MMA Proposition Bets
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If you are not a complete newcomer to MMA betting, but so far have placed your real-money wagers only on standard markets, it may be time to add an extra layer of excitement to your betting experience. The best way to do so is through the diverse MMA prop bets most modern online sportsbooks provide to their registered users.
In general, proposition betting refers to aspects of the game (in our case, an MMA fight) that are not related to who wins the event. Predicting the method of victory or the exact round in which a fight will end is rather challenging, and successful bets are rewarded with profitable payouts. This riskier type of betting requires in-depth knowledge of the sport and close monitoring of individual fighters’ performances.
The accessibility of proposition bet types on online betting platforms has not always been as extensive as it is today. However, the popularity of this engrossing form of betting has grown rapidly in recent years, and prop bets have become an integral part of bookmakers’ portfolios. The more famous the fighters in a bout are, the greater the variety of props offered to punters.
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Method of Victory Bet
By placing prop bets, online punters immerse themselves deeper in the action of mixed martial arts, and sometimes this results in cheering against their chosen fighter if he is about to win but not by the method they wagered on. That is how intriguing proposition bets can be. Now, let’s look at the specifics of the Method of Victory betting market.
The typical MMA fight may finish in the following three ways:
- Knockout (KO) or Technical Knockout (TKO)
- Submission
- Judges Decision (Points)
While some online sportsbooks do allow betting enthusiasts to wager on this simplest variation of the bet, most top bookmakers offer the more interesting option of predicting both the winning method and the fighter who will achieve the victory.
| Daniel Santos vs Julio Arce | |
|---|---|
| Method of Victory | Betting Odds |
| Julio Arce by Points | 155 |
| Daniel Santos by Points | 340 |
| Julio Arce by Submission | 460 |
| Daniel Santos by KO/TKO | 500 |
| Julio Arce by KO/TKO | 500 |
| Daniel Santos by Submission | 1200 |
| Draw | 5000 |
The above table shows the current odds for the Method of Victory market for the fight between Daniel Santos and Julio Arce at UFC 273, scheduled for April 9, 2022. The example clearly indicates that the most probable outcome is Arce winning by points. Either fighter to win by knockout or technical knockout comes with less profitable odds, which indicates how they usually finish their MMA bouts.
Another factor that influences the outcome probability is each combatant’s fighting style. That is why it is important to spend time closely investigating all possible details. Going through statistical data is always useful, but watching enough matches involving the two fighters may turn out to be the trump card up your sleeve. Many MMA fighters have previously competed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, and other disciplines. This information can also help you estimate how the fight is most likely to end.
MMA Round Betting
A popular form of betting on mixed martial arts is wagering on the exact round in which the fight will end. You can find this type of bet in several variants, each more difficult to predict than the last. Here are the options offered by online bookmakers around the world:
- Basic Round Bet
- Round + Winner Bet
- Round + Winner + Method
The more components a Round Bet has, the more profitable the eventual payout. In the table below, you can see round betting odds for the fight between Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan, also at UFC 273. For the sake of clarity, we have selected only the betting markets for Round 1.
| Aljamain Sterling vs Petr Yan | |
|---|---|
| Betting Market | Betting Odds |
| Aljamain Sterling in Round 1 | + 2000 (21.0) |
| Petr Yan in Round 1 | + 450 (5.5) |
| Aljamain Sterling by KO/TKO in Round 1 | + 4500 (46.0) |
| Petr Yan by KO/TKO in Round 1 | + 500 (6.0) |
| Aljamain Sterling by Submission in Round 1 | + 2800 (29.0) |
| Petr Yan by Submission in Round 1 | + 2000 (21.0) |
| Winning Round 1 | + 400 (5.0) |
As you have noticed, the numbers vary greatly depending on the exact bet. With a $50 stake, a successful prediction could add $200 to your bankroll if you wager only on the winning round, or $1,000 if you think Petr Yan will win by submission in Round 1. However, do not let lucrative payouts lure you into betting on almost impossible combinations. Base your predictions on solid information, not on subjective factors like a fighter’s personality, a potentially lucrative payout, or your current emotions. There is usually a good reason for odds as high as +4500 (46.0), and it is hardly reasonable to risk your funds on such a selection.
Be aware that, because the most complex forms of MMA round betting are difficult, punter interest is not always high, so some online bookmakers do not include them in their list of markets. As with other aspects of mixed martial arts, the availability of bet types for a certain fight largely depends on its status and the popularity of the fighters.
Online MMA Prop Betting Tips
There is no such thing as easy betting or a guaranteed profitable payout. Betting analysts often point out that wagering on MMA fights is easier than betting on team sports because fewer factors need to be taken into account. While this is somewhat true, proposition bets are more difficult. Still, remember that MMA props offer some great opportunities for big stake returns. Although there are no universal principles or an always-winning strategy, we compiled some basic MMA prop betting tips to help you increase your chances of success.
Focus on research and analysis, not emotion. We are sure you know this, but we will say it anyway: it is not a good idea to bet on a fighter just because you are an avid fan. He may be the most charismatic athlete ever to step into the octagon and may have built an impressive résumé early in his career, but he has not won a single fight in the last year. Do you still think it is worth risking your money?
We are not saying it is impossible for such a fighter to win, but please back your bet with thorough research. For example, your favorite’s rival may have performed better in the months leading up to the match but suffered an injury during training. If you think the other fighter can capitalize on it and score a knockout early in the fight, give it a try. Given the nature of this sport, bouts are often won with explosiveness and dynamism rather than strategy. The line between victory and defeat is thin, and it is incredibly difficult to fight perfectly throughout a match. Excellent knowledge of the fighters’ style, physical condition, and endurance can be helpful when placing both Method of Victory and Round bets.
Placing prop bets on mixed martial arts is enticing and thrilling, but there is no reason to overdo it. In other words, do not jump on every option you see, and, most of all, make line shopping an essential part of your wagering experience. This strategy is advantageous for any bet type, but it is in MMA prop betting where it can really make a difference. As in boxing, MMA sometimes shows significant discrepancies in odds between different betting platforms. Therefore, set up accounts with several trusted bookies so you can take advantage of valuable opportunities when they arise.
Conclusion
Prop betting is arguably the most challenging form of wagering on mixed martial arts events, enabling experienced MMA bettors to test their knowledge and potentially turn it into money. Fortunately, the feature is no longer rare, and there are plenty of reputable sportsbooks for online punters to choose from. You need to carefully evaluate your abilities before embarking on this adventure. If you are not yet confident in your skills, keep familiarizing yourself with the different elements of the sport, start with easier bet types first, and return to our online MMA betting guide whenever you need a refresher.