November MMA Fight Stats Roundup

Seven events were held in November across the major MMA promotions. This produced a total of 69 bouts including 3 title fights, making it the busiest month among major promotions for the entire year. The UFC held two events, Sengoku and the WEC each held one apiece, and Strikeforce held a surprising three cards. Americans continued to make up the majority of the active fighters, with Japan, Brazil and the United Kingdom also having strong representation. Welterweights were the most active division, knockouts and TKO’s were the most common fight outcome, and the oddsmaker’s favorites won only 62% of the time. Full results below.

Three titles were officially on the line in November with Jose Aldo’s victory over WEC featherweight champion Mike Thomas Brown representing the biggest changing of the guard. Fedor Emelianenko defended his WAMMA heavyweight title against Brett Rogers despite the WAMMA organization being all but defunct, and Jake Shields defeated Jason Miller for the vacant Strikeforce middleweight title (recently vacated by the former champion Cung Le).

Of the 69 fights in the month, Knockouts and TKO’s slightly edged judge’s decisions as the most common fight outcome. November had the lowest share of submissions (23%) since August (19%).

Most fights continued to end in the first round in November, with nearly twice as many finishing in the first frame as were stopped in the second.

The month was a big one for betting upsets, as just 62% of oddsmaker’s favorites ended up victorious. It was the most upset-laden month since May of this year when just 53% of favorites had their hands raised. Hatsu Hioki’s surprise loss as a -600 favorite to Michihiro Omigawa at Sengoku 11 was the biggest of November.

Lighter weight classes represented the majority of the action, with 170 pound welterweights in particular out in full force. 49 bouts in total took place at welterweight or lighter, compared to just 20 bouts at middleweight or heavier.

American fighters were the most active with 89 active fighters, though fewer than half came out victorious. Japanese fighters fared no better winning just 36% of their bouts, however it was a glorious month for MMA in the UK and the 8 for 10 record for English fighters.