Three Feuds That Need to Be Settled in the Octagon
Rivalries are the backbone of the UFC. Throughout the UFC’s 32-year history, there have been countless feuds that have captured the attention of all MMA fans. The Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier rivalry showcased two pound-for-pound greats, and just how low these two greats would go to get under the other’s skin. Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov crossed every line possible in a buildup that resulted in the UFC’s biggest fight of all time. Today, three major rivalries have the potential to live up to the UFC’s reputation of producing high-level feuds.
Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett
Possibly being the biggest rivalry in the UFC today, Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria and 10th-ranked Lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett genuinely hate each other. The feud began in early 2021 after Pimblett made derogatory comments about Topuria’s home country, Georgia. This would only be the beginning of a rivalry that has quickly turned into a blood feud. Physical confrontations and verbal sparring matches would ensue for five years, culminating in what seems to be a marquee fight between the two. Ilia Topuria is now the UFC Lightweight Champion, and with a name as big as his, he can choose his next challenger even if Pimblett is not the most deserving championship challenger.
Diego Lopes vs. Yair Rodriguez
The best rivalries stem from personal issues. Even though the rivalry between Diego Lopes and Yair Rodriguez is relatively new, things have already gotten pretty ugly between the two Featherweights. Leading up to UFC 314, there were rumors about potential bad blood between Lopes and Rodriguez stemming from Lopes representing Mexico despite being Brazilian. The bad blood would officially spill over during the UFC 314 press conference, where the two would have to be held back by security after an intense shouting match. Following Diego Lopes failing to capture the Featherweight Championship at UFC 314, and Yair Rodriguez being victorious on the undercard, it seemed we were destined to see these two rivals settle their beef in the middle of the Octagon. However, after the announcement that Diego Lopes will be fighting Jean Silva next, and Yair Rodriguez seemingly challenging for the Featherweight Championship in his next outing, it seems we may have to wait a little longer before a definitive end to this rivalry.
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland
When you’re as loud and brash as Sean Strickland is, it’s obvious that you are going to make enemies. However, perhaps nobody has been on the receiving end of Strickland's verbal blows as much as Khamzat Chimaev. A feud that began because of Strickland’s claims of Chimaev being too rough on his training partners has quickly escalated to personal attacks on every level. Strickland has criticized Chimaev’s relationship with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, to which in turn Chimaev has questioned Strickland’s emotional state. The feud has deteriorated into a complex mix of politics and religion, transforming it into one of the ugliest rivalries today. Khamzat Chimaev is set to challenge for the Middleweight Championship against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319. Sean Strickland has called for a fight against Chimaev following UFC 319, regardless of whether Chimaev wins or loses.
