Few sports in the world have enjoyed the meteoric worldwide growth currently being enjoyed by MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and as a result the accompanying Combat Sports betting market is in the midst of a boom.
With multiple formats in which Combat Sports are competed, with both male and female competitors and the natural variation of fighting at different weight classes, Combat Sports provide a wealth of betting opportunities for all levels of punter.
Here is our guide to how bet on Combat Sports intelligently:-
• Utilise the Controlled Proposition Bets rather than the Straight Wins
Combat sports will always provide a winner – in any contest – so following the straight win market can of course bring about wins for punters but the odds can often be restricted due to the nature of each fight being a straight two-horse race. Adding propositions to each bet such as: Method of Victory or Whether the Fight will ‘Go the Distance’ are lucrative and fool proof ways of winning money for the punter in that they are not subjective or decided by a group of judges. There are no variable factors (other than the performances of the fighters) allowing the punter to place their stake with the odds relatively in their favour. Combat Sports also provide defined methods of victory (e.g. submission/knockout) and these markets often carry heavier pay outs, another huge incentive for punters looking to maximise their winnings.
• Embrace the Underdogs
The very nature of Combat Sports centres around two people fighting and whilst bookmakers are obviously very rarely wrong in their pre-fight predictions, with two highly-trained athletes trying to knock each other out – anything can happen. One punch or kick can catch even the best off guard and multiple champions have been knocked out and dethroned in this way. Often the belt holders or number 1 contenders in any particular weight class are favourites in any fight they undertake but MMA throws up its fair share of upsets so underdog betting (in the straight win market) is often a lucrative and effective ploy for those looking to take a little more of a gamble with their Combat Sports betting.
• Target Value in the Round Betting
All MMA contests are competed over 5 x 3 minute rounds with every second that passes providing a potential knockout opportunity for both competitors. Specifying which round the bout will be won in is often a lucrative market for punters – simply due to the element of lottery associated with it. Most fighters pride themselves on being able to go the distance in any fight, even if they don’t emerge victorious therefore backing fights to last to the later rounds is logical and lucrative if the punter can pick the winner of the fight too.
• Use the UFC Rankings for Research
Prior knowledge and research should be somewhat of a given for any punter, in any sporting scenario and Combat Sports betting is no different. Each weight class and gender has a set of rankings, governed by the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) where past performances are taken into consideration to compile a world ranking list. Awareness of which fighters are where on the ranking list is essential for punters who are looking to make an informed decision on their Combat Sports bets.
• Build the Accumulators
UFC events often take place over 4 or 5 hours with up to 10 fights taking place on any particular card, culminating in the main event. Each fight will provide multiple betting opportunities and combining results in an accumulator bet can bring about huge rewards, for a relatively low stake – for punters who are looking to maximise their winnings.
