Wagering on combat sports, including boxing and MMA, has long attracted bettors with its high stakes and thrilling outcomes. While moneyline betting remains the most popular type of bet, round betting offers an exciting alternative, giving bettors the opportunity to earn significant rewards by predicting the exact round a fight will end. This guide will break down round betting and explore the different types of wagers you can make, along with strategies and tips to help maximize your profits.

What Is Round Betting?

Round betting involves placing a wager on either the exact round in which a fight will end or the total number of rounds in the match. There are numerous ways to structure these bets, and bettors can make predictions on several factors within a fight, such as:

• Exact Round: Predict the round in which the fight will conclude.
• Exact Round + Method of Victory: Guess both the round and the method by which the fight ends.
• Total Number of Rounds (Over/Under): Bet on whether the fight will last over or under a certain number of rounds.
• Fight Goes the Distance: A bet on whether the fight will last the entire scheduled rounds or end before that.
• Grouped Round Betting: Group multiple rounds together and bet on the outcome of those rounds.

Understanding these betting options is crucial in making informed decisions when placing wagers on combat sports.

Popular Types of Round Bets

1. Exact Round Bets
   This is a straightforward wager where you bet on which round the fight will end. You may also choose to specify which fighter will win in that round. The odds for these bets vary depending on the fighter and the expected duration of the fight.
2. Exact Round + Method of Victory
   A more challenging wager is predicting both the exact round and the method of victory. The method of victory can be:
   • KO/TKO (Knockout/Technical Knockout)
   • Submission
   • Judges’ Decision
3. For instance, betting on a fighter to win by KO in the third round may yield higher payouts, but these bets are harder to predict accurately.
4. Total Rounds (Over/Under)
   In this wager, you predict whether the fight will last more or fewer rounds than the total set by the sportsbook. For example, if the total rounds are set at 2.5, you can bet that the fight will end before the 3rd round (under) or after (over). This type of bet does not require you to choose the winner but focuses on the fight’s duration.
5. Will the Fight Go the Distance?
   This wager is simpler—bet on whether the fight will go to the final round or be stopped before reaching the judges. It is especially relevant in fights with high knockout potential or intense rivalries where one fighter might be more aggressive.
6. Grouped Round Betting
   This type of bet is more common in boxing, where you can group multiple rounds and bet on which fighter will win in that range. For instance, a boxer could be predicted to win in rounds 6 through 10, which adds complexity to the betting strategy.

Betting on MMA vs. Boxing

Round betting in MMA and boxing shares similarities but also differs in certain ways due to the structure and nature of each sport.

• MMA Round Betting: MMA fights usually last for 3 rounds, with championship fights extending to 5 rounds. Fights often end in a KO/TKO, submission, or a decision from the judges. Unconventional outcomes such as technical decisions or disqualifications can also occur.
• Boxing Round Betting: Boxing typically features 12 rounds, though shorter bouts are also common. Like MMA, fights can end by KO/TKO, judges’ decision, technical decisions, or disqualification. Since boxing matches are often longer, the strategies for betting on the round and method of victory differ slightly, with more emphasis on endurance and tactical fighting.

Betting Strategy for Round Betting

When placing round bets, several factors can influence the outcome of a fight. Here are a few elements to consider:

• Weight Class: Heavier weight classes often have faster, more powerful finishes, making it more likely for fights to end in the early rounds.
• Fighter Style and Record: Fighters known for knockouts, such as Conor McGregor or Mike Tyson, are more likely to finish the fight early. Researching a fighter’s tendencies and fight history can give you a valuable edge.
• Referee Influence: Some referees allow fighters to take more damage before stopping a fight, while others may stop the fight early, especially in cases of severe injuries. This can affect the number of rounds a fight lasts.

Where to Place Round Bets

Major sportsbooks typically offer round betting on combat sports, and some of the top platforms include:

• FanDuel
• BetMGM
• Caesars Sportsbook

These sportsbooks often provide numerous round betting props and odds, offering bettors a wide variety of ways to wager on the outcome of a fight. Be sure to check which sportsbooks are available in your area, as regulations vary by region.

Conclusion

Round betting is an exciting and potentially profitable way to wager on combat sports, offering many opportunities to enhance your betting experience. By understanding the different types of round bets and considering factors like the fighters’ styles, weight class, and past performances, you can make more informed wagers. Whether you’re betting on boxing or MMA, using these strategies will increase your chances of hitting successful bets. Always remember to research and bet responsibly!