5 UFC title rematches that couldn't live up to the original fight

#2. Randy Couture vs. Pedro Rizzo – UFC 34

Randy Couture's first fight with Pedro Rizzo was a classic, but their rematch was forgettable.

Former UFC announcer Mike Goldberg would often tell viewers that his favorite UFC title fight took place at UFC 31. That saw Randy Couture battle Pedro Rizzo for the UFC heavyweight title.

The bout was a titanic struggle that saw both men show exactly why they were the two most feared men in the division at the time. Couture landed heavy takedowns, grinded Rizzo down in the clinch, and beat him up on the ground.

In turn, 'The Rock' landed brutal leg kicks to the champion, crippling his lower body, and even came close to knocking him out with a head kick at one point.

The momentum of the fight swung back and forth on multiple occasions. While Couture was awarded a decision and retained his title, just as many fans felt that Rizzo deserved the victory instead.

The UFC understandably booked an immediate rematch just six months later at UFC 34. They hoped to both end the rivalry and also replicate one of the best title fights in the promotion's history. Unfortunately, they only managed one of those things.

Couture came into the bout looking as good as ever, but for reasons largely unknown, Rizzo looked flat and gunshy. He never really let his strikes go, and unable to stop Couture's takedowns, he succumbed to a third=round TKO after suffering a beatdown.

The fight was a great win for Couture, but after the greatness of their first meeting, it was hard not to be disappointed. In particular, Rizzo's showing was so bad that he never got close to another shot at a UFC title in his career.

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#1. Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen Thompson – UFC 209

Tyron Woodley's first fight with Stephen Thompson was great, but their rematch was awful.

While the most memorable moment at the UFC's first-ever show in New York – UFC 205 – saw Conor McGregor knock out Eddie Alvarez to claim the UFC lightweight title, just as many fans were talking about another fight after the event.

That fight was the UFC welterweight title clash between champion Tyron Woodley and challenger Stephen Thompson. The fight was a dramatic, technical clash that saw 'Wonderboy' pick Woodley apart in the second, third and fifth rounds, only to lose the other two badly. The fourth round went so badly for him, in fact, that Woodley came close to knocking him out on two occasions.

When the fight ended, it was unclear who would get the nod. When the judges called it a draw, though, it was clear that a rematch was needed – and the UFC swiftly obliged.

They booked the second clash to headline UFC 209 just four months later, and most fans figured one of two things would happen. Either Thompson would avoid Woodley's barrages and continue to pick him apart, becoming the new champion – or 'The Chosen One' would finally finish off his elusive rival.

Unfortunately, neither outcome turned out to be correct. Instead, both men were too wary of the other, and UFC fans were treated to a starring contest for five rounds.

The only thing to separate the two was a late flurry from Woodley that knocked Thompson down and had him on the verge of being finished. However, even that was more frustrating than anything else. Why hadn't Woodley attacked like that sooner?

In the end 'The Chosen One' came away with his UFC welterweight title intact, but his reputation with the fans was tarnished, and never truly recovered.