular sport to bet on.
If you’re a sports bettor thinking about exploring the MMA betting market, this guide will help you understand the most suitable bet types for beginners and how to get started the right way.
Understanding Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
MMA is a full-contact combat sport that combines techniques from boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, karate, taekwondo, and other martial arts disciplines.
Its origins can be traced back to Ancient China and Greece, with early versions even appearing in the Olympic Games centuries ago.
Although it was once considered a niche or “fringe” sport, MMA’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years.
Today, MMA betting has become a thriving market, with punters using both traditional sportsbooks and crypto odds sites to back their favourite fighters.
Much of MMA’s success is thanks to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which has promoted the sport globally over the past three decades.
Modern stars like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Kamaru Usman have also helped bring the sport into the mainstream through their dominance and massive social media followings.
Popular MMA Bet Types for Beginners
Just like football, tennis, or basketball, MMA offers a variety of betting markets to explore. Understanding the most common types will help you create better strategies and improve your chances of success.
Let’s take a closer look at the most beginner-friendly MMA bet types.
1. Winner Bets (Moneyline)
The simplest and most popular type of MMA bet is the moneyline, or “who will win” bet. You’re simply predicting which fighter will win the match.
If your chosen fighter wins, your bet wins — it’s that straightforward. This is a great starting point for beginners because it doesn’t require any complex analysis or secondary conditions.
2. Method of Victory
The method of victory bet takes things one step further. Instead of just predicting who will win, you’re betting on how they’ll win.
The possible methods include:
- Knockout (KO)
- Submission
- Decision (judges’ scorecards)
To win this bet, both your fighter and your predicted method must be correct. For example, if you bet on Fighter A to win by knockout, but they win by decision instead, your bet loses.
3. Proposition Bets (Props)
Proposition bets, or props, allow you to bet on specific events that might happen during a fight rather than just the final result.
These could include:
- Which fighter will bleed first
- Who will land the most significant strikes
- Whether a fight will go the distance
Some sportsbooks even offer fun or novelty props, such as predicting how many times a fighter will swear during a press conference! However, these tend to come with smaller odds since the outcomes are often more predictable.
Props are a great way to make fights more engaging, especially once you’re familiar with fighters’ styles and tendencies.
4. Double Chance Bets
Double chance bets combine two outcomes into one wager. For instance, instead of betting solely on who will win, you can combine your prediction with how they will win.
A double chance bet might look like this:
- Fighter A to win by knockout or submission
- Fighter B to win by decision or disqualification
This type of bet increases your chances slightly but often comes with higher odds since you’re covering multiple outcomes. It’s a good option once you’ve gained some basic experience with MMA betting.
5. Total Rounds (Over/Under Bets)
The total rounds or over/under market lets you bet on how long a fight will last.
For example, a line might be set at 2.5 rounds:
- Over 2.5 rounds means you think the fight will last beyond halfway through the third round.
- Under 2.5 rounds means you expect it to finish before that point.
This is a great bet for those who like analysing fighting styles. For instance, aggressive fighters often finish early, while defensive or technical fighters tend to go the distance.
6. Live Betting
Live betting (or in-play betting) lets you place wagers as the fight unfolds. Odds shift rapidly based on what’s happening in the octagon — so it’s ideal for quick-thinking bettors who can read the momentum of a match.
Keep in mind that not every sportsbook offers live MMA betting, and the odds can change quickly, so timing and focus are essential.
What to Consider Before Betting on MMA
Before placing any bet, it’s important to do your research. MMA might seem unpredictable, but studying the fighters and their form can give you a real edge.
Here are some key factors to assess:
- Fighters’ strengths and weaknesses (e.g. striking vs. grappling)
- Preferred fighting styles
- Recent performances and win/loss streaks
- Head-to-head records
- Training camp updates and injury news
A few minutes of research can make all the difference between a lucky guess and an informed bet.
Final Thoughts
Betting on MMA offers all the excitement of the sport itself — fast-paced action, thrilling knockouts, and unpredictable outcomes.
For beginners, starting with simple bet types like moneyline and method of victory bets is a smart approach. As you gain experience and confidence, you can explore more complex markets such as props, double chance, or live betting.
Whether you’re watching a UFC main event or a regional fight card, understanding these basic bet types will help you make smarter wagers and enjoy the action even more.
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