Understanding Handicapping in MMA Betting
Handicap betting is among the most popular forms of sports betting. However, handicapping can be a little confusing for sports betting beginners to fully understand. Fortunately, we’ve got your back.
Understanding the process of handicapping in MMA betting doesn’t have to be challenging. Most experienced sports punters find it enjoyable and profitable when done correctly. This handicap betting guide will help you understand everything to start handicapping MMA bets.
What’s handicap betting?
In some games or competitions, the underdog’s fate can be dismal. That can make it challenging to get valuable wagering opportunities that have the much-needed profits that every MMA bettor is looking for. However, handicapping is a betting strategy that allows you to place a profitable bet even in such situations.
In MMA betting, handicapping essentially involves giving the weaker fighter or team an advantage to try and make the bout more balanced. The handicaps are basically numerical, with the stronger fighter awarding points to the weaker one before starting the match, for betting. That increases the profitability of the underdog wager and gives you a better chance of winning.
Handicapping MMA betting odds
If you’re diving into the world of MMA betting for the first time, the Betway online sports betting site is a good place to get started. These tips and tricks will also come in handy when handicapping MMA odds at.
Sizing up styles
Mixed martial arts is all about fighters of varying styles and practices bringing their A-game to the cage. That creates intriguing matchups that attract millions of fans worldwide. Some of the fighters are incredible strikers who like to stand and deliver deadly blows to their opponents, while others are skilled in Jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and other fighting styles.
Looking at how the player’s fighting styles matchup and the advantages that they give every fighter over the other is a great way to handicap MMA betting odds and find value. Similar to betting on boxing, the stance should be considered when handicapping MMA fights depending on the fighting style. For instance, left-handed combatants often have an advantage over right-handed players because they’re often not experienced in defending a southpaw stance.
Records and MMA math
A fighter’s record is among the key pieces of information that MMA bettors look for when handicapping betting odds. Records can occasionally be deceptive, as it’s hard to know the quality of an opponent by looking at their losses and wins.
MMA bettors need to look deeper at the results. In some cases, you’ll find that a fighter has only lost in closely contested battles against top-tier fighters with an impressive resume, but hasn’t recently fought against inferior opponents. Remember that fighters who have fought many elite-level players are better prepared and adapt quickly throughout the fight.
Injuries and KOs
MMA is a combat sport that features lots of injuries. These injuries can sideline fighters for weeks or even months. As such, MMA bettors need to look into how the injuries impact a combatant after returning to the ring. Ask yourself whether a knee injury may impact a fighter’s speed and how dependent the fighter is on the injured part.
Knockout losses may also have a similar effect on the fighters. While they might not have faced a physical injury, a devastating KO defeat can mentally affect a fighter. Combatants coming from a knockout loss can be quite cautious and lose their edge while in the ring, drastically changing their style and approach.