5 intriguing striker vs. grappler matchups the UFC must consider booking

Striker vs. grappler match-ups have been commonplace in the UFC since the very beginning of the organization.

Given the nature of mixed martial arts, we regularly see different fighters specializing in different elements of combat.

Strikers typically try to stay at range and look to land a devastating knockout blow when the opportunity presents itself. Elite strikers in the UFC include the likes of Israel Adesanya, Francis Ngannou and Conor McGregor.

Grapplers, on the other hand, love getting close and personal in their efforts to take down their opponents and submit them. Some of the best in the UFC today are Charles Oliveira, Glover Teixeira and Islam Makhachev.

When these two types of fighters come up against each other it can be fascinating to see who comes out on top. Grapplers must often put themselves in danger to get a hold of their opponents but should they do so, they tend to have a significant advantage over the striker.

With the UFC roster packed with a ton of talented strikers and grapplers, here are five match-ups we could soon see that pit one against the other:

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#5. Mackenzie Dern vs. Tecia Torres

Four of Dern's eight UFC fights have seen her win via submission

Mackenzie Dern is a sensational grappler and Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion. While she will likely have to face a lower-ranked opponent after her recent loss to Marina Rodriguez, facing anyone outside the top-10 would be a waste of time for the No.5-ranked fighter.

No.8-ranked Tecia Torres is an excellent striker who has managed to put together a three-fight win streak. She now appears to be in need of a step up in competition and a bout with Dern would give us an indicator as to if she is ready to enter the title picture.

This fight gives Dern the chance to rebound from the Rodriguez loss and puts her in a situation where a loss wouldn't drop her too far in the rankings. For Torres, this would be a huge opportunity to get amongst the division's top five.

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#4. Cory Sandhagen vs. Merab Dvalishvili

Sandhagen has four knockout wins in the UFC

Cory Sandhagen's high level of striking has been apparent to UFC fans for some time, particularly during his first-round knockout of Frankie Edgar. While he has now suffered two straight losses, as the No.3-ranked fighter, he is far too good to face someone too low ranked.

Merab Dvalishvili's gritty wrestling skills have seen him put together a remarkable seven-fight winning streak. He now deserves an opponent that could allow him to enter the conversation as one of the elite fighters in the division.

Sandhagen's losses have been very competitive and have come at the hands of world-class competitors in Petr Yan and T.J. Dillashaw. A fight with Merab Dvalishvilli would make a lot of sense for both men as they jockey for position in the UFC's deep bantamweight division.

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#3. Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Carla Esparza II

Joanna Jedrzejczyk knocked out Carla Esparza at UFC 185

While Joanna Jedrzejczyk did not compete in 2021, she is likely the GOAT of the UFC's strawweight division and will never be far from the title picture. Considering her previous time as strawweight champion and her wins in the division, she will likely never be far from the title picture. A win for the talented striker could earn her a third shot at current champ Rose Namajunas.

Carla Esparza is known for her wrestling ability and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. She has won five straight and while some feel she is currently the number one contender, she may need one more win to completely ensure a shot at the title.

The two previously fought at UFC 185 when Jedrzejczyk won the strawweight title from Esparza. The pair could do battle once more to determine who is deserving of a shot at regaining the belt.

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#2. Colby Covington vs. Jorge Masvidal

Masvidal holds the record for fastest KO in UFC history

UFC fans have been calling for a fight between these friends-turned-rivals for some time now. Both men have established themselves as elite welterweights but must now rebound having lost to Kamaru Usman a combined four times in the last two years.

Colby Covington's wrestling ability is well-documented and has caused problems for many fighters in the division. He would also likely want to make a statement on the mat in his next fight, given his lack of success wrestling against Kamaru Usman.

Jorge Masvidal has a well-rounded game but his biggest strength is likely his striking. He boasts KO wins over Darren Till, Nate Diaz and, famously, Ben Askren.

There appears to be real animosity between the pair and the timing now appears to be right to finally pull the trigger on this bout. A win for either man would put them right back in the title picture at 170lbs.

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#1. Israel Adesanya vs. Glover Teixeira

Adesanya is considered one of the best strikers in the entire UFC

Israel Adesanya had a storied kickboxing career prior to joining the UFC which has led to him becoming one of the most feared strikers in the company today. Should he beat Robert Whittaker in his upcoming middleweight title fight, he could easily set his sights on winning the light heavyweight title.

Glover Teixeira finally secured light heavyweight gold at UFC 267 thanks, in large part, to his world-class grappling skills. At 42, he may not have too many fights left. Given that he is now in a position to earn pay-per-view points from his bouts, it makes sense he will target the biggest fights possible.

A champion vs. champion bout for the light heavyweight strap would undoubtedly do big numbers for the UFC. It would give Adesanya the chance to become an even bigger star and provide Teixeira with a well-earned pay-day.

The two have history as well. Adesanya was given a crack at the light heavyweight title in March this year over Teixeira. Forcing Teixeira to sit on the bench as Adesanya lost his title bid to Jan Blachowicz.