Greatest Rivalries In MMA: Few sports on the globe have such a profound psychological impact on people as mixed martial arts. The strong and persistent rivalries that grabbed us are a big part of the reason why. Here are the top 10 greatest rivalries in MMA history, ranging from heroes to villains and everything in between.
Who Are the Top 10 Greatest Rivalries In MMA History?
1) Ronda Rousey Vs. Miesha Tate
Few could have predicted the extent of the initial conflict in top women’s mixed martial arts when Rousey and Tate started it. Former Olympic bronze medalist in judo, Rousey had lofty goals of turning the sport on its head. The current Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion, Tate, could see danger coming from a distance.
One of the greatest MMA rivalries in history began when Rousey submitted Tate in March 2012 and seized her title with her. The two would square off once more when Dana White, the CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, signed both of them to compete in the newly established women’s bantamweight division. Before Rousey asserted her dominance a second time at UFC 168 in 2013, the two would frequently engage in verbal sparring in front of the audience.
2) Alex Pereira Vs. Israel Adesanya
One of the biggest rivalries in MMA began in the “Glory of Heroes” Chinese kickboxing tournament. Two fighters who would later be regarded as some of the finest mixed martial artists on the planet squared off in this gruelling match; both guys went on to win UFC world championships.
Before accepting the promotion in 2018, Alex Pereira had previously defeated Israel Adesanya twice. Just one year prior to Pereira’s success, he defeated longtime middleweight champion Robert Whittaker to win his first championship in 2018.
In 2022, the two would pick up where they left off, and the Brazilian would give Adesanya the first knockout defeat in his MMA career. It was the first since he met the same end in kickboxing in 2017 at the hands of his opponent. In their rematch at UFC 288, Adesanya reacted by finishing Pereira by knockout, setting up what is certain to be one of the most eagerly anticipated fights in MMA history.
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3) Anderson Silva Vs. Chael Sonnen
If Chael Sonnen had maintained his composure at UFC 148, the history of mixed martial arts would have looked quite different. The closest thing to perfection that MMA has ever seen was Anderson Silva. But he was only a phoney to the annoying Sonnen. Silva invited the two to settle matters inside the cage after a lengthy verbal duel and fierce berating.
Sonnen came into the fight at UFC 117 as a clear underdog. Few onlookers had any idea of what they were seeing as he rag-tagged the middleweight champion for four rounds. With fewer than two minutes left, Silva was able to lock in a triangle armbar as Sonnen, who was ahead on the judges’ scorecards, slipped up. The crushing KO win that ended their rivalry at UFC 148 was a far cry from one of the greatest comebacks in history.
4) Chuck Liddell Vs. Tito Ortiz
Young spectators who were fortunate were introduced to the UFC with Liddell vs. Ortiz. Some people attribute the rivalry, which is regarded as one of the greatest MMA rivalries of all time, to igniting a worldwide interest in MMA.
This conflict between fire and ice would last for three battles (and 18 years), with knockouts from Lidell in the first two. The conflict’s last match took place in 2018 on a disorganised Oscar De La Hoya MMA show. After 4:24 of the first round, it ended with Ortiz claiming victory in retaliation for earlier defeats.
5) Khabib Nurmagomedov Vs. Conor McGregor
It may seem odd to rank Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor as one of the best MMA rivalries on paper. The fact that this struggle represented more than just a drive to win, however, cannot be denied.
Nurmagomedov was an honourable and obedient warrior who embodied everything admirable about martial arts. The arrogant and haughty prodigal son, McGregor was out to restore the honour of his buddy Artem Lobov. After a fight between Khabib and his group and Lobov, McGregor sent his “goons” on a private plane from Dublin. The Irishman was apprehended when he and his squad crashed a bus transporting “The Eagle” and other fighters into the Brooklyn Barclays Centre.
Both men decided on a time for their much-anticipated battle while the world looked on. At the press conference before the bout, McGregor criticised Khabib’s crew and even his faith. Nurmagomedov responded by criticising the Irishman’s country of origin and history, albeit it didn’t seem to be delivered with the same vitriol. The former UFC double champion would have to make amends in UFC 229.
Simply put, Khabib’s victory over McGregor was a one-sided victory for the Dagestani. The post-fight scuffle and back-and-forth made sure the rivalry would always be remembered, keeping with the circus-like vibe. perhaps not the right ones. In any case, the record-breaking 2.4 million pay-per-view purchases would be extremely advantageous to everyone concerned.
6) Demetrious Johnson Vs. Adriano Moraes
The UFC is the origin of many of the strongest rivalries in MMA. However, Demetrious Johnson vs. Adriano Moraes was a fight that took place someplace, outside of Las Vegas. Unlike many of the other fights discussed in this essay, these two warriors greatly respected one another, thus there was no trash-talking or needless drama.
In April 2021, Johnson vs. Moraes 1 took place in Singapore at ONE on TNT 1. With a superb knee, Moraes put an end to the fight, halting the ONE Championship flyweight champion in mid-stride. One year later, Johnson would exact retribution by stunning his opponent with a flying knee in Round 4. Johnson regained control of the belt and made it 2-1 the following year after winning by decision at ONE Fight Night 10.
7) Georges St-Pierre Vs. Matt Hughes
Even the most seasoned expert might become distracted by friendly competition. One of the best mixed martial artists of all time, Georges St-Pierre, fixed his gaze on Matt Hughes, a former champion. St-Pierre entered the Octagon after Hughes defeated Renato Verissimo and challenged the American, saying he was “not impressed” with his fighting style. The former champion agreed.
At UFC 50, Hughes would submit “GSP” in less than one round, despite the Canadian fighter appearing unsteady and uncertain. Prior to facing St-Pierre again at UFC 79, Hughes, who is now the UFC welterweight champion for the second time, would finish a five-fight winning streak. GSP would, however, shock his opponent this time with a TKO in the second round. In Round 2 of UFC 79 in 2007, GSP would use an armbar to terminate the fight.
8) Quinton Jackson Vs. Wanderlei Silva
Depending on who you talk to, Jackson vs. Silva may be referred to as the greatest MMA rivalry. But we’re happy to talk about it as one of the best MMA rivalries. Why not, then? The 18-year-long enmity between “Rampage” and “The Axe Murderer” would engulf both characters.
In 2003, they engaged in their debut match as part of the now-defunct Pride promotion. Jackson stopped the fight and won the promotion’s 2003 Middleweight Grand Prix after brutally kicking through the Brazilian’s defence. The following year, the two would square off again at Pride, with Jackson emerging victorious thanks to some more brutal Muay Thai knees.
Retribution: Jackson was defeated by Silva at UFC 92 four years later, earning him redemption. Finally. And maybe the end of this fantastic MMA battle, it would appear. But much to the astonishment of the crowd, the couple would have one final dance at Bellator 206 in September 2018. Silva was behind the rivalry 1-2 going into the fight. The legendary Brazilian boxer ended the match with a KO in Round 2 to make the score 2-2.
9) Conor McGregor Vs. Nate Diaz
A great warrior plays to their strengths, and Conor McGregor’s strategy for mental combat was his greatest strength. The Irishman swept everything in his path as he stormed into the international MMA scene. The two-weight Cage Warriors champion’s success in the United States was largely attributed to his mouth. However, Nate Diaz didn’t think much of it.
In the fight game, Diaz was McGregor’s polar opposite in many respects. He didn’t enjoy talking, his checks were modest, and he preferred to do things the hard way. The Dubliner quickly learned how challenging things might become in the Octagon after a shocking KO victory against all-time great Jose Aldo. Rafael dos Anjos’ withdrawal from a lightweight championship fight against McGregor gave Diaz a chance to shock the world.
The offer to take against McGregor at welterweight apparently came through when Diaz was relaxing on a yacht. He consented. Soon after, he was propelled into the limelight and the entire world was fixated on his physique. The odds were stacked against Diaz because, at first glance, he appeared to be no match for the pumped-up Irishman. Conor McGregor would, however, be humbled at UFC 196.
One of the biggest rivalries in MMA had its second instalment at UFC 202. The two men fought like starving wolves to take the last crumbs of food off the table. McGregor nearly prevailed, stunning the MMA community with this intriguing tale’s suspenseful finish. One that, as least as of the time of writing, would never happen.
10) Jon Jones Vs. Daniel Cormier
Rivalries in mixed martial arts have come and gone. Few fights have had as much of an impact as Jones v. Cormier. These two warriors stood for many things to various people. The phenomenal prodigy Jon Jones was compared to Superman and Muhammad Ali in mixed martial arts. However, Rochester’s favourite fighting son was struggling behind the surface.
It took a while for UFC supporters to get behind Cormier. Many people believed that the NCAA D1 wrestling champion was little more than another pin target when his first battle with Jones was announced. However, if you look at videos from around that period of Jones’ attitude and demeanour, it appears as though he viewed nothing less than a ferocious rivalry. For once, Jon Jones seemed to have a formidable foe.
Few people had anticipated that Jones would have trouble with Cormier. The oddsmakers at UFC 182 appeared to be right when they predicted that lightweight champion Jones would win this matchup handily. So he did. Both men fought violently and verbally before and after the bout, with Jones receiving charges of drug usage. But the majority of viewers only saw a bitter loser.
The rivalry was well-known when Jones vs. Cormier 2 debuted in July 2017. Both engaged in heated online arguments, exchanging threats and insults of every description. Jones’ drug usage was a frequent point of contention, which he adamantly denied. After the bout, Jones used a head kick to finish Cormier down, but tests revealed he had used steroids, therefore his championship was taken away. Jones felt embarrassed after spending more than a year on the sidelines due to failing drug tests.
Suddenly, Cormier had a brand-new fan following. One that he could bring with him into the arena when the guys gathered for the crucial meeting in their narrative. However, there is always one final time, just as with the other great MMA rivalries on our list. The issue is that some fighters never know when to quit. But the Jones-Cormier battle will also stand out in the annals of MMA history.
These are the Top 10 Greatest Rivalries In MMA History. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
