Mixed Martial Arts might be at a higher pedestal than pro-wrestling owing to its “real fight quotient”, but there are times when a MMA rivalry pans out exactly like a professional wrestling feud. The drama, the emotions and the over-the-top displays of power often paves way to a rivalry which could typically masquerade as a WWE-spawned product.
Here are 5 such rivalries that could pass off as pro-wrestling feuds.
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#5 Brock Lesnar v/s Frank Mir
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The Brock Lesnar-Frank Mir feud was met with so much anticipation that it was the main event of UFC 100, the same event that also featured Thiago Alves facing off against Georges St- Pierre. Lesnar and Mir had previously feuded at UFC 81, with Frank picking up a victory in the very first round after forcing Brock to tap out.
However, the plot didn’t end there. Right before UFC 100, which was heralded as one of the most star-studded events, Mir and Lesnar entwined in a tug of war that was akin to a ‘professional wrestling feud heading in to WrestleMania’. Mir didn’t mince words in insulting Lesnar’s MMA game, degrading the latter’s ground and pound prowess as “annoying”; further equating it to having a ‘little sister jump on your back and pull your hair’.
Lesnar retorted by calling Mir a glorified karate kid who was lucky to win a few fights! Lesnar would later go on to win the bout but the fervour and madness going in to the match was typically WWE-esque.
#4 Anderson Silva v/s Chael Sonnen
Anderson Silva, whose technique and repertoire is reminiscent of Muhammad Ali’s, is still considered as one of the best pound for pound fighters. The Brazilian stalwart was pounding and knocking people out at will, before Chael Sonnen stepped up to alter the equation at UFC 117.
Sonnen accused Silva of not speaking English on purpose, further adding fuel to the fire by saying “we could replace his interpreter (Ed Soares) with an app I can download for $9.99.” Sonnen also made fun of his black-belt calling it a “free toy in a Happy Meal”.
His bold claims culminated in a 5 round duel which saw Silva struggling for the most part. However, Silva was able to overturn the damage in the final round with a triangle choke; but never before had anyone seen Silva struggle so much!
The re-match that followed was one of the most anticipated matches ever and this time Silva coolly finished him off in two rounds.
#3 Conor McGregor v/s Nate Diaz
Conor McGregor was slated to challenge the then UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 196, but a last moment injury to Anjos, forced his eviction from the event. This carved the right opportunity for Nate Diaz to fill-in for him and cash-in.
Prior to the bout, Nate Diaz dropped a hard-hitting message to McGregor’s coach saying, “you’re playing touch-butt with that dork in the park. My whole team will beat your whole team’s ass, how ‘bout that?”
The result of the square off was a rear naked choke win for Diaz! McGregor was furious and the rematch was originally expected to take place at UFC 200, but a disagreement between McGregor and the UFC stalled proceedings. This also forced Diaz to pull out of the event.
McGregor finally had the chance to avenge the beatings administered on him at UFC 202, when he went five-rounds and won on points. Conor later taunted Diaz by saying “let’s do it again”.
#2 Ronda Rousey v/s Miesha Tate
The intense rivalry between these two powerhouses is something that would have created all the ripples even in professional wrestling. The Rousey-Tate standoff goes way back in history, from when they both started out with Strikeforce.
These two women have gone from headbutting each other during weigh-ins, to shirking handshakes and embroiling in verbal spats including the derogatory “c” word being used against Tate. Not even the angle with Tate’s boyfriend, UFC fighter Bryan Caraway, was spared!
Phew… reminds you of the Attitude Era doesn’t it? Rousey has always had the upper hand facing off against Tate and she’s extremely verbose about that proud achievement. They have faced each other once at UFC 168 and once during Strikeforce, with Rousey picking up the victory on both occasions. ‘War was definitely raw’ between these two damsels.
#1 Ken Shamrock vs Tito Ortiz
Ken Shamrock is someone who has seen the bitterest of rivalries both in the WWE and the Ultimate Fighting Championship. From swinging a baseball bat at the Undertaker’s dreaded “Ministry of Darkness” to feuding against the Gracie family, he has done it all.
Yet, there was one rivalry that made the headlines on more occasion than one; the one against Tito Ortiz. The first fight between the two was a memorable one with both of them hunting for the head, more often than not. It ended in a TKO victory for Ortiz but his respect and admiration for Shamrock’s talent and grit, grew.
The second match between the two was booked at Dana’s behest at UFC 61, resulting in another victory for Ortiz. Despite Shamrock’s age and a visible decline in his performances there was still a lot of heat between the two. They faced off for a third time but “the world’s most dangerous man” could hardly get the better of Tito Ortiz.
If we missed out on anyone you think in particular who could possibly “make the list”, do let us know!
