Dricus Du Plessis will be defending his Middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev in August. This UFC 319 main event is one of the best fights the promotion has produced this year and will likely be one for the ages. A top clash like this one draws lots of betting action at the sportsbooks, but with two fighters who are used to winning, it’s tricky to predict which way it’ll go. This guide will introduce some useful strategies to help you out when betting on this title bout.
1. Analyze fighter styles
The outcome of any MMA fight heavily depends on the athletes’ fighting styles. Chimaev usually takes on his opponent with his elite wrestling skills and strong submission game. Du Plessis, on the other hand, is a skillfully versatile fighter, known for his striking and pressure-fighting abilities.
If Chimaev can take the fight to the ground early, his grappling skills may give him the edge, but if the fight drags out, the advantage may shift to Du Plessis, who’s the more durable of the two. You can decide which fighter to back depending on how you think the match will play out.
2. Shop the best betting odds
The best MMA betting odds are available at top sportsbooks like bet365. If you’re a beginner, you may find the odds a bit tricky to understand at first. Just remember that the number one thing when shopping odds is finding the most competitive prices, as this increases your potential profits. SportyTrader provides an in-depth review of the bet365 online platform and other top betting sites where you can find the latest odds. You’ll find that most of these sites also offer bonuses you can use to bet on this UFC event.
3. Watch the odds movement
Odds can change as the fight night approaches due to factors such as betting volume or injuries. For instance, if Du Plessis gets injured in the days leading up to the match, Chimaev’s odds will drop, as he now has a higher chance of winning. Such developments should also influence your own bets and who you choose to back. Although placing a bet early on may come with higher odds, odds are often sharper just before the match is about to begin.
4. Diversify with non-moneyline markets
Decision, submission, and knockouts are some markets that can help you diversify your bets beyond the standard moneyline. For example, out of his 14 wins, Chimaev has won 6 by knockout and 6 by submission. You could bet on him to win by either of these outcomes if the odds are favorable. You can also explore options like over/under on rounds. Du Plessis has shown the stamina to go the full five rounds when needed. And considering the caliber of his opponent, it’s possible the fight may go on for over 2.5 rounds.
5. Research recent form and external factors
Check out recent forms, injuries, and other crucial stats about these fighters. A lot of research often goes into the most successful bets because that’s how the experts come about the most informed forecasts. Always check reliable MMA sources to get the latest and last-minute insight or betting trends.
Chimaev and Du Plessis are in fine form, with the former claiming victory in the last eleven fights and the latter boasting an undefeated record. But this only makes it more challenging to predict who will win this highly anticipated fight. Analyzing fight styles, understanding odds and market movements, diversifying your bets, and doing deep research can help you place more successful bets on this title clash.
