Combat sports have been around for thousands of years, with many of them still popular to this day. Boxing is a classic combat sport popular worldwide, with high-profile matches capturing the world’s attention on game day. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has also risen in popularity over the past few years, becoming synonymous and closely linked with UFC fights, offering fast-paced and high-energy matches.
Recently, many online casino gaming websites have started to provide sports betting on their platforms, enticing many enthusiasts into their fold. If you’re stepping foot into combat sports betting for the first time or you’d like to make winning bets in the future, here are some things that you should know.
Rooting for the Underdog
When it comes to fights that feature a popular fighter being matched up against a lesser-known fighter, most people would always place their bets on the more well-known fighter.
For some, however, there is an allure to betting on the underdog and overcoming the odds. Studies have shown that a lot of individuals get more joy out of unexpected successes than expected ones, making them root for the underdog instead of the predicted winner.
Fighting Styles
No fighter has a fighting style that is exactly similar to that of another fighter. Some fighters are better matched up with those who have a close fighting style, while some can be at a disadvantage with how their style vastly differs from the other.
For example, in an MMA match, a fighter with a wrestling background may have a leg up against a striker in a couple of scenarios. When placing wagers, it’s important to analyze the fighting style of each fighter as it can give bettors valuable insights.
Recent Performance
Aside from fighting style, the recent matches of a fighter matters as well. More people are less likely to bet on a fighter who is recovering from a loss compared to a fighter who has an ongoing winning streak.
The latest fights may also show whether a fighter is spiraling upwards or downwards, and may even show if particular types of opponents can be very challenging for them.
Fight Venue
The venue of the match can also be a factor in one’s betting odds in combat sports. Altitude, travel time, and temperature conditions may affect a fighter’s performance on the big day.
There’s also such a thing as a home court advantage where there is a tendency for athletes to win more often when competing in their home ground. While this phenomenon is more common in team sports, it also occurs in combat sports, especially when the fighter is seen as a hometown hero.
Bettors are more likely to place their wagers on someone they are familiar with rather than the opponent entering uncharted territory.
Bottomline
Betting on combat sports isn’t a new thing at all, having existed for as long as combat sports have been around. It can be nerve-wracking to dip your toes in a new industry but it can also be exciting to do. Furthermore, sports betting allows you to engage more with the fights, upping the ante.
However, blindly placing bets on a fighter can put your wagers at risk. Instead, it’s always important to study betting trends in combat sports and do research on the fighters to help increase and improve your chances of winning.
