Top 5 Greatest UFC Rivalries of All Time

In the brutal world of mixed martial arts, rivalries are more than just pre-fight hype — they define eras, fuel careers, and create unforgettable moments that live on long after the final bell. The UFC has seen dozens of intense feuds, but some stand head and shoulders above the rest. These are the rivalries that ignited fan passion, shattered records, and shaped the sport forever.

1. Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier

Why It’s Legendary:

This wasn’t just a clash of elite light heavyweights — it was a battle of polar opposites. Jon Jones, the prodigious but troubled champion, vs. Daniel Cormier, the clean-cut Olympian with a chip on his shoulder. Their mutual hatred was raw and real, spilling over into press conferences, interviews, and even a physical altercation on live TV.

Key Moments:

Jones defeated Cormier at UFC 182 (2015) in a unanimous decision.

A rematch at UFC 214 (2017) ended with Jones winning by KO, but the result was overturned due to a failed drug test.

Heated trash talk and emotional post-fight moments made this one of the most personal feuds ever.

Legacy:

Jones vs. Cormier set the gold standard for rivalry drama in the UFC — a perfect mix of elite skill and genuine animosity.

2. Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov

Why It’s Legendary:

No rivalry has ever been more globally explosive than this. Conor McGregor, the loudmouth Irish superstar, targeted Khabib with months of trash talk rooted in personal and cultural jabs. Khabib, the undefeated Dagestani grappler, let his fists do the talking — and then jumped over the cage to continue the feud post-fight.

Key Moments:

UFC 229 (2018) was the most-watched event in UFC history.

The infamous bus attack by McGregor before UFC 223.

Khabib’s dominant win and post-fight melee cemented the feud’s notoriety.

Legacy:

More than just a fight, this was a global event. It pushed MMA into mainstream news cycles and set viewership records that still stand.

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3. Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz

Why It’s Legendary:

The original superstar rivalry of the UFC. Liddell, the silent knockout artist, and Ortiz, the cocky Huntington Beach Bad Boy, were once training partners. But friendship soured, and what followed were years of tension, trash talk, and fireworks in the cage.

Key Moments:

UFC 47 (2004): Liddell knocks out Ortiz, ending years of buildup.

UFC 66 (2006): Liddell wins the rematch, defending his title.

A third fight in 2018 (outside UFC) added one final chapter.

Legacy:

Liddell vs. Ortiz helped bring the UFC into the mainstream and defined the early 2000s era of the sport.

4. Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor

Why It’s Legendary:

This wasn’t supposed to be a rivalry — Diaz stepped in on short notice at UFC 196 and shocked the world by submitting McGregor. The rematch was one of the most anticipated in UFC history, and the trash talk between the two became instant meme material.

Key Moments:

UFC 196 (2016): Diaz submits McGregor in Round 2.

UFC 202 (2016): McGregor wins a razor-close decision in an epic five-round war.

Legacy:

This rivalry was short but nuclear-hot. It turned Nate Diaz into a household name and showed McGregor’s resilience. Fans still clamor for a trilogy fight.

5. Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen

Why It’s Legendary:

Sonnen’s trash talk was unmatched. For months, he ridiculed Anderson Silva, his country, and his legacy — turning their UFC 117 matchup into must-see TV. The fight itself became an instant classic, with Silva pulling off a miraculous submission in the final round after losing the first four.

Key Moments:

UFC 117 (2010): Silva wins by triangle choke with less than 2 minutes left.

UFC 148 (2012): Silva dominates the rematch in a satisfying conclusion.

Legacy:

This rivalry brought out the best in both fighters. Sonnen’s trash talk raised the stakes, and Silva’s dramatic win cemented his legacy as one of the GOATs.