5 trilogy fights that the UFC should avoid booking

#2. Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler

After their disappointing second fight, nobody needs to see the trilogy bout between Robbie Lawler and Nick Diaz

When the UFC booked a rematch between Nick Diaz and Robbie Lawler last year, most MMA fans were hugely excited. After all, while the first bout between the two welterweights had taken place way back in 2004 when both men were young prospects, it was widely recognized as one of the best fights in octagon history.

So by 2021, with both men considered aging veterans who still had at least some star power behind them, booking them against one another seemed to make plenty of sense.

However, when the fight itself went down, it turned out to be nowhere near as exciting as the fans who remembered their first meeting might’ve hoped. Diaz simply didn’t look close to his best, appeared slower and more plodding than he’d done before, and fell to a third-round TKO when it seemed that he didn’t want to fight any more.

Since then, there has been no word of a Diaz return to the octagon, nor has Lawler fought or been linked to another fight. But would the UFC look to book a trilogy bout between the two? It’s still possible.

After all, ‘Ruthless’ is still vulnerable – he turned 40 last month – and if Diaz can get into shape, then Lawler could be a beatable opponent for him. Hence, the chances of winning the trilogy could still appeal to the Stockton-based fighter.

However, the truth is that there’s simply no need to see a third fight between these aging stars. The second bout wasn’t all that good and they just don’t have all that much to offer right now. Regardless of Diaz’s star power, this is a trilogy bout best avoided.

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#1. Amanda Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko – UFC bantamweight title

After two dull bouts, nobody needs to see a third fight between Amanda Nunes and Valentina Shevchenko

Right now, it’s safe to say that a third bout between reigning flyweight queen Valentina Shevchenko and former bantamweight and reigning featherweight champ Amanda Nunes is firmly on the backburner.

Nunes has a rematch booked against Julianna Pena, who dethroned her in one of the biggest upsets in UFC history last year, while Shevchenko’s next title defense, against Taila Santos, is set to take place in June.

However, if both women win and find themselves at the top of their respective divisions again, suddenly the talk will likely come back to a possible trilogy bout between the two.

For those who’ve forgotten, Nunes and Shevchenko first fought in 2016, with Nunes edging a decision. They then rematched with the bantamweight title on the line in 2017. Although the fight was closer, ‘The Lioness’ once again came away with her hand raised, driving Shevchenko to drop to 125 pounds.

Since then, ‘Bullet’ has proven that she’s head and shoulders above every other fighter in her division, so could there be case for giving her a third shot at Nunes if ‘The Lioness’ regains her title?

On paper, yes, but in execution, it wouldn’t be a good idea at all.

Firstly, Shevchenko is far better than her peers at 125 pounds, but there are at least some viable challengers left, with the likes of Casey O’Neill and Alexa Grasso climbing the ladder to fight for a title shot.

Secondly, and more importantly, the first two bouts between Nunes and Shevchenko largely stunk, particularly the second, which was labeled one of the worst UFC title bouts ever at the time.

Therefore, even if it’d be tempting for the UFC to book a trilogy bout between these outstanding fighters if other results go in their favor, the promotion should avoid it and let ‘Bullet’ continue to look to dominate at flyweight instead.