The Top MMA Fights of November 2011

Columns, Top Story

As we begin to wrap up 2011, Inside Fights staffers have begun to reflect on all the fights that we’re thankful for this year. In November alone, there were a few that we wouldn’t mind watching quite a few more times, so let’s re-examine those here ahead of our best of 2011 lists. What fights will we remember against the year’s best? Only time will tell.


Ben Henderson vs. Clay Guida – UFC on Fox 1

This contender title fight for the UFC Lightweight Title went the full fifteen minutes and it was the perfect display of heart vs. technique. Henderson walked away with a unanimous decision victory in a bout that many fans thought was more deserving of being on FOX than Velasquez vs. Dos Santos. – Jon Kirschner


Wanderlei Silva – Cung Le – UFC 139

For one night, we got the Axe Murderer back and not the guy who keeps getting knocked out in horrific fashion. It was nice to see a legend of MMA back doing what he did best and not being woken up with smelling salts. – Scott Sawitz


Eddie Alvarez vs Michael Chandler – Bellator 58

Any fight with Eddie Alvarez always delivers excitement and this contest was no exception, exploding into life from the opening bell. The challenger refused to be intimidated by the Champion and after rocking Alvarez several times and surviving a devastating flurry in round three, Chandler secured the choke in round four to become the new Bellator champion. – Luke Cho Yee


Ben Saunders vs Douglas Lima – Bellator 57

Since being cut from the UFC, Saunders had looked impressive, having secured a four fight win streak and making waves in Bellator’s welterweight tourney. After securing his place in the finals he looked set to become champion and appeared in control of the contest, until Lima connected with a rasping right hand, bringing Killa B’s night and momentum to a sudden halt. – Luke Cho Yee


Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua – UFC 139

In a fight that looked like it was going to end in the first round, Dan Henderson and Shogun Rua had a five round affair that left sports fans begging for one more round. Shogun got caught multiple times in the first and second round by Henderson’s concrete fists and the bout was almost waved off. Thankfully, it wasn’t, as Shogun not only hung on, but he also came back to win the fourth and dominate the fifth round. Although Henderson won the bout, fans will be watching this fight for years to come. – Jon Kirschner