Betting on MMA -particularly the UFC- has grown in popularity over the past few years. Although many MMA betting enthusiasts just bet on their favorite fighters there are also 'sharp' bettors that employ many of the advanced handicapping concepts that are effective in other sports. A systematic and analytical approach to UFC handicapping is especially effective since the betting lines on the sport to a large degree reflect the popularity of the fighters involved. It's not uncommon to find fights where the underdog is a less popular but more talented competitor.

One very good tool for profitable MMA handicapping can be found free of charge at Sportsbook.AG. Our MMBA betting trends tool provides a breakdown of betting action on each fight on the card at big MMA events. By reading and analyzing this information you can find plenty of good value betting opportunities. For 'big' fights featuring well-known fighters, it's often effective to take a contrarian approach. Look for matchups where one fighter or the other is taking a sizable majority of bets. Not only will the price on the underdog become more attractive as money comes in on the favorite the linesmaker will often 'shade' the public's fighter for even more value going the other way.

UFC Betting Info on Odds Shark. The UFC has come a long way since the 1990s when Senator John McCain led a campaign to ban the sport. Luckily for fighters and fans alike, UFC, now partnered with. UFC/MMA odds comparison service. Compare the latest UFC/MMA fight odds and betting lines from the top online sportsbooks.

For lower profile or undercard fights, it's often effective to do just the opposite as the strategy for big fights. In a matchup between little-known fighters, a strong move in one direction could suggest 'smart money' backing a fighter that is undervalued. This concept becomes even more effective after the weigh in when sharp MMA betting experts make their final decisions and put their money on the line.

MMA handicapping is in its infancy, but there are plenty of concepts that have been successful in other sports that can be applied. The important thing is to not bet blindly but to use trend data as a 'jumping off point' for additional research.

Jorge Masvidal battles Kamaru Usman in a championship bout for the welterweight title during UFC 251‘s MMA fight tonight on Fight Island.

The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET on PPV, which you can watch on ESPN+ (sign up here!).

Masvidal odds and lines

Masvidal (35-13) enters this bout as the underdog, per BetMGM oddsmakers, at +195 (wager $100, win $195). Usman (16-1), the favorite, is at -239 (wager $239 to win $100).

New to the world of sports betting? With odds at +195, Masvidal has an implied winning percentage of 33.90, or 39/20 fractional odds. For every $10 wagered, you’d profit $19.50 if Masvidal pulls off the upset victory over Usman.

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UFC 251 Special Offer in CO, IN, NJ and WV: Bet $1 at BetMGM.com, WIN $100 in free bets if Kamaru Usman wins at UFC 251. Place your bets now! Visit BetMGM.com for terms and conditions.

Need to know where to place your bets on Masvidal vs. Usman? Our Joe Williams breaks down the Usman vs. Masvidal odds, picks and best bets for you.

Other interesting Masvidal betting lines include:

Masvidal by KO/TKO, DQ or Submission: +255Masvidal by Decision: +1100Masvidal by Submission: +1700Masvidal in round 1: +750Masvidal in round 2: +1100Masvidal in round 3: +1600Masvidal in round 4: +2200Masvidal in round 5: +2800Masvidal on points: +1100

Also see:

Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway odds, picks and betsPetr Yan vs. Jose Aldo odds, picks and best betsJessica Andrade vs. Rose Namajunas odds, picks and best bets

If you want some action on this MMA bout, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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