Pereira vs Prochazka | Top MMA Fights in November 2023
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Following a month that saw the fighting prowess of UFC athletes gain global recognition among boxing aficionados, it now seems appropriate to compile a preview of the top MMA fights scheduled for November.
The combat sports community is buzzing about how Francis Ngannou nearly succeeded against Tyson Fury in a heavyweight showdown, reigniting the timeless debate &— does a UFC fighter stand a better chance of winning in a boxing ring than a boxer does in the Octagon?
Noteworthy results from UFC in October include Islam Makhachev’s knockout victory against Alexander Volkanovski, allowing him to retain his lightweight title and concluding a contentious rivalry. Many argue, however, that the score should be 1-1 rather than Makhachev’s 2-0 over Volkanovski. Makhachev was given a disputed win in February, with many believing that Volkanovski should have been the rightful victor. Volkanovski, an Australian, was only given 12 days to prepare for the match, as he stepped in on short notice. His insufficient preparation may have played a crucial role in Makhachev’s dominant performance.
In other news, the thrilling and formidable Khamzat Chimaev offered his followers another cause for celebration, securing a majority decision victory against Kamaru Usman in a captivating bout. He is now anticipated to contend for the title against middleweight champion Sean Strickland.
What of November?
We’ve consulted our own fighting expert Jevgenijs “The Hurricane” Aleksejevs &— GetMindApps ambassador and undefeated boxer with a 14-0 record &— to get his lowdown on all the best action taking place over the coming months, provide predictions and odds available at the best UFC sportsbooks, and more in our monthly preview below.
Here are our top three UFC fights for November.
November 12, 2023: Alex Pereira vs JiÅ™í Procházka
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York
Pereira record: 8-2-0 (6 KOs)
Procházka record: 29-3-1 (24 KOs)
Odds: Pereira (1.73 fav) Prochazka (2.25)
The currently unclaimed light heavyweight championship is up for grabs and requires a fighter who can evade tendon tears and shoulder operations to retain it. In the past 18 months, both Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill have possessed the belt, but they had to give it up due to serious injuries.
This might turn into a good old-fashioned brawl. Prochazka is a passionate fighter who doesn’t shy away from a battle. He’s not afraid to take punches, but he’s just as good at landing them as well.
Meanwhile, Pereira, an accomplished finishing artist, boasts 21 knockouts in his 33 victories. He prefers to engage in close-quarters combat, promising a fiercely intimate and potentially devastating battle.
The Hurricane’s Verdict
Fans of mixed martial arts will find this fight particularly intriguing as two powerful stand-up fighters are set to clash. Expect a dynamic and unpredictable battle.
I will personally be cheering for Alex Pereira. Just like me, he has a professional kickboxing background. He’s already the UFC middleweight champion, but he’s stepping up to compete for the title in the light heavyweight category.
I find Pereira fascinating not just as a fighter, but also as a individual &— his backstory is incredibly engaging to me.
He battled Israel Adesanya in kickboxing, defeating him twice in this sport before also overcoming him in the Octagon. He is the only person to ever achieve a knockout victory against the New Zealand sensation. One victory was in Adesanya’s final Kickboxing match and the other in the Octagon, due to Pereira’s powerful punch.
The intrigue of this fight is heightened by the fact that Pereira’s trainer, Glover Texeira, has previously gone head-to-head with Jiri Prochazka, where he succumbed to a choke. It’s likely that Pereira’s camp will have a unique strategy for this bout. So, just sit back and relish the spectacle.
Prediction: Pereira by knockout. Back him via one of our recommended MMA betting apps.
November 17, 2023: Yaroslav Amosov vs. Jason Jackson
Venue: Wintrust Arena, Chicago
Amosov record: 27-0-0 (9 KOs)
Jackson record: 16-4-0 (4 KOs)
Odds: To be confirmed
Amosov, who is undefeated, is putting his Bellator Welterweight World Championship at risk as he faces the dangerous Jackson.
Amosov has been with Bellator since 2018 and has accumulated eight wins against formidable opponents, including Logan Storley twice, Douglas Lima, and Ed Ruth. Throughout his professional career of 27 fights, the Ukrainian fighter has remained undefeated. He particularly enjoys securing victories through submission, with ten of these wins attributed to this method. However, he has not achieved a submission victory since 2019 and has not managed to stop his competitor in his most recent three bouts.
John Jackson has secured six consecutive victories, impressing in every match. His foundation in wrestling &— the first art he mastered &— has been highly beneficial, contributing to three of his 16 triumphs via submission. Additionally, his striking ability, coupled with his powerful hands and remarkable speed, make him a formidable opponent for Amosov.
Prediction: Amosov by decision. Back him via one of our recommended MMA bookmakers.
Saturday November 11: Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tom Aspinall
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York
Pavlovich record: 18-1-0 (15 KOs)
Aspinall record: 13-3-0 (10 KOs)
Odds: Pavlovich (2.0) Aspinall (1.87 fav)
It’s as close as it gets in the betting markets &— you won’t find high betting odds on either &— and every UFC super fan expects a classic in the city that never sleeps, with both men going for the interim heavyweight title.
Initially, the fight was supposed to be between Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones. However, due to a serious pectoral injury requiring surgery for Jones, the bout had to be postponed.
This offers a remarkable chance for two eager fighters to have their moment in the spotlight.
Why is Aspinall a marginal favourite?
Both combatants are closely matched, but Aspinall has a slight advantage due to his more comprehensive fighting style. He excels both in stand-up fighting and grappling, whereas one could contend that Pavlovich relies excessively on his strength.
In other words, the Russian fighter holds a significant amount of power. He averages 6.31 knockdowns every 15 minutes &— a record high in the division. He has always won in the first round in all his UFC fights, with each bout lasting an average time of 2 minutes and 23 seconds.
It’s a tough one to call.
Prediction: Aspinall by KO
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