MMA Proposition Bets
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If you are not a complete newcomer to MMA betting but have so far placed 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 offered by most modern online sportsbooks.
In general, proposition betting focuses on aspects of an event, in this case an MMA fight, other than simply who wins. Predicting the method of victory or the exact round in which a fight will end is challenging, and successful bets can deliver larger payouts. This riskier type of betting requires in-depth knowledge of the sport and close monitoring of individual fighters’ performances.
Proposition bet types have not always been as widely available on online betting platforms as they are today. However, the popularity of this engaging form of betting has grown rapidly in recent years, and prop bets have become an integral part of bookmakers’ portfolios. The more prominent the fighters in a bout are, the greater the variety of props typically offered to bettors.
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Method of Victory Bet
By placing prop bets, online bettors can become more immersed in the action. Sometimes, they may even find themselves cheering against their chosen fighter if that fighter is about to win, but not by the method they wagered on. That is how intriguing proposition bets can be. Now, let us look at the specifics of the Method of Victory betting market.
A typical MMA fight may end in one of the following three ways:
- Knockout (KO) or Technical Knockout (TKO)
- Submission
- Judges’ Decision (Points)
While some online sportsbooks 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 table above shows the listed 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 indicates that the shortest-priced outcome is Arce winning by points. Either fighter winning by knockout or technical knockout comes with longer odds, reflecting how they typically finish their MMA bouts.
Another factor that influences the probability of an outcome is each combatant’s fighting style. That is why it is important to spend time carefully researching all relevant details. Reviewing statistical data is always useful, but watching enough matches involving the two fighters may prove particularly valuable. 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 involves 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 larger the potential 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 clarity, we have included 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 can see, the numbers vary greatly depending on the exact bet. With a $50 stake, a successful prediction could produce $200 in winnings if you wager only on the winning round, or $1,000 if you predict that Petr Yan will win by submission in Round 1. However, do not let lucrative payouts tempt you into betting on highly unlikely combinations. Base your predictions on solid information rather than subjective factors such as 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 rarely reasonable to risk your funds on such a selection.
Be aware that the most complex forms of MMA round betting are difficult to predict and may attract less interest, so some online bookmakers do not include them in their lists of markets. As with other aspects of mixed martial arts, the availability of bet types for a particular fight largely depends on its status and the popularity of the fighters.
Online MMA Prop Betting Tips
There is no such thing as an easy bet or a guaranteed profit. Betting analysts often point out that wagering on MMA fights can be easier than betting on team sports because fewer factors need to be considered. While this is somewhat true, proposition bets are more difficult to predict. Still, remember that MMA props offer opportunities for substantial returns. Although there are no universal principles or guaranteed winning strategies, we have compiled some basic MMA prop betting tips to help you make more informed decisions.
Focus on research and analysis, not emotion. You may already know this, but it is worth repeating: betting on a fighter simply because you are an avid fan is not a good idea. The fighter may be the most charismatic athlete ever to step into the octagon and may have built an impressive résumé early in their career, but what if they have not won a single fight in the last year? Is it still worth risking your money?
This does not mean that such a fighter cannot win, but you should support your bet with thorough research. For example, your favorite fighter’s opponent may have performed better in the months leading up to the match but suffered an injury during training. If you think your chosen fighter can capitalize on it and score a knockout early in the fight, that information may support your wager. Given the nature of the sport, bouts are often won through explosiveness and dynamism rather than strategy alone. The line between victory and defeat is thin, and fighting perfectly throughout an entire match is incredibly difficult. Detailed knowledge of the fighters’ styles, physical condition, and endurance can be helpful when placing both Method of Victory and Round bets.
Placing prop bets on mixed martial arts can be enticing and thrilling, but there is no reason to overdo it. In other words, do not wager on every available option and, most importantly, make line shopping an essential part of your betting process. This strategy is useful for any bet type, but it can make a significant difference in MMA prop betting. As in boxing, MMA odds can sometimes vary significantly among betting platforms. Therefore, consider setting up accounts with several trusted bookmakers so that 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, allowing experienced MMA bettors to test their knowledge and potentially turn it into a profit. Fortunately, this type of betting is no longer rare, and online bettors have plenty of reputable sportsbooks to choose from. You should carefully evaluate your abilities before getting started. If you are not yet confident in your skills, continue familiarizing yourself with the different elements of the sport, begin with simpler bet types, and return to our online MMA betting guide whenever you need a refresher.