5 UFC fighters who feuded but never fought

#2. Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones

The feud between current UFC middleweight kingpin Israel Adesanya and former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is a strange one. Initially, the Nigerian drew comparisons to 'Bones' due to the diverse nature of his striking game and the similarities between their physical dimensions as lanky, tall, and rangy out-fighters in their divisions.

While Jones initially acknowledged Adesanya's talent, he eventually decided to quell the comparisons with a dig at the Nigerian.

Jones referenced that he'd tasted the same success Adesanya had, only at a much younger age, before warning him to steer clear of his path. From there, a war of words ensued between the two.

Adesanya put Jones' quality as a fighter into question by citing an apparent difference in his performances since the introduction of USADA. Jones, meanwhile, continued to criticize Adesanya's greatness relative to his own, while accusing him of ducking him.

Never one to back down, Adesanya heightened the animosity by referencing Jones' numerous arrests, drug test failures and legal issues. Both men never fought each other, and with Adesanya's disastrous attempt at light heavyweight success as Jones prepares for his heavyweight debut, the two may not ever meet inside the octagon.

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#1. Ronda Rousey and Cris Cyborg

Ronda Rousey and Cris Cyborg will never fight each other. While Rousey is enjoying her career as a WWE Superstar, Cyborg continues to strengthen her legacy as an all-time great in MMA by defending her featherweight title in Bellator.

Despite never having faced each other, both women took part in one of the most heated feuds in recent MMA history. When Rousey introduced herself to the MMA world, the Brazilian great had just failed her infamous 2011 drug test.

Cyborg's public image would never recover from the scandal. While she honored her suspension from the sport, Rousey rose to prominence as a champion in the same promotion that Cyborg once reigned over: Strikeforce.

As Cyborg's suspension neared its end, fan interest in a bout between the two women was palpable. Unfortunately, Cyborg was and remains a featherweight, while Rousey found her home at bantamweight despite having fought at featherweight prior.

Cyborg accused 'Rowdy' of ducking her and Rousey retaliated by accusing the Brazilian of continuing to use PEDs. The feud only escalated from there as Rousey referred to Cyborg as an 'it' and even went so far as to claim that Cyborg was a man in one of the most vitriolic statements Rousey has ever made.