The Greatest Rivalries in the History of MMA
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Whatever sport you look at, rivalries are what keep levels of entertainment and engagement. With Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), these rivalries have a level of intensity that can’t be matched. Over the years, the MMA has produced rivalries that are truly unforgettable. These have helped to capture the attention of fans and to push the popularity of the sport as a whole. As you read on, we’ll be looking at some of the most iconic rivalries of all time.
Chuck Liddell Vs. Tito Ortiz
This was one of the earliest rivalries to be seen in MMA. Liddell and Ortiz were symbols of how the sport was growing and how it was entering the mainstream back in the early 2000s. Liddell was known for his devastating strikes and his iconic mohawk. Ortiz, on the other hand, was a brash wrestler always looking for ways to promote himself. The 2 were once friends and even training partners, but a fall out put an end to this and led to an intense rivalry.
At UFC 47 in 2004, Liddell knocked Ortiz out in the second round. This added to Liddell’s reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport. The rivalry reared its head again at UFC 66. Again, Liddell walked away with the win after another knockout. A third meet in 2018 lacked the appeal of earlier fights but it’s fair to say that these 2 set the bar for MMA and what a rivalry can bring to the sport.
Connor McGregor Vs. Nate Diaz
The rivalry between McGregor and Diaz caught the attention of every MMA fan. This is a feud that began back in 2016. At this time Diaz stepped in at short notice to face McGregor in the cage, replacing Rafael dos Anjos who was injured. Diaz put on an outstanding show and went on to shock the sporting world with a win. By submitting McGregor in the second round, Diaz made a real name for himself.
The rematch came later that year, at UFC 202. This fight proved to be equally entertaining. It extended to what can only be described as a 5-round war. McGregor scraped the victory this time around with a majority decision. These two fights broke the UFC pay-per-view records as the fighters gained almost superstar status. While talks of a third fight still arise, the chances of this taking place are dwindling. Regardless, this rivalry is one of the greatest ever in MMA.
Jon Jones Vs. Daniel Cormier
It’s fair to say that the rivalry between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier is the most heated that has ever been seen in MMA. These 2 light heavyweights first crossed paths with a backstage confrontation in 2014. This set the stage for years of trash talk and some of the most stunning confrontations inside the Octagon.
The first fight at UFC 182 had live MMA betting fans facing a tough choice. The build up had made it hard to predict a winner. As the fight got underway, it became even tougher to call. In the end, it was Jones who took the win with a unanimous decision. The rematch came at UFC 214. This is a fight that brought controversy to the sport. At first, Jones won by a knockout. However, this was later overturned after he tested positive for a banned substance.
This means that there’s unfinished business here and this is a rivalry that’s likely to rumble on.
Anderson Silva Vs. Chael Sonnen
Anderson Silva is the longest-reigning middleweight champion. He had respect from others in the sport, but this was something that Sonnen seemed to lack. The best way to describe Sonnen is as a brash fighter with a gift for trash talk. Their first fight was at UFC 117 in 2010, and the build-up was overrun with verbal assaults being dished out on Silva’s fighting skills and character. While Silva was far from impressed, there’s no doubt that it made for great viewing.
As the fight got underway, it seemed that Sonnen was set for the win. He dominated the fight for 4 and a half rounds, and he seemed to have victory in the bag. However, during the final minutes of the 5th round, Silva surprised everyone with a triangle armbar submission. This is still seen as being the greatest comeback in MMA history.
Meeting again at UFC 148. Based on the last meeting a wise sport bet would see money going on Sonnen who had come so close last time. However, it was Silva who again took the win. This time with a decisive knockout.
Final Thoughts
The rivalries in MMA are all part of the entertainment value. The trash talk, the trading of insults, and major fallouts all build up the excitement and anticipation before a fight. You can be sure that there will be more rivalries coming to the fore as the sport continues to grow.