The Ultimate Fighting Championship, commonly known as the UFC, is a professional mixed martial arts promotion company. Since its inception in 1993, the UFC has brought some of the best fighters in the world to the forefront. The company has seen many rivalries over the years, which have become a significant source of entertainment for fans. We take a look at the top 5 rivalries in UFC history.
Top 5 Rivalries in UFC History
Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz
The Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz rivalry is one of the most infamous feuds in UFC history.
The two first fought as part of UFC 196 where Diaz suffered a submission victory against the Irishman. The rematch was one of the most anticipated fights in UFC history and took place at UFC 202.
McGregor won by a majority decision. Their bouts provided some of the most memorable moments in UFC history and proved how big the UFC had become.
Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier
The feud between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier is perhaps the longest-running in UFC history.
The two have been rivals for years, with neither willing to back down from the other. Jones has defeated Cormier twice and in a dominating fashion against nearly all of his competition.
It is rare to see two fighters have this long-standing of a rivalry, and both seem keen on one last fight. Whether the two will ever clash inside the octagon again remains a mystery.
Tito Ortiz vs Ken Shamrock
Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock are two of the most legendary fighters in the UFC’s history.
The two first faced off at UFC 40 in 2002, where Ortiz won in stunning fashion by TKO. The duo faced off again at UFC 61, where Ortiz once again emerged victorious.
The rivalry has since cooled down, but it remains one of the most entertaining ones to watch.
Chuck Liddell vs Tito Ortiz
Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz’s rivalry started in 2004 when the two first faced off at UFC 47. Liddell won the fight by TKO in the second round.
The two faced off again in 2006 and 2018, with the latter touted as the retirement fight of both fighters. The trilogy turned out to be a massive event, with fans eagerly anticipating the outcome of the fight.
In the end, it was Ortiz who lost the most significant rival match of his career, providing an iconic ending to one of the most entertaining rivalries in UFC history.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs Claudia Gadelha
Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Claudia Gadelha’s rivalry is the most recent on this list, but it was just as thrilling as those before it.
The two first fought in 2014, with Jedrzejczyk emerging victorious by split decision. The storyline was further amplified when the two were picked as coaches for The Ultimate Fighter Season 23.
The two faced each other again at The Ultimate Fighter Finale, where Jedrzejczyk won by unanimous decision.
The rivalry brought out the best in both fighters, and it remains a classic defensive vs offensive match.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rivalries are an integral part of the UFC and have been responsible for some of the most exciting moments in UFC history.
The above-listed rivalries have cemented their place in history and are sure to be remembered for years to come. UFC fans eagerly anticipate the next big rivalry; when it happens, it will capture the world’s attention.
With so many to chose from, how did we do? did any of our top 5 rivalries make your list?.
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