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UFC October recap & a preview for November
The month of October was jam-packed with epic fights every weekend taking place on the now legendary UFC Fight Island. Starting off the month, Holly Holm’s dominant victory over Irene Aldana. An epic, long-awaited bout between Brian Ortega and The Korean Zombie also took place where we saw a masterful display from Ortega. That’s part of our UFC preview for November later.
And perhaps one of the most-exciting fights of the year, undefeated lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov submitted interim-champ Justin Gaethje quickly in the second round before he shocked the world by announcing his retirement from the sport.
So now, let’s dive into the top-five most exciting UFC matchups scheduled to take place in November.
UFC preview: Thiago Santos vs. Glover Teixeira | Nov. 7
Light-heavyweight contenders Thiago Santos and Glover Teixeira are headlining the Nov. 7 UFC Fight Night at 10 PM EST.
This fight finally comes to fruition after it was rescheduled twice because both Teixeira and Santos contracted COVID-19. Teixeira was last in the octagon on May 13, where he faced a favored Anthony Smith. This underdog proved the betting world wrong when he quite literally knocked Smith’s teeth out—winning the bout via a fifth-round TKO.
Santos’ last fight was for the oh-so coveted light-heavyweight title. He faced the then champ, Jon Jones, and put on an excellent performance, which ultimately came up short when he lost via decision.
Santos and Teixeira now fight each other for the opportunity to face the newly crowned light-heavyweight champ, Jan Błachowicz. This division is getting very, very interesting with every fight; expect an absolute battle on Nov. 7. Santos is favored to win, but Teixeira is a veteran of the game and has pulled off upsets before.
Related: UFC Rumors: The case for Dillashaw vs. O’Malley
UFC preview: Islam Makhachev vs. Rafael Dos Anjos | Nov. 14
The lightweight matchup between the former UFC champion and the rising Dagestani star is one you will not want to miss. They are headlining the Nov. 14 UFC Fight Night card taking place at 7 PM EST.
Dos Anjos has only won once in his past five fights. The former champ needs to end Makhachev to prove he still has what it takes to enter the top-10 of the division. On the other hand, with only one loss and 18 wins, Makhachev hopes to make a statement when facing his opponent. Especially with Dagestan’s most famous fighter now retiring, Makhachev will try to continue Khabib’s legacy of victory.
Though it is still relatively early, Makhachev is heavily favored to win, but don’t completely count out RDA; he is a former champion and has seen just about everything inside the octagon.
Related: Khamzat Chimaev: UFC’s latest sensation
Mauricio Rua vs. Paul Craig II | UFC 255 Nov. 21
UFC 255 returns to Sin City on Nov. 21 at 10 PM EST, showcasing dual championship matchups. This event will surely be a sight to see. But earlier in the card, the UFC APEX will house an exciting rematch against legendary fighter Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua and Scottish mixed martial artist Paul Craig.
They first battled in the cage last November in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The violent showdown resulted in a draw after three brutal rounds. That draw must have lit a fire inside them because both men went on to win their next fight. Now they meet again to settle the score.
Related: McGregor accepts UFC offer to face Poirier on January 23
Valentina Shevchenko vs. Jennifer Maia | Women’s Flyweight Title Bout | UFC 255 Nov. 21
As UFC 255’s co-main event, Jennifer Maia will challenge the one and only Valentina Shevchenko for the women’s flyweight belt. Now, there is excitement with every fight featured on a UFC card, and title fights definitely crank that excitement up, but when you add the “Bullet” to the mix, well, you are most likely destined to see some crazy highlight reel level violence.
Shevchenko has been beyond dominant, winning her past five fights via submission as well as pristine knockouts. It will be quite a shock if the champ fails to defend her crown. If she retains her belt, expect Shevchenko to call out women’s bantamweight and featherweight division champion Amanda Nunes for a rematch. It’s the super-fight we need.
Related: Uriah Hall TKOs Anderson Silva in 4th round at UFC Fight Night
Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Alex Perez | Flyweight Title Bout | UFC 255 Nov. 21
Lastly, a flyweight brawl headlines UFC 255’s main event. Deiveson Figueiredo‘s first title defense against Alex Perez will surely be a fun fight and a real challenge for the incumbent champ. The Brazilian mixed martial artist earned the title when he absolutely demolished Joseph Benavidez via submission on July 18. At 19-1 Figueiredo is a formidable champion to dethrone; challenger Alex Perez certainly won’t have an easy time inside the octagon.