The world of mixed martial arts has seen its fair share of heated rivalries, and the UFC has been home to some of the most memorable clashes in the sport’s history.
As a fan, you’ve probably experienced the excitement and anticipation that builds up before two fierce competitors enter the Octagon, knowing their grudge will finally be settled.
The best UFC rivalries not only deliver thrilling fights but also showcase the passion and determination of the athletes involved.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the most unforgettable UFC rivalries that have captivated the hearts of fight fans around the world.
From the early days of Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock to the heated battles between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz, these epic showdowns have shaped the landscape of MMA while leaving lasting impressions on those who’ve witnessed them.
Strap in and get ready to relive the moments that have defined the best UFC rivalries of all time.
Iconic UFC Rivalries
In the world of UFC, some unforgettable rivalries have captured the attention of fans worldwide.
You might have your favorite moments and unforgettable matches as a fan.
Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic UFC rivalries.
Tito Ortiz vs. Chuck Liddell
Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell, two of the biggest names in the history of MMA, were pioneers in popularizing the sport.
Their fierce rivalry started in the early 2000s and produced two legendary fights.
Ortiz, a skilled wrestler, and Liddell, known for his knockout power, engaged in two highly anticipated matches that left a lasting impression on the sport.
Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier
This rivalry began in 2010 when Jones and Cormier first met face-to-face.
Both fighters, known for their impressive skills and dominant fighting styles, have faced each other on multiple occasions.
Their battles have become legendary, with each fighter seeking to prove they’re the undisputed light heavyweight champion.
Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate
Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate formed one of the most intense rivalries in women’s MMA history.
Beginning in their Strikeforce days, the animosity continued into the UFC, culminating in two memorable matches.
Rousey’s exceptional judo skills and Tate’s well-rounded game made for high-stakes, captivating fights that helped pave the way for women in MMA.
Chael Sonnen vs. Anderson Silva
Chael Sonnen’s trash-talking and relentless pursuit of a fight with Anderson Silva ignited one of the most talked-about rivalries in UFC history.
Sonnen’s wrestling and ground-and-pound technique posed a formidable challenge to Silva’s striking wizardry.
Their two classic fights showcased heart, skill, and unforgettable moments that have left an indelible mark on the middleweight division.
Urijah Faber vs. Dominick Cruz
The longstanding rivalry between Urijah Faber and Dominick Cruz began in 2007 and has produced three thrilling bouts.
Faber’s wrestling and submission skills faced off against Cruz’s unique footwork and striking in matches that often went the distance.
Their career-long back-and-forth clashes have helped define the bantamweight division and provided fans with exciting, highly technical fights.
As you reflect on these iconic UFC rivalries, you can appreciate how they’ve shaped the sport and created unforgettable moments in MMA history.
Epic Rematches
Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard
You might remember the thrilling trilogy between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard that delivered some of the most intense battles in UFC history.
Their first fight was closely contested, but Maynard emerged victorious.
However, the rematch saw Edgar coming back stronger, displaying his heart and determination to retain his lightweight title.
The fight ended in a draw, which led to the high-stake third bout.
In that final showdown, Edgar managed to secure a spectacular fourth-round knockout victory, solidifying his place as one of the greatest lightweights in UFC history.
Georges St-Pierre vs. Matt Hughes
Another epic rematch that got fans on the edge of their seat was the welterweight clash between Georges St-Pierre and Matt Hughes.
These fierce competitors faced each other thrice, with the second fight establishing GSP as the dominant force in the division.
St-Pierre avenged his initial loss to Hughes by finishing off his rival with a brutal head kick in the second round.
This spectacular win marked the beginning of a dominant reign for GSP in the welterweight class.
Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor
The unforgettable rivalry between Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor is another fantastic example of an epic rematch in MMA history.
After Diaz’s stunning submission victory in their first encounter, a highly anticipated rematch was set, and the fighters prepared for an intense battle.
In the second fight, McGregor adjusted his strategy and displayed improved stamina and tactics, winning by majority decision.
This rivalry showcased the incredible resilience and adaptability of both fighters and left fans in awe.
Trilogy Fights
Randy Couture vs. Chuck Liddell
In the world of UFC, trilogy fights represent a high level of competitiveness and intensity.
One of the most iconic trilogies in UFC history is Randy Couture vs. Chuck Liddell.
These two legendary fighters faced each other three times, with Liddell taking two victories and Couture winning the first.
You can still feel the excitement as you watch the progression of their rivalry, culminating in a final showdown where Liddell captured the UFC light heavyweight title.
Ken Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz
Another well-known trilogy in UFC’s history is Ken Shamrock vs. Tito Ortiz.
Their rivalry began when Ortiz taunted Shamrock’s training partner, sparking animosity between them.
The first two fights went to Ortiz; you can see how their grudge fueled their intensity.
In their final bout, Ortiz emerged victorious again, cementing his dominance in this rivalry.
Although Shamrock didn’t manage a win, their trilogy remains a testament to both fighters’ determination and skill.
Cain Velasquez vs. Junior dos Santos
When discussing iconic trilogy fights, you can’t forget the heavyweight battles between Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos.
Their first encounter saw dos Santos claiming victory, shocking the world and putting an end to Velasquez’s reign as UFC heavyweight champion.
Unwilling to let that loss define him, Velasquez returned with a vengeance, dominating the second and third fights to regain and defend his title.
The Velasquez vs. dos Santos trilogy showcases the fighters’ resilience and tremendous heart in the face of adversity.
As you follow these trilogies, immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere that each rivalry brings to the Octagon.
These trilogy fights are a testament to the fighters’ dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of victory, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats and creating unforgettable moments in UFC history.
Historic UFC Moments
Holly Holm vs. Ronda Rousey
In one of UFC’s most shocking upsets, Holly Holm, a world-class boxer, faced Ronda Rousey, the undefeated bantamweight champion and Olympic judoka, at UFC 193.
Rousey, known for her striking and aggressive style, was considered a heavy favorite by many.
However, during the fight, Holm’s superior striking ability and footwork overwhelmed Rousey.
Holm delivered a powerful head kick in the second round, knocking out Rousey and securing the bantamweight championship.
This fight put Holly Holm in the spotlight and showcased Ronda Rousey’s vulnerability, making it one of the most memorable moments in UFC history.
Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor
The highly anticipated matchup between Jose Aldo, the long-reigning featherweight champion, and brash Irishman Conor McGregor occurred at UFC 194.
The intense rivalry reached its peak at the UFC 178 press conference, where an altercation between the two fighters garnered significant mainstream attention.
When the fight finally occurred, it ended in breathtaking fashion, as McGregor knocked out Aldo in just 13 seconds, stunning the MMA world and capturing the featherweight title.
This historic moment cemented McGregor’s status as a top fighter and significantly impacted the featherweight division.
Amanda Nunes vs. Cris Cyborg
Amanda Nunes and Cris Cyborg, two of the most dominant female fighters of their time, faced off for the women’s featherweight championship at UFC 232.
Nunes, the reigning bantamweight champion, was looking to become the first woman to hold two UFC titles simultaneously, while Cyborg aimed to prove her dominance as an incredible striker.
The fight started quickly, with both fighters exchanging powerful punches, showcasing their remarkable striking skills.
Against the odds, Nunes managed to deliver a TKO victory over Cyborg in just 51 seconds, making her the first female fighter to become a two-division champion in the UFC.
Each of these historic moments features intense rivalries and unforgettable fights that have left their mark on the world of MMA.
They not only exemplify the heart and passion of the fighters involved but also represent the thrilling, unpredictable nature of the sport itself.
So whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of MMA, these classic matchups are truly worth revisiting.